How to Fix Remote Desktop Freezing on Windows Server 2019? Step-by-Step Guide

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a critical tool for system administrators and users who need remote access to Windows Server 2019. However, a common issue that many encounter is RDP freezing, causing frustration and disruptions to workflow. If you are experiencing frequent Remote Desktop Freezing on Windows Server 2019, this guide will help you understand the causes and how to fix them.

Common Causes of RDP Freezing on Windows Server 2019

Several factors can contribute to Remote Desktop freezing issues on Windows Server 2019, including:

1. Network Issues – Poor or unstable network connections can lead to frequent session freezes.
2. High CPU or RAM Usage – Excessive resource consumption on the server can cause slow response times.
3. Display Driver Issues – Outdated or incompatible display drivers can cause RDP lags and freezes.
4. Group Policy Misconfigurations – Certain Group Policy settings can interfere with RDP performance.
5. Third-Party Software Conflicts – Antivirus software, firewall settings, or other security tools may cause RDP interruptions.
6. Windows Updates – Some updates might introduce bugs affecting RDP performance.
7. Encryption and Security Protocols – Misconfigurations in RDP security settings can lead to connection instability.

Let’s go through step-by-step solutions on How to Fix Remote Desktop Freezing on Windows Server 2019

Fix 1: Check and Improve Network Connectivity

One of the primary reasons for RDP freezing is network instability. You can test your connection with these steps:

• Run the command:

  ping -t <your_server_ip>

  If you see high latency or packet loss, network issues may be causing the freeze.

• Switch to a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable experience.
• Reduce network congestion by ensuring no other heavy bandwidth usage (e.g., large downloads, streaming) is occurring on your network.
• If using a VPN, try connecting without the VPN to check for performance differences.

Fix 2: Optimize RDP Display and Performance Settings

Reducing graphical demands can significantly improve RDP stability:

1. 1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe).
   2. Click Show Options > Experience tab.
   3. Adjust the settings as follows:
      • Select Low-speed broadband (or lower).
      • Uncheck Desktop Background, Font Smoothing, and Visual Styles.
      • Enable Persistent Bitmap Caching.
   4. Try reconnecting and see if performance improves.

Fix 3: Update Windows Server and Drivers

Keeping your Windows Server and drivers updated ensures you have the latest performance optimizations and bug fixes:

1. 1. Update Windows Server 2019:
      • Open Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update.
      • Click Checks for Updates & install any pending updates.
   2. Update Display Drivers:
      • Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).
      • Expand Display Adapters.
      • Right-click your graphics driver and choose Update Driver.
   3. Restart the server and test the RDP connection again.

Fix 4: Adjust RDP Session Timeout and Keep-Alive Settings

If your RDP session frequently freezes or disconnects after inactivity, adjust Group Policy settings:

1. Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration/Setting > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections

3. Enable Configure keep-alive connection interval, set it to 1 minute.
4. Enable Set time limit for disconnected sessions & set it to Never.
5. Apply changes and restart the server.

Fix 5: Adjust RDP Encryption and Security Settings

Security settings sometimes cause connection instability. Try adjusting encryption levels:

1. Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration/Setting > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Security

3. Modify these settings:
   • Require use of specific security layer for remote connections: Set to RDP Security Layer.
   • Require user authentication for remote desktop connections by using Network Level Authentication: Set to Disabled.

Restart the server and check if the freezing issue is resolved.

Fix 6: Disable UDP for RDP Connections

By default, RDP uses both TCP and UDP. Disabling UDP can sometimes stabilize connections.

1. Open Registry Editor (regedit).
2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services\Client

3. Right-click and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named fClientDisableUDP.
4. Set its value to 1.
5. Restart your computer and test the RDP session.

Fix 7: Check Firewall and Antivirus Interference

Firewalls or security software can sometimes block or slow RDP connections.

Steps to Allow RDP in Windows Defender Firewall:

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall (firewall.cpl).
2. Click Permit an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Ensure that Remote Desktop is checked under both Private and Public networks.

Check Antivirus Interference:

• Temporarily disable your antivirus and test RDP performance.
• If disabling antivirus fixes the issue, add mstsc.exe (Remote Desktop Client) to the antivirus exclusion list.

Fix 8: Restart Remote Desktop Services

Restarting RDP-related services can help resolve temporary glitches:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run the following commands:

   net stop termservice /y
   net start termservice

3. Try reconnecting to RDP.

Fix 9: Increase Virtual Memory (Pagefile Size)

If your server is running low on RAM, increasing the pagefile size can improve performance:

1. Open System Properties (sysdm.cpl).
2. Run to the Advanced tab & click Settings under Performance.
3. Under Virtual Memory, click Change.
4. Set Initial Size to 4096 MB & Maximum Size to 8192 MB.
5. Click OK and restart the server.

Final Thoughts

If your Remote Desktop freezes on Windows Server 2019, the issue is often caused by network instability, display settings, driver conflicts, or security policies. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the problem and enjoy a smoother RDP experience.

If the issue persists, consider monitoring the Event Viewer logs (eventvwr.msc) for specific error messages related to RDP sessions. In some cases, a server hardware upgrade may be necessary to handle multiple remote connections efficiently.

Have you encountered this issue before? Let us know which solution worked good for you!