Is it possible to run Coded UI tests without having to connect via remote desktop?

Question

I\'m attempting to automate Coded UI tests.

My test controller launches the tests on a remote test server, which I normally access via a Remote Desktop connection.

Answer 1

UPDATE:

Using the VSO or TFS2015 build system no longer need a remote connection for the tests to run. Create a build or a release running the task "Visual Studio Test Agent Deployment", then run the "Run Functional Tests" Task.

The best approach would probably be, create a build that drops your build artifacts, then create a release that deploys the site from the artifacts and runs the Coded UI Tests against that site.

NOTES:

• If you start a remote connection manually the run will fail.
• If you create a remote connection and disconnect instead of logging out the run will fail.
• Auto login enabled and a restart will still allow these tests to run.
• Using Hyper-V you can see the desktop of the server running the tests, it is a very small window but gives you an idea of what the server is doing.