Reinstall Remote | Desktop Connection
How to Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection: A Complete Guide for Windows 10 & 11
Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) is a critical tool for IT professionals, system administrators, and remote workers. When it starts malfunctioning—throwing cryptic errors, failing to connect, or crashing on launch—the common advice you'll find online is to "reinstall" it.
- Run the Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the "Program Compatibility Troubleshooter" on Remote Desktop.
- Flush your DNS: Open Command Prompt as Admin and type
ipconfig /flushdnsthen press Enter. - Check the Service: Press
Win + R, typeservices.msc, and ensure "Remote Desktop Services" is Running and set to Automatic.
If you are reinstalling because the connection is failing, ensure these basics are covered first as suggested by TeamViewer : reinstall remote desktop connection
- Disable RDC: Go to Server Manager, click on Remote Desktop, and disable RDC.
- Uninstall RDC: Open Server Manager, click on Roles and Features, and uninstall Remote Desktop Services.
- Restart the server: Restart the remote server.
- Re-enable RDC: Go to Server Manager, click on Remote Desktop, and enable RDC.
- Configure RDC settings: Configure RDC settings, such as setting up firewall rules and specifying the remote server's IP address or hostname.
- Use strong passwords: Use strong, complex passwords for both local and remote computers.
- