The Remote Desktop is an app which can be downloaded at the Microsoft Store which allows the user to connect to a remote computer. This is a useful feature since you can do any of the following with it:
- Access a workplace computer from home.
- Access a home computer from other locations.
- Fix a computer problem.
- Perform administrative tasks.
- Demonstrate how to do or use a process or a software application
Although this is a solid application there are instances when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons error.
Fix Remote Desktop Can’t Connect To The Remote Computer For One Of These Reasons
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from an antivirus or firewall issue to a network profile issue. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
To be able to use the Remote Desktop feature you should first make sure that the computer is setup correctly.
If you want to access a computer from a remote location then you should do the following first.
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Remote Desktop.
- Turn on the Enable Remote Desktop toggle switch.
Once these steps are completed you will be able to connect to your computer using the modern Remote Desktop app (recommended) or using the Remote Desktop Connection built-in experience included with windows 10.
To start a remote desktop connection:
- On the device you’ll be using to connect to your computer remotely, open the Remote Desktop app. (If you don’t have the app, you can get it from the Window Store
- Click the add (+) button in the top-right corner.
- Click the Desktop option.
- Enter the IP address (recommended) or the name of the PC you’re trying to connect. If you’re trying to connect to a PC inside a private network, then enter the local IP address of the PC you’re trying to connect. If you’re trying to connect to a PC over the internet, then enter the public IP address of the PC you’re trying to connect.
- Click Add account.
- Enter the information to sign-in on the remote computer: If the remote computer is using a Microsoft account, then enter that Microsoft account sign-in information. If the remote computer is using a local account, then enter the local username and password to sign-in.
- Click the Save button.
- Click the Save button again to add the connection to your list.
- On the list of available connections, click the computer to which you want to connect to start a remote desktop connection.
- If you get a certificate warning from a trusted computer, check the Don’t ask about this certificate again option.
- Click Connect to complete the task.
If the connection fails then proceed with the following steps.
Allow the Remote Desktop app through the Firewall
One of the main reasons why the remote connection will fail to work is because the Firewall is preventing the Remote Desktop app from making a connection.
- Open Start Menu and type “Allow an app through Windows Firewall” without the quotes.
- Click on the first selection that comes in it.
- Click on the Change Settings on the top right corner of the window that comes up
- There you will see a list of applications or features that have been allowed or not allowed in Windows Firewall.
- Scroll down until you see Remote Desktop and check the checkbox in front of it (Private and Public)
- Close the window.
Check if the Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons error still occurs.
Allow the Remote Desktop app on Windows
- Type “Allow Remote Desktop Connections” in the search bar.
- Click on the First selection.
- A window will appear; scroll down until you see the heading Remote Desktop. Click on “Show settings” in front of “Change settings to allow remote connections to this computer”.
- Make sure the option ‘Allow Remote Assistance Connections to this Computer’ is checked. Click on Apply and then OK to close the window.
Check if the Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons error still occurs.
Reset the remote desktop credentials
- Type Remote Desktop Connection in Start Menu.
- Then click on the first selection which is “Remote Desktop”.
- Type in the computer IP address. If there are any credentials saved for this specific computer, you will be given the option to either edit or delete
- Click on Delete to remove the credentials.
Check if the Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons error still occurs.
Add the Remote Computer’s IP address to your hosts file
- Press Windows Key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list to open an elevated command prompt.
- Once in cmd, type this command: cd C:/Windows/System32/Drivers/etc then press Enter.
- Type this command: notepad hosts then press Enter.
- Once the hosts file opens in notepad, add the IP address of the Remote computer to the end of the file. Finally, click on close button and when asked to save changes, click on Save.
Check if the Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons error still occurs.
Try changing network properties
- Press “Windows” + “I” to open settings.
- Click on the “Network and Internet” option and select “Status”
- Click on the “Change Connection Properties” option
- Select the “Private” option
Check if the Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons error still occurs.