How to Use the Ctrl+Alt+Delete Command on a Virtual Machine

All the ways to use Ctrl+Alt+Del on a remote desktop

Are you trying to do Ctrl+Alt+Delete on a remote desktop, but it's not working correctly? If so, this is the article for you! Frustratingly, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard will always open the security screen on the top-level device, not the virtual machine. Thankfully, there are a few ways to get around this. Keep reading to learn more.

Ways to Do Ctrl+Alt+Delete on a Remote Desktop

  • Try a different shortcut, like Ctrl+Alt+End for Windows or fn+Ctrl+Opt+Del on Mac.
  • Use the on-screen keyboard on the remote desktop to do Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
  • Use the Actions menu on a Mac if your virtual machine software has the option.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Alternate Keyboard Shortcuts

  1. Step 1 Use a different keyboard shortcut.
    When using a remote desktop, there are a few other keyboard shortcuts you can try to do Ctrl+Alt+Del:
    • Windows:
      • Ctrl+Alt+⇲ End[1]
      • Ctrl+Alt+Fn+⇲ End
      • Ctrl+Alt+⌤ Ins[2]
    • Mac:
      • Ctrl+⌥ Opt+→[3]
      • Fn+Ctrl+⌥ Opt+→
      • Fn+Ctrl+⌥ Opt+Del[4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

On-Screen Keyboard

  1. Step 1 Open the virtual keyboard on the remote desktop.
    How you do this varies depending on what operating system you're using:
    • Windows 10 and earlier: Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. Toggle on the option that says Use the On-Screen Keyboard.[5]
    • Windows 11: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard. Toggle on the option that says Use the On-Screen Keyboard.[6]
    • Mac: Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, then turn on the Accessibility Keyboard.[7]
    EXPERT TIP
    Luigi Oppido

    Luigi Oppido

    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over 7 years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist

    Some remote desktops have their own built-in virtual keyboard. Check for any buttons or toggles within the remote desktop window to toggle the on-screen keyboard. Note that not all remote desktop software will have this feature, however.

  2. Step 2 Press the first two keys on your physical keyboard.
    On a Windows computer, this is Ctrl+Alt. On a Mac, it's ⌘ Cmd+⌥ Opt.
  3. Step 3 Press the final key on the virtual keyboard.
    For Windows, this is Del. On Mac, it's Esc.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Actions Menu (Mac Only)

  1. Step 1 Click the Actions menu in the top bar.
    Depending on the remote desktop software you're using, you may have an Actions menu. If you do, click it.
  2. Step 2 Click Control Alt Delete in the menu.
    This will perform the Ctrl + Alt + Delete action on the remote desktop.
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References

  1. ↑ https://blog.codinghorror.com/remote-desktop-tips-and-tricks/
  2. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/k4u5if/how_do_you_ctrl_alt_del_when_you_are_remoting_to/
  3. ↑ https://serverfault.com/questions/57222/how-to-send-ctrlaltdel-using-remote-desktop
  4. ↑ https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4993883?sortBy=rank
  5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-the-on-screen-keyboard-osk-to-type-ecbb5e08-5b4e-d8c8-f794-81dbf896267a#ID0EBD=Windows_10
  6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-the-on-screen-keyboard-osk-to-type-ecbb5e08-5b4e-d8c8-f794-81dbf896267a#ID0EBD=Windows_10
  7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-the-accessibility-keyboard-mchlc74c1c9f/mac

About This Article

Luigi Oppido
Co-authored by:
Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Dillon. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over 7 years. This article has been viewed 7,756 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: January 23, 2026
Views: 7,756
Categories: Remote Access Services | Basic Computer Skills
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