Remote Desktop Cannot Find the Computer in Windows 10

Remote Desktop Cannot Find the Computer in Windows 10: Troubleshooting Guide

/ Knowledgebase, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a convenient feature in Windows 10 that allows users to access their computers remotely. However, sometimes users encounter the error message: “Remote Desktop cannot find the computer.” This can be frustrating, especially when you need urgent remote access. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix this issue Remote Desktop cannot find the computer in Windows 10.

General Causes of “Remote Desktop Cannot Find the Computer”

Several factors can cause this problem, including:

  1. Incorrect Computer Name or IP Address – If the computer name or IP address is incorrect, the connection will fail.
  2. Network Connectivity Issues – Poor network connections or misconfigured settings can prevent access.
  3. Remote Desktop Not Enabled – The target computer (PC) must have Remote Desktop enabled.
  4. Firewall Blocking the Connection – Windows Defender Firewall or third-party firewalls can block Remote Desktop.
  5. DNS Resolution Issues – The computer name may not be resolving correctly due to DNS problems.
  6. Windows Updates or System Configuration Changes – Recent updates or changes can affect Remote Desktop functionality.
  7. Remote Desktop Services Not Running – If the Remote Desktop services are stopped, the connection will not work.
  8. VPN or Network Isolation – If you are on a VPN or a different network, Remote Desktop might not find the computer.

Step-by-Step Remote Desktop Cannot Find the Computer in Windows 10

1. Verify the Computer Name and IP Address

Ensure that you are using the correct computer name or IP address. To check this:

  • Open Command Prompt (Win + R, type cmd, press Submit).
  • Type hostname and press Enter to get the computer name.
  • Type ipconfig and note the IPv4 address.
  • Try connecting using the IP address instead of the computer name.

2. Check Network Connectivity

Ensure both devices are connected to the internet:

  • Open Command Prompt and run ping <remote_computer_IP>.
  • If there is no response, check if the remote computer is online.
  • Ensure both computers are on the same network (if applicable).

3. Enable Remote Desktop

To allow Remote Desktop connections:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I), go to System > Remote Desktop.
  2. Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On.
  3. Click Advanced settings, ensure Require Network Level Authentication is enabled (for security).

4. Configure Windows Firewall

Ensure Remote Desktop is allowed through Windows Firewall:

  1. Open Control Panel, go to Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Click Permit an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Look for Remote Desktop and ensure both Private and Public are checked.

5. Restart Remote Desktop Services

Remote Desktop relies on specific Windows services:

  1. Open Run (Win + R), type services.msc, press Enter.
  2. Find Remote Desktop Services, right-click and select Restart.
  3. Repeat for Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector.

6. Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings

If there are DNS issues, try the following commands:

    1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    2. Run the following commands one by one:
      • ipconfig /flushdns
      • ipconfig /registerdns
      • ipconfig /release
      • ipconfig /renew
      • netsh winsock reset
    3. Restart your computer and try again.

7. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, updates fix Remote Desktop issues:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I), & run to Update & Security.
  2. Press Check for updates & install any pending updates.

8. Disable VPN or Proxy

If you are using a VPN or proxy, try disabling it and reconnecting:

  • Open Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
  • Disconnect from any active VPN connections.
  • Go to Proxy settings and disable any configured proxy.

9. Verify Group Policy Settings

Group Policy settings may restrict Remote Desktop:

  1. Open Run (Win + R), type gpedit.msc, press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer (PC) Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
  3. Ensure That users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Services is Enabled.

10. Use a Different Port

Remote Desktop defaults to port 3389, which may be blocked. To change it:

  1. Open Registry Editor (Win + R, type regedit, press Submit).
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp.
  3. Find PortNumber, double-click and select Decimal.
  4. Change it to an available port (e.g., 3390).
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Try connecting using RemotePC_IP:3390.

11. Add Remote Computer to Hosts File (For Name Resolution Issues)

If the computer name does not resolve:

  1. Open Notepad as Administrator.
  2. Open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
  3. Add a new line with the remote PC’s IP and name:
    192.168.1.100 MyRemotePC
  4. Save the file and retry the connection.

12. Try Remote Assistance

If Remote Desktop still doesn’t work, try Remote Assistance:

  1. Open Run (Win + R), type msra, press Enter.
  2. Select Invite someone you trust to help you.
  3. Follow the instructions to establish a connection.

Final Thoughts

“Remote Desktop cannot find the computer” in Windows 10 can be caused by multiple factors, but with systematic troubleshooting, you can resolve the issue. Start by verifying basic network settings, enabling remote desktop, and checking firewall permissions. If problems persist, use advanced solutions like changing the RDP port or modifying Group Policy settings.

By following these steps, you should be able to restore Remote Desktop access and ensure smooth remote connections.

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