- Remote Desktop is a very useful feature of Windows 10 that allows us to control our computer from another device.
- Many users have reported the “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons” Sometimes you may encounter this error message on your computer.
- If you encounter this problem, you should definitely try all the solutions suggested in this article by Techquack.
Unlocking the gateway to seamless virtual collaboration, Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) has become an invaluable tool for professionals across the globe. However, encountering the frustrating “Cannot Connect” error can put a halt to your productivity. In this article, we delve into the troubleshooting techniques that will help you fix this issue and restore your connection to the virtual realm.
Reasons why Remote Desktop cannot connect to remote computer
If you are experiencing issues with Remote Desktop Connection not being able to connect to a remote computer, there could be a few reasons for this.
First, check that the remote computer is turned on and connected to a network. Make sure the network connection is stable and functioning properly.
Next, verify that you are using the correct login credentials to connect to the remote computer. Double-check the username and password to ensure they are correct.
Additionally, ensure that the remote computer has Remote Desktop enabled and configured correctly. Go to “Settings” on the remote computer, then “System,” and finally “Remote Desktop.” Make sure the toggle switch is turned on.
If you are still unable to connect, try restarting both the remote and local computers. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve connectivity issues.
If none of these solutions work, it may be helpful to consult Microsoft’s official documentation or seek technical support for further assistance.
Resolving the RDP error: Remote Desktop cannot connect to remote computer
To resolve the RDP error “Remote Desktop cannot connect to remote computer,” follow these steps:
1. Check your network connection: Ensure that both the host and the remote computer have a stable network connection. Troubleshoot any connectivity issues that may be causing the error.
2. Verify login credentials: Double-check that you are using the correct username and password to log in to the remote computer. Ensure that the login credentials are entered correctly.
3. Update Windows: Make sure both the host and remote computers have the latest Windows updates installed. Outdated software can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
4. Check firewall settings: Verify that your firewall settings are not blocking the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Allow the RDP through your firewall to establish a connection.
5. Restart the computers: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the error. Restart both the host and the remote computers and try connecting again.
Remember to follow these steps in order and test the connection after each step to determine which solution works for you.
Allowing remote connection and configuring Windows Firewall settings
To allow remote connection and configure Windows Firewall settings for fixing the “Remote Desktop Connection Cannot Connect” error, follow these steps:
1. Open the Windows Firewall settings by searching for “Windows Firewall” in the Windows Start menu.
2. Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall” on the left-hand side.
3. Scroll down and locate “Remote Desktop” in the list of allowed apps and features.
4. Ensure that both the “Private” and “Public” checkboxes next to “Remote Desktop” are checked.
5. If “Remote Desktop” is not listed, click on the “Change settings” button at the top-right of the window.
6. Click on the “Allow another app…” button and select “Remote Desktop” from the list or browse for the program if it’s not listed.
7. Click “OK” to save the changes and exit the Windows Firewall settings.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “Remote Desktop Connection Cannot Connect” error and establish a remote connection to your Windows 10 computer.
Checking the status of RDP services and assigning permissions from Group Policy Editor
To check the status of RDP services and assign permissions from Group Policy Editor, follow these steps:
1. Open the Group Policy Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, then typing “gpedit.msc” and pressing Enter.
2. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> User Rights Assignment.
3. Locate the “Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services” policy and double-click on it.
4. In the properties window, click on the “Add User or Group” button.
5. Enter the name of the user or group you want to grant remote desktop access to, then click “Check Names” to verify it.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes.
7. To check the status of RDP services, press the Windows key + R, then type “services.msc” and press Enter.
8. In the Services window, find the “Remote Desktop Services” and “Remote Desktop Configuration” services.
9. Check that both services are running and set to start automatically.
By following these steps, you can check the status of RDP services and assign permissions from Group Policy Editor to fix the “Remote Desktop Connection Cannot Connect” error.
Removing saved Remote Desktop credentials and adding RDGClientTransport Key in Registry Editor
To fix the “Remote Desktop Connection Cannot Connect” error, you can remove saved Remote Desktop credentials and add the RDGClientTransport Key in the Registry Editor.
To remove saved credentials, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the left pane, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client.
4. Right-click on the “Default” value in the right pane and select “Delete”.
5. Close the Registry Editor.
To add the RDGClientTransport Key, follow these steps:
1. Open the Registry Editor again.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client.
3. Right-click on an empty space in the right pane and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
4. Name the new value “RDGClientTransport” and press Enter.
5. Double-click on the new value and set the “Value data” to 1.
6. Close the Registry Editor.
These steps should help resolve the error and allow you to connect to the remote desktop successfully.
Running DISM.exe and SFC to fix corrupted system files
To fix the “Remote Desktop Connection Cannot Connect” error, you can use DISM.exe and SFC to repair any corrupted system files. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open an elevated command prompt.
2. In the command prompt window, type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter. This will scan for and repair any corrupted files using DISM.
3. Once the DISM process is complete, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This will scan your system for corrupted files and attempt to fix them using SFC.
4. Wait for the SFC scan to finish. If any corrupted files are found and repaired, restart your computer and try connecting to Remote Desktop again.
By running DISM and SFC, you can resolve issues with corrupted system files that may be causing the “Remote Desktop Connection Cannot Connect” error.
Exploring alternative remote desktop software
When encountering the “Remote Desktop Connection Cannot Connect” error, exploring alternative remote desktop software can provide solutions. One option is Microsoft’s own Remote Desktop software, which can be used to access a host computer from a home computer or vice versa. To fix the error, follow these steps:
1. Check the network connection: Ensure both the host and home computers are connected to the same network.
2. Enable Remote Desktop on the host computer: Go to the System settings and enable Remote Desktop.
3. Configure the firewall settings: Make sure the necessary ports are open for Remote Desktop.
4. Install the Remote Desktop client: Download and install the Remote Desktop client software on the home computer.
5. Connect to the host computer: Launch the Remote Desktop client and enter the host computer’s IP address or hostname.
6. Troubleshoot any error messages: If you encounter any error messages, refer to Microsoft’s support documentation for specific troubleshooting steps.
By following these steps, you can resolve the “Remote Desktop Connection Cannot Connect” error and establish a remote desktop connection between your devices.
Enabling Remote Desktop, checking firewall rules, and configuring network profile
- Open the Control Panel by clicking on the Start button and selecting Control Panel.
- Under the System and Security category, click on System.
- In the left-hand side panel, click on Remote settings.
- In the System Properties window, go to the Remote tab.
- Under the Remote Desktop section, select the option “Allow remote connections to this computer“.
- If necessary, click on the Advanced button to configure additional settings.
- Click OK to save the changes and close the window.
Checking Firewall Rules:
- Open the Control Panel by clicking on the Start button and selecting Control Panel.
- Under the System and Security category, click on Windows Defender Firewall.
- In the left-hand side panel, click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click on the Change settings button.
- Scroll through the list of apps and features until you find “Remote Desktop“.
- Make sure both the Private and Public checkboxes are selected for Remote Desktop.
- If Remote Desktop is not listed, click on the Allow another app… button and browse for the mstsc.exe file, usually located in C:\Windows\System32.
- Click OK to save the changes and close the window.
Configuring Network Profile:
- Click on the Start button and open the Settings app.
- In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet.
- In the left-hand side panel, click on Change connection properties.
- Scroll down to the Network profile section.
- Make sure Private is selected if you are connecting to the remote desktop on a trusted network. If you are connecting on a public network, select Public.
- If you are not sure, it is recommended to select Private for better security.
- Close the Settings app.
Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.
