How to Fix Remote Desktop Problem on Windows 11
One of the most intriguing aspects in Windows 11 is the Remote PC capability, which allows users to connect to another desktop without the usage of a third-party program. If you know how to activate the functionality on both the host and client computers, it works practically flawlessly. People have been complaining about Remote Desktop not functioning with Windows 11, which is quite annoying since they are unable to find a solution to the problem.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re having problems using Remote Desktop. We’ve compiled a list of viable alternatives to assist you in resolving the Remote Desktop not working in Windows 11 PC issue.
Table of Contents
- Reasons Why Remote Desktop Doesn’t Work on Windows 11
- Fix Remote Desktop Not Working on Windows 11
- 1. Ensure that Remote Desktop is enabled
- 2. Use IP Address Rather Than Hostname
- 3. Add the Remote PC’s IP Address To The Host File
- 4. Check Windows Firewall Settings
- 5. Verify that Remote Assistance and Remote Connections are enabled in the System Properties
- 6. Check Remote Desktop services
- 7. Enable Network Discovery
- 8. Disable Windows Hello
- 9. Flush DNS and perform SFC scan
- Fewquently Asked Questions
Reasons Why Remote Desktop Doesn’t Work on Windows 11
Most of the time, the Remote Desktop not functioning in Windows 11 issue may be traced back to failing to accomplish the items necessary to use the capabilities. This includes not activating Remote Desktop on the host computer, not having Internet connectivity, and failing to enter the necessary information.
Furthermore, it’s conceivable that the Windows Firewall is blocking Remote Desktop connection, resulting in an error and preventing you from accessing the host machine. You should also be aware that Remote Desktop is no longer compatible with Windows 11 Home, but only with Windows 11 Pro. As a result, if your host PC runs Windows 11 Home, you won’t be able to use the functionality.
Fix Remote Desktop Not Working on Windows 11
Before proceeding with the repairs, make certain that the host PC is turned on and online, that the credentials you are using are correct, and so on. If you’re confident those prerequisites are met but you’re still getting the Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer issue, here are eight tried-and-true solutions to get the functionality back up and running:
1. Ensure that Remote Desktop is enabled
Before you can use the Remote Desktop feature, you must first activate it on the host PC. However, many customers discover that the feature is switched off, resulting in the Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer problem. As a result, you should complete the procedures outlined below to activate Remote Desktop.
1. Press Windows + I to open Settings on your computer
2. Click on System.
3. Locate and select the Remote Desktop option.
4. Make sure the slider in front of the Remote Desktop option is toggled on.
2. Use IP Address Rather Than Hostname
When attempting to utilise Remote Desktop, your hostname may not always work. It is advised that you connect using the host PC’s IP address in this scenario. Here’s how to find your PC’s IP address:
- Open Windows Search and type command prompt.
- In CMD, type ipconfig and hit Enter.
- The result will show your PC’s IPv6 address, which you may use instead of the hostname to connect to the desktop.
3. Add the Remote PC’s IP Address To The Host File
1. Launch File Explorer, browse to the following folder on your C drive:
C:/Windows/System32/Drivers/etc
2. Right-click on the host file and select Open with option.
3. In Notepad, open the file and insert the IP address of the remote machine you’re attempting to connect to at the bottom of the host file.
4. Tap on Save in the top-left corner of the Notepad window after selecting File.
4. Check Windows Firewall Settings
Windows Firewall is a security mechanism that is incorporated into Windows systems to protect them from attacks. When you enable the Remote Desktop capability on your Windows machine, Windows Firewall automatically permits access. However, in some circumstances, the Firewall settings will not be adjusted automatically and must be modified manually. You will not be able to use Remote Desktop as a result of this. This is how you do it:
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command box.
2. Type control panel and hit Enter.
3. In the Control Panel box, pick Category from the View by drop-down menu.
4. Now, click on System and Security.
5. Select Allow an app via Windows Firewall from the Windows Defender Firewall menu.
6. Click Change settings and check the Private and Public boxes next to each of the services listed below.
Network discovery, Remote desktop, Remote service management, Routing and remote access, Windows remote management.
7. Click on OK to save the changes.
5. Verify that Remote Assistance and Remote Connections are enabled in the System Properties
Allowing Remote Assistance and Remote Connection is another option for resolving the Remote Desktop not working issue in Windows 11. Take the procedures outlined below to ensure that:
1. Tap on Windows Search and type sysdm.cpl.
2. Click on the result to open the System Properties dialogue box.
3. Navigate to the Remote section of System Properties.
4. Under Remote Assistance, choose the Allow Remote Assistance connections to this machine checkbox.
5. Also, check the Allow remote connections to this computer box.
6. Finally, click OK to save the changes.
6. Check Remote Desktop services
If none of the other methods worked, check Remote Desktop services and make sure it is set to Automatic.
1. Press Windows + R to open Run command box.
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter to open Windows Services.
3. Locate and double-click Remote Desktop Services.
4. Change the Startup type to Automatic.
5. Tap on OK to save the changes.
7. Enable Network Discovery
You may need to manually enable Network Discovery on both the remote and client computers for Remote Desktop to operate.
1. Open the Control panel on your computer and click on Network and Internet.
2. Select Change advanced sharing options from the Network and Sharing Centre.
3. Hit the Turn on network discovery option and select Save changes.
8. Disable Windows Hello
Some Windows Hello PIN users have reported experiencing problems connecting to Remote Desktop, and they were able to resolve the issue by removing the capability. If you’re also utilising Windows Hello PIN, you may give this a shot. To turn off the function:
1. Press Windows + I to open Settings on your computer.
2. Tap on Accounts and select Sign-in options.
3. Click on Windows Hello PIN and hit the Remove option.
Follow the on-screen directions to delete the feature fully.
After that, you may use your password to connect to the Remote Desktop.
9. Flush DNS and perform SFC scan
The problem might be due to connection difficulties or faulty Windows system files. To eliminate that risk, do an SFC scan and cleanse the DNS cache.
Run SFS Scan
1. Open Command Prompt by searching for it in Windows Search and selecting Run as Administrator.
2. Input SFC/scannow and press Enter.
Flush DNS
1. First open Command Prompt.
2. Type ipconfig/flushdns and press Enter.
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Fewquently Asked Questions
How do I fix Microsoft Remote Desktop?
Open Windows Defender Firewall by going to Search and typing firewall. Navigate to Allow an app or feature to pass through Windows Firewall. Select Change Settings. Locate Remote Desktop, tick it, and then click OK to save the changes.
How do I setup Remote Desktop on Windows 11?
- Check that you have Windows 11 Pro. To verify this, go to Start and then Settings.
- When you’re finished, click Start and then Settings. Then, under System, pick Remote Desktop, toggle it to On, and then click Confirm.
- Make a note of this PC’s name under PC name.
Why is Remote Desktop not connecting?
The “remote desktop cannot connect to the distant computer” error message might occur if RDP services are not enabled on either the local or remote computer. Examine if the following services are running on both machines. Remote Desktop Services (RDS) (TermService). Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Port Redirector in UserMode.
Does Windows 11 support RDP?
Follow these instructions to activate the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) in Windows 11: Navigate to Settings. Select System. On the right, select the Remote Desktop page.
Can you RDP from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
With Windows 11 and Windows 10, you may use a remote desktop to view a second machine from a different location. This functionality makes use of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which is accessible through the Windows Remote Desktop programme.
Final Words
Windows 11’s Remote Desktop capability is wonderful and simple to use. When attempting to connect to a remote desktop, you may encounter issues, but you may address them by following the strategies outlined in this post. Let us know what worked for you in the comments area below.
