The most common causes are Remote Desktop being disabled on the target machine or incorrect firewall settings. Other factors, like network misconfigurations, DNS problems, or insufficient permissions, can also lead to this error. In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.
1. Change/Tweak your Firewall Settings
To address Remote Desktop connection issues, adjust firewall settings to allow RDP through security layers. If the firewall blocks port 3389 (RDP’s default port), connections won’t work. Make sure to allow traffic on this port or list Remote Desktop as an allowed app to prevent the firewall from blocking access. This step tackles a common cause of connection failures.
2. Allow Remote Desktop Connections if not allowed
This issue usually happens when Remote Desktop connections aren’t allowed on the remote system. Enabling this setting lets the machine accept RDP requests, which is crucial for a connection. Without it, connection attempts are blocked, causing errors. Allowing Remote Desktop ensures the system can accept remote access, solving a common connectivity issue.
3. Reset your Remote Desktop Credentials
When you save credentials for a specific remote computer and then try to connect to a different one, an error can occur because the saved credentials don’t match. This is because the new computer requires different login details than the ones you saved.
4. Add the Remote Computer’s IP address to your hosts file
Updating the hosts file with the remote computer’s IP address can fix connection issues by making sure your computer links the remote’s name to its IP. When DNS doesn’t work, adding the IP gives a direct path. This ensures Remote Desktop connects to the right machine, especially when network settings fail.
5. Add the RDGClientTransport Key
Changing how Remote Desktop manages connections can often fix persistent issues. Adding the RDGClientTransport key tells the system to use RPC over HTTP, which can bypass network problems or security blocks affecting the default method. This is especially helpful when corporate firewalls, proxy settings, or other security measures block the connection.
6. Change Network Properties
Sometimes the problem is how your network is set up. Change your network from “Public” to “Private” so Windows trusts other devices. Public networks block services like Remote Desktop, but setting it to private allows connections. This update adjusts firewall settings to permit Remote Desktop.
