Simon Brown • Nov 11, 2024If you are trying to connect another computer to your PC through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) but can't, the situation can be quite frustrating. RDP is a built-in window tool that allows you to control another device remotely to access files or programs on a remote device. However, sometimes, RDP does not work due to connection errors, preventing users from working smoothly.
Hence, in this article, we’ll uncover some common reasons behind the “remote desktop not working” problem and provide simple solutions to fix this issue. Whether it's a network issue or incorrect settings, these troubleshooting tips will help you get back up and run RDP quickly.
Know that there are various reasons your remote desktop is not working, affecting your workflow and productivity. That’s why, in this section, we have gathered possible reasons that can affect RDP functionality. Review the following potential causes and see whether you are facing any or not:
Moving on to the solution, there are various methods through which you can overcome the “remote desktop can't connect to remote computer" issue. Thus, in this section, we have uncovered 6 simple solutions that ensure you can run RDP effortlessly.
Initially, users can check the Windows versions to determine whether RDP is compatible with their versions or not. This is necessary since RDP is only compatible with devices that support Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro. Hence, follow the simplified instructions below and learn to check the Windows version:
Instructions: Start by locating the "System" tab on the left side of the screen and scroll down. There, tap the "About" option to access a new screen on your PC. After a while, from the device details, scroll down to navigate to "Window Specifications" to check the window version.
As mentioned, having a stable connection is the foremost requirement of the Remote Desktop Protocol. Henceforward, if you are facing a “remote desktop can't connect to the remote computer" situation, there is a chance that you may have network issues. To overcome this, adhere to the following instructions and make RDP functional by sending a ping:
Instructions: To begin with, search for “Command Prompt" on your PC and type "ping 8.8.8.8" on the displayed screen. Wait until the check is completed; if you receive a notification "Destination host unreachable," then there is a possibility that your network configuration is incorrect. To resolve this issue, try contacting your network provider and resolve this issue as soon as possible.
Besides network settings, firewalls can also affect the remote desktop protocol functionality because it might be seen as a potential security risk. If it's blocked, then the only solution is to change the firewall settings by reviewing the mentioned stepwise guide.
Step 1. Search for the "Windows Defender Firewall" on your device and tap the "Turn Windows Firewall On or Off" option to proceed.
Step 2. Upon tapping, you will be located on a new screen where you have to check the 'Turn Off Window Defender Firewall' option for both public and private networks. Once done, hit the "OK" button at the bottom of the screen and access RDP to determine if it's working or not.
When you are facing a remote desktop connection not working after checking the network settings, there is a chance that your RDP settings have some issues. Hence, verify the status of RDP services. If it's disabled, you won't be able to remotely access any device, even if other settings are correct. So, head to the above-mentioned steps and verify your RDP service status in just a few taps.
Step 1. First, press the “Window + R” buttons, type "services.msc" in the displayed box, and click the "OK" button to proceed.
Step 2. After that, a new screen will appear, and you will have to scroll down to "Remote Desktop Services" to check if it's running. If not, right-click on it and choose the "Start" option from the list to make RDP functional for remote access.
The RDP listener port can connect the client and server to remotely access the device. If the RDP listener port is blocked or set incorrectly, it can't access the incoming connections. So, follow the stepwise guide provided below to see if the RDP listener post is functional or not.
Step 1. Access the PowerShell on your device and enter the following cmdlet to verify the RDP listener port functionality.
“Enter-PSSession-ComputerName <computer name>”
Step 2. Once there, type “qwinsta," after which a new screen will be displayed, letting you verify if the list includes "rdp-tcp" and "Listen" status.
Step 3. If the status is not on "Listen," press the Windows +R button and type "regedt32" in the text box.
Step 4. Tap the "File" option on the new screen and pick the "Connect Network Registry" option from the list.
Step 5. After that, type the name of the remote device under the “Enter the Object Name to Select” section and hit the “Check names” option.
Step 6. This will navigate you to a pop-up where you have to enter the device's username and credentials. Once done, use the following path to access the RDP listener port status on Registry Editor:
“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\<listener>”
On the port number option, if the value is 3389, it is advised to change it to 3389 to enable the RDP listener port seamlessly.
Last but not least, try checking the RDP group policy if your remote desktop connection does not work. By verifying the group policy settings, you can ensure that the computer allows remote desktop connections. Hence, here is how you can determine if the setting is set to block or allow other devices to remotely access:
Instructions: On your PC, search the Command Prompt and type the following command: “gpresult /H c:\gpresult.html”
Afterward, open "gpresult.html" and follow the given path to access the "Allow Users to Connect Remotely by Using Remote Desktop Services" policy.
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Connections
Once there, check if the policy is set to "Disabled." Check the "Winning GPO" that is blocking the RDP connection.
If you are looking for a reliable and less time-consuming alternative to traditional remote desktop issues, consider Avica Remote Desktop. With the help of its easy-to-use interface, users can streamline the remote access experience if their remote desktop is not working properly. Moreover, one of its major strengths is its broad compatibility, as it supports various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Security is a top priority for this tool, so it provides end-to-end AES-256 encryption, which means that your data is protected with maximum security. This level of security and privacy helps safeguard sensitive information, making Avica Remote Desktop a trustworthy choice for businesses. Besides, this tool excels in performance, facilitating users with latency as low as 10ms and ultra-high speed to boost your remote working experience.
To overcome the "remote desktop not working" situation, you can use Avica and remotely access the device without additional setups. For your reference, we have demonstrated a remote connection between 2 Windows PCs so you can see how simple setup it facilitates.
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.
Initially, the latest version of Avica Remote Desktop will be launched on both local and remote devices. Later, toggle "Allow remote access to this device via your credentials" on the remote PC to get your credentials.
Afterward, enter the Avica ID of your remote device under the "Remote Session" on your local device and then press the "Connect" button to proceed. A confirmation pop-up will appear on your local device screen, enabling you to enter your password. Once you are done entering the password, hit the "Connect" button again to access the device remotely.
Summing up, many users face “remote desktop not connecting" issues when they try to access the device remotely. Hence, this article has explained various dependable solutions to RDP not working to resolve this frustrating situation. Among all the suggested approaches, Avica Remote Desktop is recommended for remote access to the devices as it does not require additional setups and makes the remote access process seamless.
Connect Everything, Work Anywhere
