Remote Desktop is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that allows you to connect to another computer and control it remotely. It uses the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to establish a secure connection and is widely used by IT professionals, businesses, and home users for remote access and troubleshooting. However, sometimes you may experience issues where Remote Desktop is not working, showing errors like “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” or “unable to connect remote desktop, an internal error has occurred.” Well, this problem can occur due to network issues, incorrect settings, firewall restrictions, or misconfigured system policies. Whatever the reason, here are the most effective methods to fix Remote Desktop not working on Windows 11.
Quick Links
- 1 Why Remote Desktop Not Working on Windows 11?
- 1.1 Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 11 Settings
- 1.2 Check Network Connectivity
- 1.3 Allow Remote Desktop Through Windows Firewall
- 1.4 Check Remote Desktop Services
- 1.5 Turn On Network Discovery
- 1.6 Turn Off Printer Redirection in Remote Desktop
- 1.7 Verify IP Address and Computer Name
- 1.8 Change Network Profile to Private
- 1.9 Disable VPN and Third-Party Security Software
- 1.10 Check Remote Desktop Port (3389)
- 1.11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1.12 Related Articles
Why Remote Desktop Not Working on Windows 11?
There are several factors that can cause Remote Desktop to stop working on Windows 11. The most frequent causes include the Remote Desktop feature being disabled on the host computer, Network connectivity problems, such as an unstable connection or incorrect IP address, or the Windows Defender Firewall might block the Remote Desktop port (default 3389).
- Remote Desktop is not enabled on the host PC
- Network or firewall blocking RDP connections
- Incorrect IP address or computer name
- Remote Desktop Services is Disabled or not started
- The remote computer is turned off or is not connected to the network
- VPN or third-party security software interference is blocking the connection.
Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 11 Settings
The first thing you need to check is whether Remote Desktop is enabled on your Device. By default, it’s disabled in Windows 11.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Remote Desktop.
- Toggle on Remote Desktop.
- Confirm when prompted and note the PC name for connection.
Note: Remote Desktop is available only on Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions. If you’re on Home edition, you can only connect to another device, but not host a session.
Check Network Connectivity
A stable network is crucial for Remote Desktop to work. If the host and client PCs aren’t communicating, you’ll face connection issues.
- Confirm both devices are on the same network (for local connections) or have internet access (for remote connections).
- Open Command Prompt on the client PC. Type ping [host-PC-name -t] or ping [host-PC-IP-address -t] and press Enter. example: pint 192.168.1.31 -t
- If you get a “Request timed out” message, there’s a network issue that need to be addressed.
Restart your router or switch to a wired connection for stability. Temporarily disable VPNs or third-party firewalls to test connectivity.
Allow Remote Desktop Through Windows Firewall
If Remote Desktop is not connecting, the Windows Firewall may be blocking it. Let’s check and allow remote desktop in the Windows firewall. This probably fixes the problem for you.
- Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.
- Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click on Change Settings, and look for Remote Desktop in the list.
- Make sure both Private and Public checkboxes are selected.
- Click OK to save changes.
This ensures Windows Firewall does not block RDP connections.
Check Remote Desktop Services
Remote Desktop depends on certain background services. If they are stopped or disabled, Remote Desktop won’t work on Windows 11.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. In the Services window, locate these services:
- Remote Desktop Services
- Remote Desktop Configuration
- Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector
Right-click each one → Select Start (or Restart if already running).
In addition, Set Startup type to Automatic to ensure they run every time Windows boots. To do this, right-click the service, select Properties, and ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic
Turn On Network Discovery
If Network Discovery is off, your PC may stay invisible on the local network, and prevent Remote Desktop from connecting.
- Press Windows + X and select Settings. Go to Network and Internet,
- Scroll down and select Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings
- Expand the Private network and select Turn on network discovery.
Make sure this is done on both the host PC and the client PC for reliable detection.
Turn Off Printer Redirection in Remote Desktop
Printer redirection often causes Remote Desktop not working issues, like freezing or session crashes. Disabling it can improve stability.
- Open the Remote Desktop Connection client (mstsc).
- Click Show Options > Local Resources tab.
- Under Local devices and resources, uncheck Printers.
- Now, Click on Connect. Hope this time successfully connects to the remote computer.
Note: Printer redirection tries to map local printers to the remote PC. If the drivers are incompatible, it may block or slow down the connection, result cant connect to the remote computer.
Verify IP Address and Computer Name
Sometimes Remote Desktop connection fails because you’re connecting to the wrong IP address or hostname.
- Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
- Type ipconfig and hit Enter.
- Look for IPv4 Address (e.g., 192.168.1.25).
- Use this IP address in the Remote Desktop Client when connecting.
If you’re on the same Wi-Fi network, you can also connect using your computer name. Find it under Settings > System > About > Device Name.
Change Network Profile to Private
Again, if your network is set to Public, Remote Desktop may not work because Windows blocks discovery for security reasons.
- Press Windows + I → Go to Network & Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet (depending on your connection).
- Click Properties.
- Under Network Profile Type, select Private.
This allows your PC to be discoverable for Remote Desktop connections.
Disable VPN and Third-Party Security Software
If you’re using a VPN, it may reroute traffic and block Remote Desktop. Similarly, third-party firewalls and antivirus software can interfere.
- Disable your VPN temporarily and try connecting again.
- If you use security software like Norton, Kaspersky, or Bitdefender, add Remote Desktop to the allowed applications list.
If Remote Desktop works after disabling these, add an exception rule or switch to Windows Defender Firewall for better compatibility.
Check Remote Desktop Port (3389)
Remote Desktop uses TCP port 3389. If it’s blocked or changed, connections will fail.
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp
- Look for the PortNumber entry (default: 3389).
- In addition, ensure your router/firewall allows this port.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Remote Desktop not working on Windows 11 Pro?
It may be disabled in settings or blocked by the firewall. Enable RDP and check network settings.
Can I use Remote Desktop on Windows 11 Home edition?
No, Windows 11 Home doesn’t support hosting Remote Desktop. You can only connect to Pro/Enterprise PCs.
Why do I get a black screen in Remote Desktop?
Outdated graphics drivers or hardware acceleration issues cause this. Updating drivers usually fixes it.
Do I need the same Wi-Fi for Remote Desktop?
Yes, for external connections (Outside your network) you need port forwarding and a public IP.
What’s the best alternative if RDP fails?
TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop are great options.
