Are we unable to connect to the remote computer in any way? Let’s find out what the most common problems are and how to solve them quickly.
The Windows remote desktop function allows us to control a PC on the same LAN network without being physically present in front of it, speeding up the management of larger networks. Remote Desktop can also be accessed over the Internet, by properly configuring the ports and firewall to allow remote access to your PC.
Like everything that works well on Windows, it can happen that we run into problems that make it impossible to connect to the remote computer, frustrating all efforts to increase productivity and perhaps help a friend or colleague who has provided us with remote access to his PC.
In the following guide we will show you how to fix the main problems with remote desktop on windows, so that you can immediately regain full control of the remote machine and provide the necessary assistance. The guide is valid for both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
READ ALSO -> How to remotely control a computer over the Internet
1) Enable Remote Desktop
One of the major remote desktop problems is caused by the disabling its functions on the computer we need to check; if everything worked correctly before, the culprit could be the same user we provide assistance to (who carelessly disabled items) or a simple Windows update (who can disable remote desktop for no real reason).
To enable remote desktop again, press WIN+I on the keyboard, go to the System menu, press down on the menu Desktop remoto and enable the switch next to the item Desktop remoto.
We remind you that this menu is accessible only if we have Windows in the Professional or Enterprise version, since it is absent on the Home version. To learn more, we can read the guide on how to switch from windows 10 or 11 home to pro.
2) Remote Desktop Authorized Users
If remote desktop is on but the PC is still not reachable, try to authorize the user who has to manage the remote connection, using a dedicated local Microsoft account for the purpose (so as to avoid having to hand over sensitive credentials).
To proceed we create the same account locale Windows on both PCs (for example RemoteUser), let’s get on the path Settings -> System -> Remote Desktop on the PC to check, click on Remote Desktop Userswe press on the button addenter the name of the local user just created, click on Check namesthen up OK and up again OKso as to guarantee full access with the account created for the occasion.
3) Allow Remote Desktop on the firewall
Some modifications to the Windows firewall can compromise the use of Remote Desktop both on the controlling PC and on the computer to be controlled, even if they exist under the same network.
To carry out this important check, open the Start menu, open the Control Panellet’s get on the path System and Security -> Windows Defender Firewallclick on the item Allow apps or features through Windows Defender Firewallwe press on Change settings and put the check mark (under the column Private) next to the entries Desktop remoto e Desktop remoto (WebSocket).
Obviously the change must be made on all PCs, both computers must be connected to the same LAN network and the network on both must be configured as Private; in this regard, we invite you to read the article on how to set up private network at home in windows 10 and 11.
Still on the Windows firewall we can read the guide on how to configure Firewall in Windows 11 and 10.
4) Check the Remote Desktop service
Remote Desktop is also managed by a Windows service: if this service is set to manual mode or disabled, we will not be able to make any remote connection, both on the PC to be controlled and on the PC used for remote control.
To correctly enable the service we open the Start menu, search for Services and, in the new window, we identify Remote Desktop Services; right click on the item, press up Start and set the drop-down menu to Automatic; so as to have it immediately active as soon as you turn on your PC.
5) Remote control with Remote Desktop
Anyone who uses Remote Desktop to control computers outside the home must configure port 3389 in the modemso as to allow the entry of remote connections to the PC to be controlled.
To increase the security of the remote connection it is preferable to use a VPN connection like the one offered by Radmin VPN.
Using Radmin VPN we will be able make all PCs appear on the same local virtual networkeven when we are away from home or we are thousands of kilometers away: by doing so we won’t even have to forward ports in the modemsince the PCs will be connected to the same network as the main PC.
With PCs connected via Radmin VPN, just follow the standard procedure for remote connection, benefiting from excellent stability and speed during the connection. Alternatively we can also use the remote control provided by Radmin VPN itselfgreat for controlling multiple remote desktops without disconnecting the currently logged in user (which always happens with Remote Desktop).
To learn more about this method we can read the guides on how to create a vpn from home come on how to connect PCs remotely and control them via VPN.
Conclusions
Remote Desktop is still widely used to remotely control PCs but it can create problems and stop working at the most beautiful; in this case it will be enough to mark this guide and dust it off at the first useful opportunity, in order to brilliantly solve all the problems generated by Remote Desktop.
As valid alternatives to Remote Desktop we can find excellent solutions by reading our guides on how to give quick help to friends pc running windows 10 and 11 and on best programs similar to TeamViewer free and simple to use.
