How to fix
Remote desktop can’t connect to the remote computer
on Windows

Hello. I wanted to try to connect to the remote computer, but that is not working. I get the pop-up stating " Couldn't connect to the remote computer" and have no idea what to do from there. I tried this a few times but had to quit the game that I tried to stream via the host computer. It happens with desktop, laptop, and steam clients. Connections are ok, so I need your help. Any suggestions?

Connecting to the remote computer is important and became a common thing nowadays because more and more people have adopted the new normal of many employees working from home.[ref en-1] Technical issues can also become a problem in such cases, so the Remote desktop can’t connect to the remote computer issue that users[ref en-2] report can lead to errors or major issues when smaller ones didn't get solved in time.

The feature allows you to fully connect to other devices, and you can control the Windows machine existing in any part of the world. To have a great experience with this feature, you need a good connection to the internet. But sometimes, all the needed things do not ensure that you cannot encounter the error or different issues.

The main reasons for this problem include Windows operating system update errors that are a common trigger for computer issues. Other things that can possibly lead to this inconvenience can be related to third-party anti-virus programs, network issues, or saved credentials. If your DP application saved credentials, those can be misconfigured or lost later on, and the issue occurs.

"Couldn't connect to the remote computer" pop-up can also appear due to firewall problems or the more common issues related to corrupted files, system data affected by the previously present malware,[ref en-3] or your own behavior on the machine. These problems can get fixed with a quick scan using [d1]. The tool finds and repairs any occurring problems with the corrupted or affected data.

Option 1. Change firewall settings

• Go to Control Panel.
• Then choose System and Security.
• Select Windows Defender Firewall.
• Click Allowed apps.
  

  

  
  
• Look for the Change Settings button on the right of the page.
• Click the button.
• Once the list appears, scroll through the options until you find Remote Desktop.
  

  

• Check the private and public checkboxes.
• Close the windows and try to connect.

Option 2. Allow remote desktop connections

• Type Allow remote desktop connections in search.
• Look for the option Change settings to allow remote connections to this computer.
  

  

  
  
• Click on the Show settings link.
• Check the Allow Remote Assistance Connections to this computer.
  

  

  
  
• Click OK and Apply to confirm.

Option 3. Reset the credentials

• Open the Remote Desktop Connection via the Start menu or search. 
• Type IP address of the device you want to connect.
  

  

• If credentials are saved, you will get the option to edit or delete them.
• Make needed changes.

Option 4. Edit Windows Registry

• Press Windows key and R together.
• Type Regedit and hit Enter.
  

  

  
  
• Navigate to:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftTerminal Server Client
• Right-click on the empty space and choose New Dword (32-bit) Value.
• Enter the name RDGClientTransport.
• Double-click the newly created value and open the properties.
  

  

• Change the value data to 1.
• Click OK and save changes.

Option 5. Check the Group Policy

• Open the Run window with Windows key + R.
• Type gpedit.msc.
• Go to Computer Configuration.
• Choose Administrative Templates.
• Then Windows Components and Remote Desktop Services.
• Click Remote Desktop Session Host and then Connections.
• Look for the Allow users to connect remotely by using the Remote Desktop Services option.
• If it is disabled, change it to the Enabled or Not Configured setting.

Option 6. Change the network properties

• Go to Settings
• Choose Network and Internet.
• Open the Status.
• Click the Change Connection Properties option on the right.
  

  

• Choose the Private option, and close.
  

  

• Try connecting again.