How To Fix "Remote Desktop Can't Find the Computer"?

The concept of working remotely has massively grown since COVID-19, and many companies and software houses are bringing out products and tools to adjust to this change accordingly. Microsoft did the same when introducing its Windows 10 with an RD (Remote Desktop) feature. This tool allows users to connect to another computer remotely.

While this feature is excellent, it can show a few errors. One of such errors is "remote desktop can't find the computer". If you encountered the same and wanted to know how to fix it, hop on below.

Part 1. Reasons Why Can't Remote Desktop Find the Computer

While your first instinct would be to find a solution to this problem, we will ask you to take a few steps back. Why is that? Well, while knowing the solution to a problem is essential, understanding why your remote desktop error is occurring is fundamental too. Here are a few of the most common ones listed for you:

• Unstable Internet Connection: Unstable internet connectivity would fail as simple as loading your Facebook account, so how do you expect it to offer a remote connection to a desktop? Hence, check your internet connectivity first when encountering a remote desktop error.
• Windows Update: Faulty updated windows are another reason our remote desktop list cannot find the computer errors. So, make sure you have the right one installed and running.
• Antivirus Blocks RDP: Many people use third-party antivirus software to protect their systems from malware. If you are someone who does the same and encountered a remote desktop cannot find the computer, then this might be a possible reason for the error. Why is that? Antivirus defenders can cause these errors to pop up when misconfigured.
• Remote Machine is Disconnected: Sometimes, the reason can be as simple as your remote machine disconnection. Hence, ensure it is turned ON and available on the network before taking other measures to fix it.
  

Part 2. Simple Ways to Fix the Remote Desktop Can't Find the Computer Error

If you have cross-checked all the above reasons, which might cause your remote system not to connect, and not one happened to be your cause-case, it is time to pull out some bigger guns. Here are a few ways you can fix the remote desktop can’t find the computer error in case you cannot narrow down the cause:

Solution 1. Verify that Remote Access is Enabled

When accessing a computer remotely, it is essential to enable the remote desktop option on both systems. Connection to a computer is impossible if this particular access is not granted. Hop on below to learn how to ensure that the remote access is enabled on both the computers:

• Go to the start menu and tap on Settings.
• Scroll down the window and select the "Remote Desktop" option enabled on the left side of the Settings menu.
• Ensure that the toggle for the "Remote Desktop" option is enabled. If not, toggle it ON.
• The system will ask you for a confirmation of your action. Tap proceed, and your remote access will be enabled.

Solution 2. Enable RDP Services

The Remote Desktop depends on the Remote Desktop Service and Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector service to ensure proper functioning. If either function is stopped or disabled, your remote access to other computers will stop. Hence, it is essential to configure the RDS to run in the background. Follow the below steps to do this:

• Tap on the Start menu and type services. msc.
• A "Services" window will appear, displaying all services running in the system background.
• Scroll down to locate the Remote Desktop configuration on this list, then double-tap.
• Another pop-up displaying the RDC properties would now be visible on the screen. Make sure that the start-up type is either manual or automatic.
• Make sure the service status indicates running. If you made any changes, tap "Apply" and click Confirm.

Solution 3. Check the RDP Port

The remote desktop has an RDP protocol, which only requires using the listening port 3389. However, if any system's app or programs change this port, the remote computer cannot connect to it. To fix this, you will have to tweak the registry. Here is how you can do this:

• On the Window search, type Regedit, and click on Run as your administrator option.
• Now, on the address bar, copy and paste this path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp
• Now, head to the right pane and click on the PortNumber DWORD. Change the base to decimals and tweak the value data to 3389.

• Tap on okay, and restart your system.

Solution 4. Switch to a Private Network

Your network profile type will discuss whether your system can connect to a remote computer. If your profile type is set to public, RDP will block any connections. Hence, switch it to the public to proceed with the RD connectivity. The following instructions will help you do it:

For Windows 10

• Go to the Start menu and select Settings.
• On the Settings menu, select Network and Internet > Status.
• Click on Properties and then switch it to Private.

Solution 5. Configure Your Firewall

Ensuring your remote desktop can bypass and configure your firewall is essential to connecting to the host computer. Here is how you can configure your firewall to attain proper connectivity:

• Go to the Control Panel and select the System and Security Option.
• Find the Windows Defender Firewall option on this window and then select "Allow an app through Windows Firewall."
• Through the Change settings button, provide administrator permission to the Remote Desktop option. When done, select OK.
• After this, your remote desktop can bypass the firewall system and allow incoming connections.

Solution 6. Clear the RDP Connections History

Any cluttered history can be a nuisance regarding remote desktop connectivity. Hence, clearing out your RDP connection history to fix the remote desktop can't find the computer error is essential. How can you do this?

• Well, head type in: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client. And look for MRU entries.
• Once found, right-click on them and delete them.

Solution 7. Reset Credentials

If you forget or insert the wrong credentials, the remote desktop can’t find the computer, and an error is bound to occur. Hence, a smart tactic to prevent remote desktop errors is to reset your credentials to ensure proper connectivity.

Solution 8. Flush the DNS Cache

Old and corrupt DNS entries can cause hindrance, which is another reason why the remote desktop cannot find the computer error. Hence, clearing them is essential. Here is how you can do it:

• Right-click to enable the start button and select the Terminal option from the Power User menu.
• On the Terminal Window, type: ipconfig /flushdns
• Once done, close the Terminal Window.

Solution 9. Add Hostname to the Host File

This error can also occur if you have added the wrong Hostname to the host file. To prevent this:

• On the host computer, right-click to select "This PC" and then choose Properties.
• A pop-up window will appear displaying the Hostname. If it is wrong, add the desired Hostname to the host file.

Part 3. The Best Remote Desktop Alternative: Avica

If you want a safer and more reliable way to protect your system and ensure proper remote connectivity to another host computer, check out Avica Remote Desktop! This particular software comes with many exceptional features and a simple interface, making it easy to use. However, this isn't the only best part about it. Avica's compatibility is unique across various platforms like Mac, Windows, iOS and Android.

Apple users don't have to worry about reading this because the iOS version is also under development to provide ease and system safety to all Apple users. While we are sure all this might have made Avica look great in your eyes, how about you hop on below to learn how to use this exceptional software?

How to Use Avica Remote Desktop Software: Step-by-Step Guide

Feel free to easily download Avica software by clicking the button below. If you require additional information about Avica product downloads, please visit the dedicated Avica download page. Rest assured, Avica guarantees safety and ensures that all products acquired from their official website or app store are free from viruses. You can confidently download Avica from these trusted sources.

Free Download

Here is a thorough step-by-step guide on how you can use Avica Remote Desktop Software.

• Install the Avica software on your device and the device is willing to connect remotely.
• When installed, launch the software.
• The main interface will bring to notice two main sections. The first section would feature your Avica ID and Password, while the second section would require you to insert the Avica ID of the remote computer or device that you want to connect to.
  

  

• Request credentials from the person whose device you want to connect to, add details in the designated box, and voila! You have successfully established a remote connection.
  

  

Free Download

Conclusion

Host connection errors like remote desktop can't find the computer while trying to connect to a computer remotely are pretty common, and in case you aren't a tech-geek, it can be a nuisance, too.

Hence, transitioning to safer and more reliable software like Avica, which helps you ensure proper connectivity without any error, is always a smart choice. We urge you to use it once, and we are sure you'll be left impressed with its high-quality, exceptional features, and easy-to-use interface.