Why Isn’t Remote Desktop Working on Windows 11?
3 Answers

Troubleshooting Remote Desktop Issues on Windows 11
Got a pesky Remote Desktop hiccup on Windows 11? You’re not alone. Those connections can sometimes go haywire due to mismatched settings, firewall annoyances, or even bugs in the system itself. Let’s dive into sorting this mess out, shall we?
NLA Mismatch
What’s going on: Network Level Authentication (NLA) is supposed to beef up security by checking who you are before letting you in. But if the Windows versions on your client and host aren’t in sync, things can go south.
What to do:
- Toss NLA aside for a bit:
Pop open PowerShell as an Administrator and type:Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp\" -Name UserAuthentication -Value 0
You’ll need to restart the Remote Desktop Service after this.
- Fiddle with Group Policy:
Head to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Security. Look for Require user authentication for remote connections by using NLA and flip it to Disabled.
Firewall or Port Blocking
What’s happening: Sometimes, that Windows Defender Firewall or third-party security app just doesn’t want to let Remote Desktop through (it’s a stickler for TCP 3389).
What’s next:
- Open the gates:
Head over to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through firewall. Make sure Remote Desktop gets a green light for both private and public networks. - Give it a test run:
Turn the firewall off for a bit to see if that cures the problem. If it does, adjust those firewall rules to let RDP traffic sail through smoothly.
System Bugs or Old Versions
The scoop: If you’re stuck with Windows 11 22H2, you might be dealing with a bug that’s messing up Remote Desktop. Luckily, newer updates should have fixed the glitch.
How to fix:
- Get the latest updates:
Hop into Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Don’t forget those optional updates labeled Moment or Quality. - Check the Remote Desktop Services:
Press Win + R, typeservices.msc
, find Remote Desktop Services, and make sure it’s running. Give it a restart if you need to.
User Permissions and Group Policy Knots
What’s wrong: Getting the permissions tangled or having restrictive policies can throw a wrench in remote access.
Ways to sort it:
- Add folks to the Remote Desktop Users group:
Open up Computer Management > Local Users and Groups > Groups, and right-click Remote Desktop Users. Bring your people in. - Unlock RDP through Group Policy:
Rungpedit.msc
, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections, and enable Allow users to connect remotely.
Encryption Protocol Kerfuffles
The gist: Older machines might not talk the new encryption language.
Fix it up:
- Tweak CredSSP settings:
In Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Credentials Delegation. Turn on Encryption Oracle Remediation and set it to Vulnerable. - Registry hack (for Home Edition):
Add or update the DWORD valueAllowEncryptionOracle
inHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\CredSSP\Parameters
to 1.
Other Tricks Up Your Sleeve
- Go IP instead of hostname: Stop those DNS headaches by connecting straight through the host’s IP address.
- Shake up the TCP/IP stack:
Run Command Prompt as Admin and pop in:netsh int ip reset
You’ll need a reboot after this.
- Check third-party antivirus: Turn off any non-Microsoft protection for a bit, just to make sure it’s not the troublemaker.
Final Thoughts
Getting Remote Desktop up and running can feel like a real headache sometimes. Hang in there, keep those settings fresh, and don’t be afraid to lean on Microsoft’s support if the road gets rocky. Just remember to arm those security features again once everything’s smooth!

