1. Make sure Remote Desktop is enabled: Enable Remote Desktop feature on the target computer and confirm that the user account has permission to access. 2. Check network and firewall settings: Make sure the device is on the same network, try ping tests, and allow remote desktops to pass through the firewall. 3. Use the correct IP address and port: Enter the correct IP address and port number (default 3389), pay attention to distinguishing between public IP, LAN IP and IPv4/IPv6. 4. Troubleshoot advanced problems: Check whether the remote desktop service is running, whether there are group policy restrictions, try to create a new .rdp file and update the Windows system. If you still cannot connect, please check whether there are any errors in each step.
If you're trying to connect via Remote Desktop on Windows and it's not working, there are a few common issues that could be causing the problem. It might be something simple like network settings or firewall rules — or maybe the remote computer isn't configured correctly for remote access.

Let's go through the most likely causes and how to fix them.

1. Make Sure Remote Desktop Is Enabled
First things first — is Remote Desktop actually turned on?
- On the computer you're trying to connect to , go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop .
- Toggle it on.
- You should see a message saying "Remote Desktop is enabled for this device."
If you don't see that message, click the link under “How to enable Remote Desktop” or make sure your version of Windows supports it (not all versions do — Home editions usually don't).

Also, check that the user account you're using has permission to connect:
- Go to Control Panel > System > Remote Settings
- Under the Remote tab, make sure the option “Allow remote connections to this computer” is selected
- Check the list under “Remote Desktop Users” to confirm your account is included
2. Check Network and Firewall Settings
Even if Remote Desktop is enabled, firewalls or network settings can block the connection.
- Make sure both devices are on the same network — especially if you're testing locally.
- Try pinging the remote machine by its IP address to see if it's reachable:
ping [IP Address]
If it doesn't respond, there's a network issue before even getting to RDP.
Firewall-related fixes:
- On the remote PC, open Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allowed apps , and make sure Remote Desktop is checked for both private and public networks.
- Or temporarily disable the firewall (for testing only!) to see if that resolves the issue.
You can also try allowing Remote Desktop through the command line:
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="remote desktop" new enable=Yes
3. Use the Correct IP Address and Port
This one trips people up more than you'd think.
When connecting:
- Open Remote Desktop Connection (
mstsc
) - Enter the correct IP address of the remote machine
- If connecting over the internet or through a custom setup, make sure you're using the right port number (default is 3389)
Common mistakes:
- Using the wrong IP address (like the public IP when you meant to use local)
- Forgetting port forwarding on your router if connecting from outside the local network
- Confusing IPv4 and IPv6 addresses
If you're unsure what IP to use:
- On the remote machine, run
ipconfig
in Command Prompt and look for IPv4 Address
4. Troubleshoot Advanced Issues
Sometimes the problem is deeper than basic settings.
Check these if everything else seems OK:
Remote Desktop service is running :
PressWin R
, typeservices.msc
, find Remote Desktop Services , and make sure it's running.Group Policy restrictions :
If you're on a managed network or domain, IT policies might block Remote Desktop. This is common in work environments.Corrupted RDP files or profiles :
Try deleting saved.rdp
files or creating a new one from scratch.Update Windows :
Occasionally, an outdated system can cause compatibility issues with RDP. Run Windows Update just in case.
If you've gone through these steps and still can't connect, double-check each setting — sometimes a small misstep like a typo in the IP address or a forgetten firewall rule is all it takes.
Basically that's it.
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