Highlights
- Sometimes, the Remote Desktop Connection stops working due to Network issues, Firewall settings, Antivirus conflicts, registry errors, or more.
- To fix this issue, you must first check the network connection; otherwise, you can restart your computer. If it is still not working, you have to proceed with other solutions, such as disabling the Windows Firewall, checking the Dependency Services and permissions, uninstalling the Antivirus App, or more.
- There are 10 solutions for this, and the detailed steps are below. Follow the process & resolve this issue.
Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) is a valuable tool for accessing a computer remotely. However, you may encounter a frustrating error where the connection stops working. This problem can occur due to multiple reasons, such as network problems, security settings, or software conflicts.
Let’s explore common reasons behind this error and the ways to fix it.
Possible Reasons Why Remote Desktop Connection Stops Working
- Network Issues: Unstable or misconfigured network settings can prevent RDP from connecting.
- Firewall Settings: Firewalls may block the necessary ports required for Remote Desktop.
- Disabled RDP Settings: Sometimes, RDP settings may not be enabled on the remote machine.
- Dependency Services: If the system uses some background services that Remote Desktop relies on, it may not run.
- Antivirus Conflicts: Some antivirus programs (when the device is enabled) may interfere with or block Remote Desktop operations due to vulnerability.
- Registry Errors: Yes, you heard right; even misconfigured settings in the Registry Editor can lead to connection issues.
Also Read: How to check Reboot and Shutdown logs in Windows server?
Ways to Fix a Remote Desktop Connection that Has Stopped Working
Method: 1 – Check Network Connection
Don’t panic. First, you should ensure that your network is stable and connected. If you’re using a wireless connection, try switching to a wired connection for a stronger and more stable connection. If it still doesn’t work, troubleshoot.
Method: 2 – Restart Your Computer
When a computer stops working or gets stuck, the first solution that comes to mind is a reboot. Usually, a simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches that may cause the Remote Desktop to stop working.
Method: 3 – Disable Windows Firewall
Sometimes, the Windows Firewall blocks RDP. Disable it temporarily by following the below steps:
Step 1 → Visit the ‘Control Panel.’
Step 2 → Go to ‘System and Security.’
Step 3 → Click on ‘Windows Defender Firewall.’
Step 4 → Then click ‘Turn off Windows Defender Firewall on or off.’
Step 5 → In that, turn off both private and public network settings.
Step 6 → Once done, click ‘OK’ to complete the process.
Also Read: How to Create a User in RDP for Windows Server?
Method: 4 – Check the Status of the RDP Protocol on a Remote Computer
Before contacting your technician, ensure that the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is enabled on the remote machine:
Step 1 → Open ‘Control Panel.’
Step 2 → Go to ‘System and Security.’
Step 3 → In that, click on ‘System.’
Step 4 → Click on the ‘Remote settings’ tab.
Step 5 → Check the option ‘Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer.’
Step 6 – If disabled, then change the status to enabled.
Also Read: How to Fix the Incorrect Password Issue on RDP?
Method: 5 – Check the Dependency Services
RDP relies on several services, like Remote Desktop Services and Network Level Authentication. Ensure these services are running:
To do this, follow the steps below:
Step 1 → Open Run by pressing ‘Win + R.’
Step 2 → In that, type ‘services.msc’
Step 3 → Then, scroll through the Services list to locate all entries containing the term ‘Remote.’
Step 4 → You have to ensure the ‘Startup Type’ for each of these entries is set to either ‘Manual’ or ‘Automatic.’ This will allow your Remote Desktop to function properly.
Also Read: A Guide to Fix RDP Error: An Internal Error has Occurred
Method: 6 – Make Changes to the Registry Editor
Sometimes, misconfigured Registry settings can cause issues.
To fix this, follow these steps:
Step 1 → Open Run by pressing ‘Win + R.’
Step 2 → In the dialog box, type ‘regedt32’ and press Enter.
Step 3 → Once the Registry Editor opens, click on ‘File’ and select ‘Connect Network Registry.’
Step 4 → In the Select Computer dialog box, enter the name of the remote computer, click ‘Check Names’ to verify, and then select ‘OK.’
Step 5 → Next, Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services.
Step 6 → Ensure the value of ‘fDenyTSConnections’ is set to 0, which means that it is enabled!
Also Read: How to Launch Windows Internet Information (IIS) Manager?
Method: 7 – Check for Permissions
Ensure the user account has permission to connect via Remote Desktop.
Step 1 → Open ‘Control Panel.’
Step 2 → Go to ‘System and Security.’
Step 3 → In that, click on ‘System.’
Step 4 → click on the ‘Remote settings’ tab.
Step 5 → In that, click on ‘Select Users’ to select users that can remotely access the PC
Also Read: How to restart the RDP without rebooting the windows server?
Method: 8 – Disable Printer Redirect on RDP Settings
Sometimes, printer redirection causes problems. Disable this option by following these steps:
Step 1 → Open Start & search ‘Remote Desktop Connection’
Step 2 → In that, click on ‘Show Options.’
Step 3 → Next, click on the ‘Local Resources’ tab.
Step 4 → Uncheck ‘Printers’ under ‘Local devices and resources.’
Also Read: How to Access your Windows VPS using RDP on Apple Mac?
Method: 9 – Disable Audio Playback in Settings
Audio redirection can also cause issues with RDP.
You can disable it by going to:
Step 1 → Visit to ‘Remote Desktop Connection’
Step 2 → Click on ‘Show Options.’
Step 3 → Next, you have to click on the ‘Local Resources’ tab
Step 4 → In the Remote audio section, click ‘Settings.’
Step 5 → Select ‘Do not play’ & click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.
Also Read: How to Update SQL Server Management Studio?
Method: 10 – Uninstall Antivirus App
When a file does not allow anti-virus programs installed in your remote system to scan whole data and detect potential threats or viruses, that will prevent your program or file from running on a remote desktop.
Some antivirus programs may block remote desktop connections for security reasons. So, if you are not interested in giving permission, you can temporarily uninstall the antivirus software to see if it resolves the issue.
Also Read: Configure Windows Firewall to Allow Only Specific IPs For Port Connection
Summing Up
Errors with the Remote Desktop Connection can be annoying, but there are several ways to fix them. These troubleshooting methods will help you ensure your RDP connection is reliable and working.
Finding a solution will enable you to restore remote access rapidly, regardless of whether the problem is with the firewall, the network setup, or just a simple restart.