7 Remote Desktop Issues and How to Solve Them Fast

09 May 2025

Remote desktop tools have become essential in today’s flexible work environments. With more businesses adopting remote and hybrid work, staff rely on Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to access office PCs and servers from anywhere. The initial pivot to remote operations saw a marked increase in RDP utilisation. This growing dependence means that when remote desktop connections fail, it can disrupt productivity for any organisation.

Despite RDP’s convenience, a variety of issues can prevent you from connecting. Fortunately, the majority of common challenges are typically easy to address. Below, we outline seven frequent remote desktop connection problems, explain their causes, and provide clear steps to resolve each one.

1. Network Connectivity Issues

The most common reason a remote desktop won’t connect is a network failure. If the client computer and the host can’t reach each other, the session won’t start. This could be due to an internet outage, weak Wi-Fi, or the remote PC simply being offline.

How to Fix: To troubleshoot connectivity issues:

• Check Internet & Power: Ensure both your local computer and the remote host have internet access. Confirm the remote PC is powered on (not asleep).
• Verify VPN or Network Path: If your organisation requires a VPN for remote access, connect to it and make sure it’s working. If you’re on the same local network, verify you can ping or otherwise reach the remote device.

When challenges persist, it’s advisable to consult an experienced specialist. Managed IT support services can quickly identify and resolve such connectivity problems for you.

2. Firewall and Port Misconfiguration

Firewalls protect your system, but an overly strict firewall can block RDP traffic. Both the Windows Defender Firewall on the host and any corporate firewall in between need to allow remote desktop. By default, RDP uses port 3389, so that port must be open. Many organisations only permit RDP over a VPN.

How to Fix: Make sure firewalls aren’t blocking your session:

• Allow RDP in Windows Firewall: On the remote computer, allow “Remote Desktop” through Windows Defender Firewall (for private/domain networks).
• Open Necessary Ports or Use VPN: If you're connecting from outside the office, ensure any corporate firewall or router allows RDP traffic (port 3389). Often the safer approach is to use a VPN or Remote Desktop Gateway rather than exposing RDP directly to the internet.

3. Remote Desktop not Enabled on Host

Often, the issue stems from Remote Desktop not being enabled or compatible on the remote system. On Windows PCs, Remote Desktop access is disabled by default until you turn it on. Additionally, Windows Home editions do not support incoming RDP connections at all.

How to Fix: Ensure the remote computer is set up to accept remote connections:

• Enable Remote Desktop: On the host PC, go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and turn on the Enable Remote Desktop (You may need to confirm network level authentication settings as prompted.)
• Check Windows Edition: Verify that the remote PC is running a Pro, Enterprise, or Server edition of Windows. If it’s a Home edition (which lacks Remote Desktop hosting), you won’t be able to connect via RDP. In that case, consider an upgrade or use an alternate remote access tool (or have IT install a remote access client).

4. DNS Name Resolution Problems

DNS issues can prevent your client from finding the remote host by name. This occurs when you use a hostname (e.g., OfficePC.company.local) that isn’t resolving to the correct IP address. If the host’s IP changed or your DNS settings are wrong, the RDP client may time out because it cannot locate the server.

How to Fix: Tackle DNS-related errors by:

• Using the IP Address: Try connecting using the remote computer’s IP address instead of its name to determine if it’s a name resolution issue.
• Flush DNS and Verify Settings: Clear any cached DNS entries by running ipconfig /flushdns, and ensure your device is using the correct DNS server (for example, the internal DNS when on the VPN).

Ultimately, make sure the DNS records for the remote host are up to date. A managed DNS service can also help. Managed Domain & DNS Services ensure your DNS records stay correct for reliable remote access.

5. Incorrect Credentials or Permission Denied

Login failures are another common hurdle. They typically occur if you use the wrong credentials or if your account isn’t authorised to use Remote Desktop.

How to Fix: Resolve login issues with these steps:

• Double-Check Credentials: Verify the username and password. If the remote PC is part of a domain or uses a Microsoft account, use the correct format (e.g. DOMAIN\Username or user@domain.com). Even a small typo or the caps lock being on can cause authentication to fail.
• Check User Permissions: Ensure your account is allowed for Remote Desktop. On the host PC, add the user to the Remote Desktop Users group (or ask an administrator to do so).
• Account Status: If you still can’t log in, the account might be locked or disabled (especially in corporate setups).

If you’re still stuck, it’s wise to get help from IT professionals. With remote IT services, login challenges can be resolved quickly and with minimal disruption.

6. Dropped Connections and Freezing Sessions

Sometimes you can log in, but the remote session is unstable—it lags, freezes, or disconnects frequently with “reconnecting” messages. This usually points to a bandwidth or latency problem. The network might be too slow or inconsistent to carry the RDP stream.

How to Fix: Improve an unstable remote session with a few tweaks:

• Reduce Network Load: Minimise other internet use during your RDP session (pause big downloads or streams). Also, adjust your RDP client settings to a lower quality to reduce visual effects and save bandwidth.
• Boost Connection Quality: Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible, as it’s more stable. If on Wi-Fi, ensure a strong signal (sit closer to the router or upgrade it if needed). And if many people share your network, a faster internet plan with more bandwidth will help.

7. Outdated Remote Desktop Software or Protocols

Using an outdated remote desktop client or server can result in connectivity issues. Newer versions of Windows and RDP have stricter security. If one side isn’t updated, you might see mysterious authentication errors. For example, a Windows 7 client might not connect to a Windows 10 host because of outdated security protocols.

How to Fix: Keep your remote desktop software up to date:

• Update Windows/RDP: Make sure both the remote host and your client device have all the latest updates installed. This ensures you have the newest RDP features and security fixes, preventing known compatibility issues.
• Use Network Level Authentication: Ensure that Network Level Authentication (NLA) is enabled on both ends. NLA is a security feature in modern Windows, so if your client is too old to support it, you should upgrade the client.
• Upgrade Legacy Systems: If you’re still using an outdated OS like Windows 7 or Server 2008 for remote access, plan to upgrade or replace it. Modern platforms offer a smoother, more secure experience. We can help upgrade those systems or migrate you to a cloud-based desktop.

Conclusion

Remote desktop access is vital for modern business productivity, but issues can disrupt workflows. By addressing common RDP problems, you can keep your team connected.
At Renaissance, we specialise in delivering expert support across IT, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and remote work enablement. Partner with us to enhance your security posture and drive operational efficiency. Get in touch today for bespoke support and fully managed IT services designed to keep your business running seamlessly.