Alright, struggling to get Remote Desktop running on Windows 11, huh? It’s frustrating when tech doesn’t cooperate. Here’s how you can tackle this headache:
First things first, make sure Remote Desktop is actually turned on. Head over to Settings, then System, and hit up Remote Desktop. Flip the switch to “On,” and you’re off to a good start.
Next up, your network connection needs some love. Both your host and client computers should be connected to the internet. Are they on the same network? If not, make sure you’ve sorted out the port forwarding because without it, you’re going nowhere fast.
Keeping your system updated is another box to tick. Click through to Settings, find Update & Security, hit Windows Update, and see if anything’s been released that you haven’t downloaded yet. An update can work wonders.
Firewalls—these can be real gatekeepers. Go into Windows Security, tap on Firewall & Network Protection, and then choose to allow Remote Desktop through. Double-check it’s allowed on both private and public networks.
Now, here’s the kicker: Remote Desktop Services sometimes just sit there sleeping. Give them a nudge by pressing Win + R, typing services.msc, and hitting Enter. Look up “Remote Desktop Services,” make sure it’s on and set to automatic. You don’t want it snoozing when it needs to be awake.
User permissions are more important than you’d think. Pop back to Settings, System, Remote Desktop, and see who’s in charge there. Click on the option to select users who can access this PC, and make sure your account’s on the list.
VPNs and antivirus programs have their moments of mischief, too. Turn them off briefly, cross your fingers, and see if that allows Remote Desktop to connect like it should.
If all else fails, why not give reinstalling the Remote Desktop app a shot? Uninstall it, swing by the Microsoft Store, and grab a fresh version. Sometimes you just need a clean slate.
Tackling these steps should smooth things out. If the problem hangs around, maybe check in with Microsoft support or browse some tech forums for extra advice. Trying out different solutions can be quite enlightening.

Getting Through the Hiccups: Remote Desktop Woes on Windows 11
So, you’re trying to get Remote Desktop to play nice on Windows 11 and it’s being a brat? It’s not just you. People have been griping about everything from connections just refusing to happen, to freezing up mid-session. Let’s dig into what’s usually going wrong and how you can kick your RDP troubles to the curb.
Why This Keeps Happening
- Remote Desktop is Snoozing: Sounds obvious, but you gotta check if Remote Desktop is even switched on at the other end. A little toggle goes a long way.
- Crummy Network Connections: Just like a bad Wi-Fi day, if your network’s on the fritz, RDP won’t get very far. Double-check both your Internet connections are firing on all cylinders and can chat with each other.
- Firewall’s Playing Tough: Sometimes the Firewall decides to gatecrash the party by blocking RDP traffic. Ensure it gives the green light for port 3389, or you’re going nowhere.
- Services Are Sleepwalking: Remote Desktop Services need to be awake and active on the host computer. If they’re snoring or set up wrong, your connection can’t work its magic.
- Update Shenanigans: Believe it or not, some updates can throw a spanner in the works. Microsoft’s even confirmed some issues post-2025 updates, causing sessions to trip over themselves.
- User Access Problems: Whoever’s trying to connect needs the thumbs up for access. If access isn’t sorted out, no dice.
Fixing the Remote Desktop Drama
Solution 1: Wake Up Remote Desktop
- Hop into Settings by pressing
Win + I
. - Make a beeline for “System” > “Remote Desktop”.
- Flip that switch to get Remote Desktop rolling.
Solution 2: Sort Out Network Woes
- Make sure both PCs are chatting on the same network.
- Test your connection by pinging the remote computer’s IP from your local machine using Command Prompt (
ping [IP address]
).
Solution 3: Tame the Firewall
- Type “Windows Defender Firewall” into that Start menu.
- Find “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall”.
- Check off “Remote Desktop” for both Private and Public networks.
Solution 4: Get Services in Gear
- Hit
Win + R
, typeservices.msc
, and nail that Enter key. - Locate “Remote Desktop Services”, double-click it, and flip its Startup type to “Automatic”.
Solution 5: Update Until You Drop
- Head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Fish for updates and get on with installing anything new, especially fixes for RDP troubles.
Solution 6: Swap It Out
If there’s nothing but crickets, a third-party remote tool like AnyViewer might be your lifeline.
Wrapping It Up
RDP acting up on Windows 11? Don’t stress. Just double-check those settings, patch up any network or firewall issues, make sure services are operational, keep up with updates, and maybe try something new if all else fails. With luck, you’ll sort out those Remote Desktop headaches pronto!