# Close a connection

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You can close a remote session either by disconnecting from or logging off the Windows-based computer. Disconnecting closes the connection, but leaves the Windows-based programs or files that you are using open and running so that you can return to them later. Logging off ends the session. Any applications that are running within the session are closed, and unsaved changes to open files are lost.

| ## Close a connection on a computer that is running Windows Vista

To disconnect but let applications continue to run on the Windows-based computer, use Disconnect. To close all applications and log off Windows, use Log Off.

##### Disconnect

- Click Start, and then click Disconnect .

##### Log off

- Click Start, click the arrow next to Lock , and then click Log Off.

| ## Close a connection on a computer that is running Windows XP

To disconnect but let applications continue to run on the Windows-based computer, use Disconnect. To close all applications and log off Windows, use Log Off.

##### Disconnect

- Click Start, click Disconnect , and then click Disconnect again.

##### Log Off

- Click Start, click Log Off, and then click Log Off again.

| ## Close a connection on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003

To disconnect but let applications continue to run on the Windows-based computer, use Disconnect. To close all applications and log off Windows, use Log Off.

##### Disconnect

- On the Remote Desktop session window, click , and then click Disconnect.

##### Log off

- Click Start, click Log Off, and then click Log Off again.

### See also

Create and change connection files

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