Background

Windows users use Ctrl+Alt+Del key sequences for the following purposes:

• Logging in and out
• Switching between users
• Locking the computer
• Changing passwords
• Launching task manager

Synergy users are especially exposed to the need to access and authenticate multiple times across their many times multiple user and service accounts. Most Microsoft Domain Admins will have certain out of the box security features in place that impact the way computers can interpret Ctrl+Alt+Del and log-in requirements.

The Ctrl+Alt+Del key sequence is considered a “Protected” action in Windows, which means anytime a Synergy user executes a Ctrl+Alt+Del command it will always be executed on the server computer.

How to use

First, in Synergy, ensure that As Needed is selected under Elevate in Preferences.

In Windows, open the Local Group Policy Editor and enable the Secure Attention Sequence by following these steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter
3. Click Computer Configuration in tree menu
4. Click Windows Components in tree menu
5. Click Windows Logon Options in tree menu
6. Double-click Disable or enable software Secure Attention Sequence (see screenshot below)
7. Click the Enabled radio button
8. Click the drop down menu within the Options group
9. Click the Services menu item
10. Click OK
11. Restart your Windows client computer

You should now be able to press Ctrl+Alt+Pause/Break on the Synergy server computer, and see that Ctrl+Alt+Del is pressed on your Windows client.

‍