Remote Desktop Can’t Connect to the Remote Computer (Fix)

You try to connect to another Windows PC using Remote Desktop, but it displays the error “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer.” This usually means Windows couldn’t establish a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection with the target PC. It could be due to incorrect Remote Desktop settings, the remote computer isn’t reachable on the network, Windows Firewall blocking Remote Desktop traffic, or the RDP service not responding. However, in most cases, checking a few Windows settings and network configurations is enough to restore the connection. In this guide, you’ll learn the most effective solutions to fix the Remote Desktop connection error in Windows 11.

Why Remote Desktop Can’t Connect to the Remote Computer?

When you try to connect to another PC using Remote Desktop, Windows first checks whether it can reach the remote computer and establish a secure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection. If any part of that process fails, you’ll see the “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” error.

The most common causes include:

• Remote Desktop is disabled on the remote computer, so it isn’t accepting incoming RDP connections.
• Windows Firewall or a third-party firewall is blocking Remote Desktop (RDP) traffic on port 3389.
• The network is set to Public, which can restrict network discovery and Remote Desktop connections.
• You’re using the wrong computer name or IP address, or a DNS issue is preventing Windows from locating the remote PC.
• The saved credentials are incorrect, or authentication settings such as Network Level Authentication (NLA) are preventing the sign-in.
• The Remote Desktop Services service isn’t running, so Windows can’t accept Remote Desktop connections.
• The remote PC is running Windows 11 Home, which can connect to other PCs using Remote Desktop but can’t act as a Remote Desktop host.

Fix 1: Check if the Remote PC Is Accepting Remote Desktop Connections

The “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” error often appears when the remote PC isn’t configured to accept incoming Remote Desktop (RDP) connections. Before troubleshooting firewall or network settings, verify that Remote Desktop is enabled on the computer you’re trying to access.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings on the remote PC.
2. Go to System > Remote Desktop.
3. Turn on the Remote Desktop toggle.
4. Click Confirm if prompted.
5. Try connecting to the remote PC again.

Note: If the remote computer is running Windows 11 Home, it cannot accept incoming Remote Desktop connections. You can check the Windows edition by going to Settings > System > About.

If Remote Desktop is already enabled and the error persists, continue to the next solution.

Fix 2: Make Sure the Remote Computer Is Connected to the Network

Remote Desktop can only connect if the remote PC is online and reachable. If the computer is turned off, asleep, or has lost its network connection, Windows will display the “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” error.

Before trying more advanced fixes, make sure the remote PC is available.

1. Verify that the remote computer is powered on.
2. Wake it if it’s in Sleep or Hibernate mode.
3. Confirm it’s connected to the internet or the same local network as your PC.
4. If you know the computer’s IP address, open Command Prompt and run: ping <IP address> -t (Example: ping 192.168.1.28 -t
5. If you receive replies, the computer is reachable. If the request times out, the PC may be offline or blocked by the network, which needs to be fixed.
6. Try connecting with Remote Desktop again.

If the remote computer is online but you still can’t connect, move on to the next solution.

Fix 3: Verify the Computer Name or IP Address

Using the wrong computer name or IP address is another common reason for the “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” error. If Windows can’t locate the remote PC, it won’t be able to establish an RDP connection.

Check the remote PC’s name

1. On the remote computer, press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > About.
3. Under Device specifications, note the Device name.
4. Enter this name in the Remote Desktop Connection window and try connecting again.

Or use the IP address

If the computer name doesn’t work, use its IP address instead.

1. On the remote PC, open Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig
3. Find the IPv4 Address under the active network adapter.
4. Enter that IP address in the Remote Desktop Connection app and try connecting.

Tip: If the remote PC receives a new IP address from your router, the previous IP may no longer work. In that case, use the current IP address or the correct computer name.

If the computer name and IP address are correct but still display error, continue to the next fix.

Fix 4: Allow Remote Desktop Through Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall can block incoming Remote Desktop (RDP) connections. If the firewall isn’t allowing Remote Desktop traffic, you’ll see the “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” error even when the remote PC is online.

1. On the remote computer, press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
4. Click Change settings.
5. Make sure Remote Desktop is checked for the network you’re using (Private and, if required, Public).
6. Click OK and try connecting again.

Note: If you’re using a third-party firewall or antivirus with firewall protection, make sure it also allows Remote Desktop (RDP) connections.

If Remote Desktop is already allowed through the firewall, continue to the next solution.

Fix 5: Make Sure the Remote Desktop Services Are Running

Remote Desktop relies on the Remote Desktop Services service to accept incoming RDP connections. If this service is stopped or disabled, Windows won’t be able to establish a Remote Desktop session.

1. On the remote computer, press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Remote Desktop Services in the list.
3. Make sure its Status is Running.
4. If it’s stopped, right-click it and select Start.
5. Double-click the service and set Startup type to Automatic.
6. Click Apply > OK, then try connecting again.

Note: If you don’t have access to the remote computer, you’ll need someone at the remote location to check or restart this service.

Tip: If Remote Desktop Services is already running but appears unresponsive, you can restart it from an elevated Command Prompt:

net stop termservice
net start termservice

If Windows can’t restart the service because other services depend on it, restart the remote computer instead.

Fix 6: Check That Port 3389 Isn’t Blocked

Remote Desktop uses TCP port 3389 to communicate with the remote computer. If this port is blocked by a firewall, router, or network administrator, the connection will fail, and Windows may display the “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” error.

To check if port 3389 is reachable

1. On your local PC, press Windows + X and open Windows Terminal or PowerShell.
2. Run the command: Test-NetConnection <Remote-PC-IP> -Port 3389
3. Check the result:
   • TcpTestSucceeded : True – Port 3389 is reachable.
   • TcpTestSucceeded : False – The port is blocked or the remote PC isn’t accepting RDP connections.

If the port is blocked:

• Make sure Windows Firewall allows Remote Desktop.
• If you’re connecting over the internet, verify that your router or network firewall allows TCP port 3389.
• If you’re on a work or school network, contact your network administrator, as RDP traffic may be restricted.

If port 3389 is reachable but you still can’t connect, move on to the next solution.

Fix 7: Check Your Remote Desktop Credentials

Incorrect or outdated saved credentials can also prevent Remote Desktop from connecting. If Windows tries to use an old username or password, the connection may fail.

1. Press Windows, search for Credential Manager, and open it.
2. Select Windows Credentials.
3. Look for any saved credentials related to the remote computer.
4. Remove the saved entry.
5. Open Remote Desktop Connection and connect again.
6. When prompted, enter the correct username and password for the remote PC.

Tip: Remote Desktop requires your Windows account password. If you normally sign in with a PIN, enter your account password instead when connecting remotely.

If you’re using the correct credentials and the error still appears, continue to the next solution.

Fix 8: Temporarily Disable Your VPN or Third-Party Security Software

A VPN or third-party firewall can block Remote Desktop (RDP) traffic even when Windows Firewall is configured correctly. If you’re using a VPN or internet security suite, temporarily disable it to see if it’s preventing the connection.

1. Disconnect from your VPN, if you’re using one.
2. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software.
3. Try connecting to the remote computer again.
4. If the connection works, review your VPN or security software settings and add an exception for Remote Desktop instead of leaving the protection disabled.

Note: Turn your VPN and security software back on after testing to keep your computer protected.

Frequently Asked Questions