Fix Remote Desktop Connection Not Working Issues In Windows 10
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a powerful tool that offers incredible convenience for everyone – whether you are a freelancer or remote employee. But to fix Remote Desktop Connection not working issues in Windows 10 can be no easy feat, although it is one of the most common problems with RDP.
Worry no more! In today’s article, we will show you the 8 easiest solutions to the problem.
Remote Desktop Connection Is A Useful Tool For Remote Working
The Main Causes Of Remote Desktop Connection Not Working Errors
When Remote Desktop is not working on Windows 10, an error notification will appear with the following message: “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons”. It’s helpful to go over the 5 main causes before we get into how to fix the issue.
Unstable Internet Connection
RDP won’t work without an Internet connection, so the most common cause of the Remote Desktop Connection error is a weak or unstable connection.
In this case, simply try disconnecting and reconnecting your Internet or switching to a stronger network. If you are facing an issue on Charter’s internet then contact Spectrum 1800 number to reach customer support.
Incorrect Login Credentials
If your login credentials are not matching, you will not be able to use Remote Desktop Connection. Check to see if you have mistyped a character somewhere, and try again.
Windows Update
After a Windows update, a newly installed file on your computer can corrupt the functionality of the RDP system. You will need to figure out what exactly is causing the interruption to fix it.
Antivirus/Firewall Settings
The Antivirus or Firewall software that you currently have installed may block the RDP function as a security measure.
Network Profile
When you are connected to a public network, your computer may automatically block Remote Desktop Connection due to privacy and security settings.
Above are the five most common causes of the Remote Desktop Connection not working issue in Windows 10, according to which you can choose the solution best suited to the root problem.
How To Fix Remote Desktop Connection Not Working Issues In Windows 10
After identifying the main reason for the error, read on below to find out our 8 solutions to fix Remote Desktop Connection not working issues in Windows 10.
Change Firewall Settings
Temporarily disable your Firewall and check if your Remote Desktop Connection is working normally. If it is, then your Firewall settings have blocked the RDP function. To fix this, follow the steps below:
- Step 1:
In the search box on your Start bar, type “allow an app through windows firewall” and select the matching option. You can also find this setting in the Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Defender Firewall -> Allowed Apps.
- Step 2:
On the top corner to the right, you will see an option called Change Settings. Select it, and a list of apps will pop up.
- Step 3:
Find the Remote Desktop option among the list and make sure that you check both the Private and Public checkboxes.
- Step 4:
Don’t exit before you click OK to save the settings changes. You should now be able to use Remote Desktop Connection if Firewall setups are the cause.
Allow Remote Desktop Connections In Windows
You may have blocked Remote Desktop Connections in your Windows Settings. To resolve this problem, follow the steps below:
- Step 1:
Search Allow Remote Desktop Connection in the search box on the Start bar. Alternatively, go to the Windows Menu -> Settings -> Update & Security -> For developers.
- Step 2:
Find and select Change settings to allow remote connections to this computer. Click on the blue Show Settings link next to it.
- Step 3:
Check the box next to Allow Remote Assistance Connections to this Computer -> Apply -> OK.
Reset Remote Desktop Credentials
When you connect to a new remote computer, your Remote Desktop Credentials may not match, resulting in the issue of Remote Desktop Connection not working in Windows 10. You can fix this by resetting or editing your credentials as below:
- Step 1:
Find Remote Desktop Credentials in the search box on the Start bar.
- Step 2:
Type in the IP address of the remote computer that you wish to connect to. If you see credentials that are already saved, you can either delete or edit them.
- Step 3:
Click Delete to remove the saved credentials or Edit and change the credentials to match your computer.
Change Network Properties
As mentioned above, Windows may block Remote Desktop Connections if you are connected to a Public network. If this is the case, change network properties using the following instructions:
- Step 1:
In the Start menu, go to Settings -> Network and Internet.
- Step 2:
Select Status -> Change connection properties (located on the right).
- Step 3:
Change Network Profile from Public to Private.
Add New IP Address To Hosts File
If your Hosts File does not contain the IP address of the remote computer you want to connect to, the Remote Desktop Connection Not Working issue may occur. You can add this new IP address to your Hosts File by following the steps below:
- Step 1:
Search for Command Prompt in the search box or the Start menu. Select Run as administrator on the right-hand panel or right-click on Command Prompt to find this option.
- Step 2:
Type cd C:/Windows/Systems32/Drivers/etc and press Enter. A list of all the hosts saved on your computer will appear. If you don’t see the IP address of the remote computer you want to connect to, you will have to add it.
- Step 3:
Type notepad hosts, then Enter to open this file on notepad.
- Step 4:
Add the computer’s IP address you want to connect to at the bottom of the file.
- Step 5:
Save the changes by clicking on File -> Save -> Close.
Edit Group Policy Settings
To fix the “Remote Desktop Connection Not Working” issue in Windows 10, one potential solution is to edit the group policy settings if it is set incorrectly. This can be done as follows:
- Step 1:
Search Run in the search box on the Start bar or simultaneously press Windows + R.
- Step 2:
Type gpedit.msc in the text box to open Group Policy settings.
- Step 3:
Select Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Remote Desktop Services -> Remote Desktop Session Host -> Connections
- Step 4:
Find Allow users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Connections and switch on Enabled or Not configured.
Edit Registry Editor
An error in the Registry Editor might disrupt the functionality of Remote Desktop Connection. You can check and fix it with the following method:
- Step 1:
Search Run in the search box on the Start bar or press Windows + R.
- Step 2:
In the textbox that pops up when you open Run, write regedit. Select OK -> Yes.
Find and select:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Terminal Server Client.
- Step 3:
Move your cursor to the blank right side of the screen and right-click. Select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this value as RDGClientTransport.
- Step 4:
Double click, and Properties will pop up. Change Value data to 1, then press OK.
- Step 5:
Restart your computer and check if you can use RDP as normal.
Change RDP Listener Port
Automatically, the RDP function in Windows 10 will use port number 3389. If you recently had a Windows update or installed a new application that results in another app using port 3389, an error will result. Fix this issue as follows:
- Step 1:
Search Run or press Windows + R. Type regedit in the textbox.
- Step 2:
Find and select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> System -> CurrentControlSet -> Control -> Terminal Server -> WinStations -> RDP-Tcp.
- Step 3:
You will be able to find the Portnumber displayed on the right. The default setting of 3389 is 0x00000000d3d.
- Step 4:
Select Edit -> Modify -> Decimal.
- Step 5:
Type in a different port number, 3388, and click OK.
- Step 6:
Restart your computer and try using RDP again.
Final Words
We hope this article gives you a helping hand to fix Remote Desktop Connection not working issues in Windows 10. Leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions for other solutions!If you need solutions to other problems with Remote Desktop Connection, such as how to fix the error Remote Desktop can’t find the computer, visit itprospt.com for more useful tech guides.