Error code 0x516 & extended error code 0x0: Can’t get Remote Desktop to connect

How to fix error code 0x516 Remote Desktop [5 solutions]

This post provides you with 5 solutions to fix error code 0x516 Remote Desktop and extended error code 0x0.

Solution 1. Check your Windows version

Remote Desktop is enabled by default for Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise, Windows 8.1 and 8 Enterprise and Pro, Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate, and Windows Server versions newer than Windows Server 2008. You cannot, however, connect to computers running a Home version (such as Windows 10 Home) and a Standard edition. Please ensure that Remote Desktop is enabled on your remote machine.

Solution 2. Disable and re-enable remote access

To resolve the error0x516 Remote Desktop, try disabling and reenabling remote access on the remote computer.

Step 1. Press WIN + R and then type "sysdm.cpl" to access the System Properties window.

Step 2. Navigate to the Remote tab. Clear the Allow Remote Assistance connection to this computer option and tick Don’t allow remote connections to this computer. Then click Apply and OK.

Step 3. Restart the PC.

Step 4. Follow the same steps and this time enable Allow Remote Assistance connection to this computer and Allow remote connections to this computer.

Step 5. Try connecting to the remote computer again.

Solution 3. Make sure the remote computer has a password set up

Remote Desktop works only if the remote machine has a password. Otherwise, the error message Remote Desktop Session ended 0x516 may display.

Step 1. Click Start, then choose Settings.

Step 2. Choose Accounts.

Step 3. Click Sign-in options, find Password, and then click Add.

Step 4. Type a New password, type the password again to Confirm password, type a Password hint, and click on Next.

Step 5. Click on Finish.

Solution 4. Check the RDP session limit

The number of concurrent RDP sessions is limited. Please check the group rules to determine if the connections are limited to only one user.

Step 1. Click the Search button next to the start menu then enter in “gpedit.msc”.

Step 2. Navigate here: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session host > Connections.

Step 3. On the right pane, find and double-click Limit number of connections.

Step 4. You can either set it to Enabled and set the number to the limit you wish to have.

Step 5. Again, on the right pane of Connections, find and double-click Restrict Remote Desktop Services users to a single Remote Desktop Services session.

Step 6. Set it to Disabled to turn off the user restrictions.

Step 7. Reboot the computer to make the changes apply.

Solution 5. Get a Remote Desktop alternative

If none of the aforementioned solutions work, the only option left to you is to obtain a Remote Desktop alternative. AnyViewer is highly recommended by us. It is a free remote desktop application that works with Windows, iOS, and Android. It is regarded as the best Remote Desktop alternative for the following reasons:

AnyViewer is simpler to use. AnyViewer does not require an IP address or a computer name to establish remote connections, but Remote Desktop does.

AnyViewer has fewer constraints. Remote Desktop needs both machines to be on the same network, unless you use a VPN, whereas AnyViewer can be used over the internet.

AnyViewer works well with more versions of Windows. Remote Desktop does not support connecting to PCs running Windows Home and Standard editions, while AnyViewer does.

Step 1. On both computers, download, install, and launch AnyViewer. Go to Log in on the Controller computer, and then click Sign up (if you have already signed up on its official website, you can log in directly).

Step 2. Fill out the signup form.

Step 3. You should now see that you have successfully logged into AnyViewer. Your device will be assigned to the account to which you have logged in automatically.

Step 4. Sign in with the same AnyViewer account on both computers, then click the One-click control for unattended remote access.

Step 5. The remote desktop will appear once the connection is established. After that, you have complete control over it.

Notes:✎...

It is recommended to upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan. What can a professional or enterprise plan brings to you:

More devices can be assigned to the same account for unattended remote support.

Connect in privacy mode to protect your privacy. This means the Controller can black out the remote PC screen and disable the remote keyboard and mouse click.

File transfer speed will be increased. Transfer speed is 500 KB/s for a free account and up to 10 MB/s for a paid account.

Closing words

This post primarily introduces 5 solutions to fix error code 0x516 Remote Desktop and extended error code 0x0. If none of the first four solutions helped you solve the problem, you are advised to try a Remote Desktop alternative, AnyViewer. With it, you can easily access a remote computer from anywhere.