Why is Windows 11 Remote Desktop not connecting to another PC?

Imagine this scenario: You’re sitting at your desk, ready to work on an important project when suddenly, your Windows 11 Remote Desktop stops connecting to another PC. Panic sets in as you realize the crucial files and resources you need are now out of reach.

Frustration mounts as you try different troubleshooting methods, only to find no immediate solution. But fear not!

In this article, we will dive deep into the world of Windows 11 Remote Desktop, uncovering the reasons behind this connectivity issue and providing you with step-by-step troubleshooting techniques to reconnect and regain control. So, if you’re ready to overcome this obstacle and get back to productivity, let’s explore why your Windows 11 Remote Desktop is not connecting to another PC and find the ultimate solution.

Disable UDP By Creating A Registry Value

One of the common reasons why Windows 11 Remote Desktop may not connect to another PC is due to UDP (User Datagram Protocol) being enabled. To resolve this issue, you can disable UDP by creating a registry value.

Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box.

  2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

  3. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlTerminal ServerWinStationsRDP-Tcp.

  4. Right-click on the right panel and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  5. Name the new value “EnableUDP” and set its value data to 0.

  6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This should disable UDP and potentially resolve the connection issue with Windows 11 Remote Desktop.

Turn Off UDP In Group Policy

Alternatively, instead of manually creating a registry value, you can turn off UDP in Group Policy. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box.

  2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

  3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.

  4. Double-click on the “Set client connection encryption level” policy.

  5. Select the “Enabled” option and choose the encryption level “High Level” or “FIPS Compliant” to disable UDP.

  6. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

  7. Restart your computer and check if the Remote Desktop connection is now working properly.

Enable Remote Desktop In Settings

Another possible reason for Remote Desktop not connecting to another PC in Windows 11 is that the Remote Desktop feature is not enabled. To ensure Remote Desktop is enabled, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

  2. Click on the “System” category.

  3. Select the “Remote Desktop” option from the left sidebar.

  4. Toggle the switch to “On” under the “Enable Remote Desktop” section.

  5. Make a note of the PC name under the “PC name” section.

  6. Now, try connecting to the PC by entering the PC name in the Remote Desktop client.

It is important to note that Remote Desktop may require administrative privileges, so make sure you are logged in as an administrator on both the host and client PCs.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored several troubleshooting tips for resolving connectivity issues with Windows 11 Remote Desktop. These tips included disabling UDP by creating a registry value or using Group Policy, enabling Remote Desktop in the Settings app, and ensuring that both PCs are connected to the same network.

We also highlighted the importance of checking for network connectivity issues, enabling the Remote Desktop feature on both the remote and client PCs, and verifying that Remote Desktop Services are enabled and not blocked by Windows Defender Firewall.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to improve connectivity and resolve any issues you may encounter with Windows 11 Remote Desktop. Remember to perform each step carefully and consult the relevant documentation or professional assistance if needed.