If “Remote Desktop” is not working on your computer, it is most likely that you are using the Home Edition of Windows, which no longer supports this feature.
While the Home Edition of Windows is still equipped with Remote Desktop Client Software, it lacks access to Microsoft’s RDP Server, which is required for accessing remote computers.
Currently, the option to access remote computers using Remote Desktop (RDP) is only available on devices running Windows Pro, Windows Enterprise and Windows Server.
Remote Desktop Not Working in Windows 10/11
If Remote Desktop is not working on a computer running on the Professional Edition of Windows, you should be able to fix the problem using the following steps.
1. Allow Remote Connections to Computer
Your computer needs to Allow Remote Connections in order to use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Run.
2. In the Run Command window, type sysdm.cpl and click on OK.
Note: You can also type sysdm.cpl in the Search bar and click on sysdm.cpl Control Panel Item.
3. On System Properties screen, switch to Remote tab and select Allow Remote connections to this computer option in “Remote Desktop” section.
4. Click on Apply and OK to save this setting on your computer.
As mentioned above, you will be prompted to change Sleep Settings on your computer, if they are not compatible.
2. Change Firewall Settings
The most common reason for Remote Desktop (RDP) not working on a Windows computer is due to RDP being blocked by Windows Defender Firewall.
1. Type Windows Defender in the search bar > click on Windows Defender Firewall in the search results.
2. On the next screen, click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall option.
3. On the next screen, check Remote Desktop and click on OK to save the setting on your computer.
Note: In addition to Firewall, Remote Desktop may also be blocked by the Antivirus program installed on the computer.
3. Delete Credentials from Remote Desktop
Sometimes, the problem is due to RDP credentials being corrupted. This can be fixed by removing your RDP credentials from Remote desktop.
1. Type Remote Desktop in the Search bar and click on Remote Desktop Connection.
2. On Remote Desktop Connection screen, click on Show Options.
3. On the next screen, select the Advanced tab and click on Settings.
4. On the next screen, you should be able to Delete your current Credentials.
After deleting credentials, Remote Desktop should be working on your computer
4. Disable IPv6
Disabling IPv6 is known to help in fixing RDP connectivity issues.
1. Type Network Connections in the search bar > click on View Network Connections Control Panel entry in the search results.
2. On Network Connections screen, right-click on your Wi-Fi Network and select Properties in the drop-down menu.
3. On the next screen, uncheck the little box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
4. Click on OK to save this setting and Restart the computer to apply this change.
5. Disable Custom Scaling
The Custom Scaling feature in Windows (if enabled) is known to interfere with Remote Desktop connection.
1. Go to Settings > System > click on Display in the right pane.
2. Scroll down to “Scale & Layout” section and click on Turn off Custom Scaling and sign out link.
3. After you are signed out, login back and try to use Remote Desktop.
Note: If Turn of Custom Scaling option is not available, set the scale to 100% and sign-out.