4 Ways To Fix Windows 10 Remote Desktop Not Working

Windows Remote Desktop is a great feature provided by Microsoft in Windows 10 and almost all earlier versions of Windows. Remote Desktop can be used to access the computer over the network. It is also called RDP or Remote Desktop Protocol.

Sometimes RDP in Windows 10 stops working. There are various reasons for this. We will discuss some solutions that you might look for and will help you resolve the issue of RDP in Windows 10 not working.

Pro Tip: If you are in a hurry and don’t have time to troubleshoot, you can use Google Chrome Remote Desktop or TeamViewer 13 as Remote Desktop alternatives.

Otherwise, you can go through the list of possible solutions that may resolve Windows 10 remote desktop not working. Just follow the steps one by one and at the end of each step, see if the remote desktop starts working again.

1. Allow RDP in Windows Firewall

Download Windows 11 ISO image file
Download Windows 11 ISO image file

The first time you try to access the remote desktop the windows firewall will not allow you to do so because it is not active by default. It is because of security reasons as it gives security warnings if you try to access your computer from a different device. It may also happen if you are using any other antivirus software that does not let any other device access your computer. So in the case of antivirus the solution may be to uninstall it or stop it from running in the background.

In case of Windows firewall warnings, we have to turn it on

  • Type “firewall” in the search and open the Windows Defender Firewall.
  • From the left menu click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.
    4 Ways To Fix Windows 10 Remote Desktop Not Working 1
  • Click on  change settings
  • Now find the Remote Desktop and turn it on
    4 Ways To Fix Windows 10 Remote Desktop Not Working 2

There you go, the Windows firewall will now allow you to connect to this PC remotely using remote desktop protocol.

2. Enable Remote Desktop in Windows Settings

Just like changing the firewall settings, it is necessary that you allow remote connection as well if you are using remote desktop for the very first time. So in order to do this:

  • Search for remote settings and you will find  Allow Remote connections to your computer, open it by clicking.
  • Now in the settings that will open check Allow remote connections to this computer and click OK to save changes.
    4 Ways To Fix Windows 10 Remote Desktop Not Working 3

Remote connections are now enabled and now you can use it for the very first time. In order to use this feature, you have to make sure that your computer is not in hibernation mode or sleep mode, in that case, you won’t be able to connect your computer in remote desktop.

3. Turn off custom scaling

When you try using the remote desktop feature, the scaling feature of windows should be turn off as it might not be compatible with the device that will control your computer. This is a very recommended method as it has helped fix the error of the remote desktop. So in order to turn off the custom scaling follow the method:

  • Open the settings You can do that simply by pressing Windows Key + I shortcut.
  • Once the settings open, go to the System section.
  •  Click on Turn off custom scaling and sign out, if it is not already turned off.
4 Ways To Fix Windows 10 Remote Desktop Not Working 4

Sign in again and try to use remote desktop, hopefully, it will start working.

4. Disable IPv6 protocol

Another option that has worked for many is to disable IPv6 (internet protocol version)on your network adapter. By default, Windows prefers IPv6 over IPv4. So if you are having problems using IPv6 to connect to the servers, you can force your computer to use IPv4 only.

  • Open Settings ->Network and Internet -> Ethernet -> Change Adapter options
  • Right click on the adapter for which you want to disable it, and select properties.
  • Look for the checkbox which says Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), uncheck it.
  • Click on OK, and restart your computer.
4 Ways To Fix Windows 10 Remote Desktop Not Working 5

There are times when Windows Update will also break the remote desktop connection and create problems for you. We have already written about one recent problem with the RDP authentication error function requested is not supported here.

These are some simple yet useful methods that can help you solve the issue of remote desktop connection. Please share your experiences in the comments below.

6 comments

  • Sachin Fernando
    Sachin Fernando

    can i connect windows 10 home OS?

  • Francis
    Francis

    Thank you for the above information. We normally use tools like logmein, R-HUB remote support servers etc. for all our remote access and support needs. Henceforth, will sart using inbuilt Windows 10 remote desktop.

  • Steve Sybesma
    Steve Sybesma

    A 5th thing to check is to make sure the three Remote Desktop services are running.

  • Brad

    I found a text size change slider by typing “text size” in the search window. I couldn’t find it any other way, and was unsuccessful changing the text size any other way. Be sure an click “Apply” when you reset it. Unfortunately, this didn’t fix my RDP problem

  • Andrew Stock
    Andrew Stock

    Well my broken PC has no C drive ,no snap in Consule,and barley works so I think the Iphone of mine is still the same way it stinks and never gives me up to date info or real info most of the time.It sucks.

Leave a Reply to Brad (Cancel Reply)