Remote desktops can’t connect to the remote computer is a common very common problem, as many companies have adopted a work-from-home culture. However, this can bring up many technical issues, including simple errors like “Remote Desktop cannot connect to the remote computer”.
So, how do solve remote desktops that can’t connect? Well, let’s get a little basic first
Remote Desktop is a convenient attribute that allows you to virtually connect to other computers running the Windows operating system. With this feature, you can connect to any computer located anywhere in the world, provided you have the correct credentials (username and password) to connect. Also, a good internet connection is absolutely essential!
If you have proper credentials and an internet connection and still facing this issue, let’s fix them.
The main cause of the remote desktops can’t connect to the remote computer error
Before you read this section, check that your Internet connection is working properly and that you are using the correct credentials to log in as these are the two most common causes of this error. Apart from these two reasons, there are other reasons for this type of error.
Windows Update
Sometimes, Remote Desktop (RDP) functionality can become corrupted after a Windows update or upgrade because one of the newly installed files can interfere with RDP’s functionality. You have to manually identify the exact cause and fix it.
Antivirus
Sometimes, antivirus software can block RDP completely or partially and this leads to the “Remote Desktop cannot connect to the remote computer” error. The good news about this error is that it is easy to detect. Disable your antivirus & see if you can connect now. If you can, you have found the root issue of the problem!
Public network profile
If you have a public network profile or a networking group, your computer may block Remote Desktop functionality as a protective measure. Although this is not an exhaustive list of causes, these are the most common. Now comes the big question: how to solve the “Remote Desktop cannot connect to remote computer” error.
Solving remote desktops can’t connect to remote computer error
There are many ways to fix this error, so you have to try them one by one until the problem is fixed This is true, especially when you don’t know the root cause of the error.
Change your firewall settings
This is one of the simplest solutions to the “Remote Desktop cannot connect to the remote computer” error. Turn off your firewall and check if you can connect to the remote computer, and if you can, you’ve identified the cause.
Here are some steps to resolve this type of problem:
-Open the start menu and write“Allow an app through Windows firewall.” Alternatively, navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allowed apps.
-Find a button called “Change Settings” on the right-hand top corner of the page and click it.
-You will see the list of apps allowed or blocked by your firewall Scroll through the options until you get to “Remote Desktop”. Check the Private and Public checkboxes.
-Close the window and try to connect. If there is a firewall problem, you should now be able to connect to the remote computer.
Check your permissions
You must be a member of the local Remote Desktop Users group to access remote machines via RDP. By system, this group is empty and only administrators have the option to add users. So, check with your admin and see if you have permission to connect via RDP.
Allow remote desktop connections
Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) is a technology that allows your computer to join a remote computer over the Internet. You cannot connect if this functionality is blocked.
To check if it is blocked and to allow in case of blocked connection,
- Go to the Start menu and type “allow remote desktop connections”.
- Search for an option called “Change settings to allow remote connections to this computer”.
- Press on the “Show settings” link right next to it.
- Check “Allow remote assistance connections to this computer”. Click Apply and OK.
- These steps will enable RDC on your computer.
Reset your credentials
When you connect to a computer frequently, you save the credentials However, when you connect to a new computer, the same credentials may be used and cause problems So, check that you are using the correct certificate for the correct computer.
To reset the certificate,
- Open Remote Desktop Connection. You will find it in the Start menu.
- Write the IP address of the computer you want to connect to.
- If credentials are already saved, you’ll have the option to edit or delete them.
- Make necessary changes.
- This will reset or change your credentials
Check the RDP service status
The “Remote Desktop cannot connect to the remote computer” error may occur because RDP services are not enabled on the local or remote computer.
Look over if the following services are running on both computers.
- Remote Desktop Services (TermService).
- Remote Desktop Services user mode port redirector. Look for UmRdpService.
You cannot connect to remote computers if UmRdpService is disabled through the central group policy. If you have administrator privileges, start these services or request an administrator to start them for you. Also, you may need to reboot the machine after this service starts.
Add the IP address of the host
Sometimes, Windows does not allow you to connect to hosts whose IP addresses are not stored in your host’s file. So, if you are connecting to a computer for the first time:
- Open Command Prompt. Go running and type cmd to open it.
- Type cd C:/Windows/System32/Drivers/etc. This will list all hosts stored on your computer. If you can’t find the IP of the computer you want to connect to, open this file in Notepad and manually add the new IP.
To do this, type host in notepad. After opening the file, add the IP address to the end of the file, save and close it.
Now if you check, you should see the IP hostname in your host’s file.
Check Group Policy
A possible cause of the “Remote Desktop cannot connect to the remote computer” error could be incorrect Group Policy settings.
To verify and modify (if necessary):
- Open the Run window (Windows key + R) and type gpedit.msc.
- Steer in the right direction to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
- Search for the “Allow users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Services” option.
- If this setting is disabled, change it to the Enabled or Not Configured setting.
Add the RDGClientTransport key
This is a technical solution, so be careful when doing this.
In this option, you tweak the registry key to force RDP to use RPC/HTTP connections instead of HTTP/UDP connections.
To do this,
- Press Windows + R to open Run and type Regedit. Press enter key.
- Steer in the right direction to HKEY>CURRENT-USER > Software -> Microsoft -> Terminal Server Client.
- Steer to the right pane, right-click, and select New > DWORD (32-bit Value).
- Name this option “RDGClientTransport”.
- Double click on this newly created file. Its properties will open, and here, find an option to set value data. Enter the value 1. Click OK and close the Windows Registry.
Check the RDP listener port
Next, check the RDP listener port. By default, Remote Desktop Services will use port 3389 unless you change it. If another application is using the same port, you will not be able to connect.
To check which remote desktop port is being used:
- Type Windows + R and in the dialog box, type Regedit
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > System > CurrentControlSet > Control > Terminal Server > WinStations > RDP-TCP.
- Find at the right pane and check the value of “Port Number”.
- If the value is 0x00000000d3d, it means the default port is configured and its value is 3389.
- Change it to 3388 and try to connect to the remote computer on the new port.
Change network properties
Connection problems can be caused by network settings Sometimes, Windows may block public networks as a security measure. So, change the personal settings and see if it works.
To do this:
- Steer in the right direction to Control Panel > Network and Internet.
- Open Status.
- Click on the “Change connection properties” option. Find it in the right pane.
- When this window opens, select the “Private” radio button and close
Try now for connecting to see if it works.
Overall, “Remote Desktop cannot connect to the remote computer” is a common error, but it can have many fixes as the reason can vary widely. Although this can be a little difficult, your best bet is to run through each solution until you find one that solves your problem. If you want to know what is a remote desktop then you can read this article and if you want to buy RDP then you can visit Oudel Inc.
