1.3.1.1 Application and Window Filtering

A host can choose to share all application windows on a desktop or, instead, limit the sharing to a subset. The process of limiting the sharing to a subset is known as filtering. Application filtering is used when the host wants to share the current windows for a specific application in addition to any others subsequently created while the application is being shared. Although the term "application" is operating system specific, it generally denotes all windows created by a certain process as well as all windows related to the original windows by window hierarchy. Window filtering is purely explicit. A window is selected for sharing, and any subsequent windows created by an application have to be manually added to the sharing list. The precise mode of operation depends on a combination of user preference and the features of a sharing manager.

The filtering functionality of the Remote Desktop Protocol: Multiparty Virtual Channel Extension makes it highly desirable for a sharing manager to communicate the list of windows and applications that are displayed to better coordinate between participants. Protocol messages are provided to communicate filtering state, application names, and window names to the participants.

For more information, see sections 3.2.5.1 and 3.3.5.1.