Remote Desktop Connection error message

How to fix the remote computer disconnected because of licensing protocol error on Windows & Windows Server

Sometimes, users encounter the remote desktop licensing protocol error when utilizing the Remote Desktop Connection tool in various Windows versions like Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, as well as Windows Server 2022, 2019, and 2016. This particular error prevents users from establishing a connection through Remote Desktop Connection.

Fortunately, there are several fixes available to address this issue, as it is often caused by system file problems. Rest assured, here outline a few potential solutions to resolve the remote computer disconnected because of licensing protocol in Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.

Solution 1. Run Remote Desktop as an Administrator

Step 1. Press the Windows Key + S and search for "Remote Desktop Connection".

Step 2. On the right pane, choose "Run as administrator".

Step 3. The Remote Desktop Connection should now open with administrator privileges.

Solution 2. Delete the MSLicensing Registry key

Step 1. Press the Windows Key + R and type in "regedit".

Step 2. Open the following key in the Registry Editor:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > MSLicensing

Step 3. Right-click and delete the MSLicensing Registry key.

Solution 3. Run Remote Desktop in the built-in admin account

Step 1. Press the Windows Key + R and search for "cmd" to open Command Prompt.

Step 2. Type the command "net user administrator /active:yes" and press Enter.

Step 4. This will activate the built-in admin account, allowing you to run Remote Desktop from it.

Solution 4. Roll Windows back to a restore point

Step 1. Press the Windows Key + R, enter "rstrui" and click OK to open System Restore.

Step 3. Click Next to view a list of available restore points.

Step 4. Select the option to show more restore points for a comprehensive list.

Step 5. Choose a restore point from a date when the remote desktop licensing protocol error was not occurring.

Bonus tip: Best free Remote Desktop Connection alternative

AnyViewer, similar to Remote Desktop Connection, is a free remote desktop program specifically designed for Windows operating systems, including Windows OS and Windows Server OS. The notable distinction is that AnyViewer eliminates the occurrence of licensing protocol errors commonly experienced with Remote Desktop Connection.

Moreover, AnyViewer offers several advantages over Remote Desktop Connection, positioning it as a preferred alternative for remote desktop requirements:

• Easy setup: AnyViewer has a user-friendly interface and a quick setup process. It doesn't require complex network configurations or firewall adjustments, making it accessible to non-technical users. In contrast, Remote Desktop Connection often requires network and firewall configurations to establish a connection.
• Accessibility beyond the local network: AnyViewer enables users to conveniently access and control remote devices over the internet, even if those devices are protected by firewalls or NAT routers. This simplifies remote support scenarios and provides flexibility to connect from anywhere. In contrast, Remote Desktop Connection is primarily limited to local network connections and requires additional setup for LAN access.
• Additional features: AnyViewer offers other features, including file transfer between local and remote devices, integrated chat functionality, and the ability to reboot and automatically reconnect to a remote computer. While Remote Desktop Connection offers fundamental remote control capabilities, it does not provide the advanced functionalities found in AnyViewer.

Step 1. Download, install, and run the remote access tool on both local and remote devices.

Step 2. On the remote device, sign up for AnyViewer and sign in to the account in advance.

Step 3. On the local device, log in to the same account, then go to "Device" and locate the remote PC. Click it and choose "One-click control" to access the unattended device with one click.

It's recommended to upgrade to an advanced plan to enjoy more rights: ▶ Connect in privacy mode: You can black the screen and block the mouse and keyboard of the remote computer to protect your privacy when your remote computer is located in an open place. ▶Assign more devices: You can assign more devices to the same account for a secure one-click remote connection. ▶ Control more PCs: You can control more computers from one computer at the same time. ▶ High-image quality: You can change the mode to high-image quality for a better remtoe connection experience. ▶ ...

The bottom line

To resolve the remote computer disconnected because of licensing protocol in Windows 10/11/8/7 error, you can try a few solutions. One way is to run the Remote Desktop app as an administrator, which grants the necessary permissions to modify the registry. Another option is to delete the MSLicensing registry key. Additionally, you can run the Remote Desktop app within the built-in admin account by activating it through the Command Prompt. If all else fails, you can restore your system back to a previous date using System Restore.

If your issue persists, consider using AnyViewer, an all-in-one remote desktop solution without licensing protocol problems. It offers advantages such as easy setup, accessibility beyond the local network, additional features like file transfer and chat, and versatility for personal and commercial use. In comparison, Remote Desktop Connection requires more configuration and lacks some of AnyViewer's advanced functionalities.