6 Tested Ways to Fix Remote Desktop Connection Has Stopped Working

This post demonstrates six step-by-step solutions to fix the "Remote Desktop Connection has stopped working" error. By following these guides, you can troubleshoot and resolve common issues, ensuring a smooth and reliable remote desktop experience.

Ellie

By Ellie / Updated on May 24, 2024

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Why did my Remote Desktop Connection stop working?

 

For work reasons, I need to use a Remote Desktop to transfer files. However, after updating from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro, I ran into the error 'Remote Desktop Connection has stopped working'. I don't know what's going on and why it happens. Is there someone who can help me?"

- Question from Microsoft Forum

stopped-working

Remote Desktop Connections are essential tools for accessing your work computer from anywhere, but what happens when Remote Desktop suddenly stopped working? It can be a frustrating experience, especially when you need to access important files or applications. In this guide, we'll walk you through the most common reasons why your remote desktop connection might fail and how to fix them.

Common reasons why Remote Desktop Connection stops working

Before addressing the "Remote Desktop Connection has stopped working" issue, it's crucial to identify the common causes of the problem.

  • Network connectivity issues: One of the most common reasons for remote desktop issues is network connectivity problems. This could be due to an unstable internet connection, router issues, or problems with your service provider.

  • Incorrect login credentials: Using the wrong username or password can prevent you from connecting. This can be due to a typo, recent password change, or account lockout.

  • Firewall and security software: Firewalls and antivirus software are designed to protect your computer but can sometimes block remote desktop connections if not configured correctly.

  • Windows updates: Occasionally, Windows updates can introduce bugs or reset settings that interfere with remote desktop connections.

How to fix Remote Desktop Connection has stopped working [6 solutions]

In this section, we present six solutions along with detailed steps to help you resolve the issue of "Remote Desktop Connection has stopped working." Follow along to learn how to implement these solutions.

Method 1. Disable Windows Firewall

To a large degree, it is partly because of the blockage of the Firewall if Remote Desktop Connection has stopped working. So we need to disable it.

Step 1. Search "Windows Defender Firewall" in the search box and then open it.

Windows Defender Firewall

Step 2.  Choose "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall".

windows-defender%20-firewall

Step 3. Go to the allowed apps screen and click "Change settings". Scroll down to check Remote Desktop in this list. Tick "Remote Desktop" for the Private and Publick options. Click "OK".

allowed-apps

Step 3. After finishing the above steps, reboot the PC

Method 2. Check the status of the RDP protocol on a remote computer

To check and modify the status of the RDP protocol on a remote computer using a network registry connection, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the "Start" menu and select "Run". In the text box, type "regedt32".

Step 2. In the Registry Editor, go to "File" and choose "Connect Network Registry".

Step 3. In the Select Computer dialog box, enter the remote computer's name, click "Check Names", and then click "OK".

Step 4. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server and to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services.

fDenyTSConnections

  • If the value of the fDenyTSConnections key is 0, then RDP is enabled.
  • If the value of the fDenyTSConnections key is 1, then RDP is disabled.

Step 5. To enable RDP, change the value of fDenyTSConnections from 1 to 0.

Method 3. Check the Dependency Services

If the name with the "Remote" term in Dependency Services is set as Disabled, you may also meet with the problem that RDC has stopped working. 

Step 1. Press "Win" + "R", and then enter "services.msc" in the box. Hit "OK".

services-msc

Step 2. Scroll down the Services and then find all the names with the “Remote” term. Make sure the “Startup Type” of all those names is set as “Manual” or “Automatic”. Then your Remote Desktop can be running normally.

remote-services

Method 4. Disable Printer redirect on RDP settings

According to the feedback of some users, disabling Printers can fix the issue.  

Step 1. Search “Remote Desktop Connection” in the search bar and then click “Show Options”.

show-options

Step 2. Locate on the “Local Recourses” tab and you can see “Local Devices and Resources” at the bottom of the screen. A “Printers” option is shown there. Now, uncheck this option and click “Connect”

printers

Method 5. Disable Audio Playback in Settings

There’s no doubt that Audio Playback also influences the RDC process. So, this solution is suitable for this reason.

Step 1. Search Remote Desktop Connection in the Search box and open it. When the Window appears, click Show options.

/show-options

Step 2. Choose the “Local Resources” tab, and you can see “Remote audio” and click on “Settings”.

local-resources

Step 3. In the “Remote audio playback option”, choose “Do not play” and then click OK to apply.

do-not-play

Method 6. Uninstall antivirus app

The installation of a new app might conflict with the Remote Desktop feature. If the antivirus app is causing issues with the Remote Desktop Connection, consider uninstalling it. However, be aware that uninstalling these apps might result in the loss of important data or leave residual files on your computer.

Bonus tip: Resort to a Remote Desktop alternative

If the above solutions do not resolve your issue, or if you find them too cumbersome to try individually, you can consider using third-party remote desktop software like AnyViewer to connect to your computer remotely without encountering any errors.

Compared to the Remote Desktop, AnyViewer has the following advantages:

★Advantages:
AnyViewer enables remote access to a PC from anywhere and at any time, unrestricted by the same LAN.
The ease of setup and operation, along with its fast connection speed, have earned high praise from many users.
AnyViewer is fully compatible with both Windows Home and Windows Standard editions.
AnyViewer supports multiple sessions simultaneously.

Don't wait, click on the button to have a try.

Download Freeware Win PCs & Servers
Secure Download

To connect to a remote computer from an iOS device or Android device, you can download AnyViewer from the mobile app store. 

Step 1. Install and launch the remote connection software on the host computer (the remote computer) and the client computer (the local computer).

Step 2. Sign up for an AnyViewer account and log in to the same account on the two computers. After login, the PC will be assigned to the account automatically. 

Log in to AnyViewer

Step 3. On your local computer, click "Device", right-click the PC that you need to access, and choose "One-click control".Then, you can connect to the remote computer with one click. Isn't it easy?

Devices

Step 4. Then you can remote into the computer over the internet for free and you can see the screen of the remote computer and run apps on it. Additionally, there are toolbar options available for exploration.

Operation

Notes:✎...
It is recommended to upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan. What can a professional or enterprise plan bring to you:
More devices will be allowed to be assigned to the same account for unattended access.
More connection channels for more devices to be able to start remote connection at the same time.
Black the remote PC screen and disable the remote keyboard & mouse click to protect privacy.
Faster and larger file transfer.
Create groups for enterprise devices to manage large numbers of devices conveniently.
Use screen walls to monitor multiple devices on one window.

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, encountering the error "Remote Desktop Connection has stopped working" can disrupt crucial work processes, but understanding the underlying causes and implementing effective solutions can swiftly restore functionality. The quickest solution is to try out other remote desktop options such as AnyViewer can provide a reliable workaround. By following these steps or exploring alternatives, users can get back to work smoothly.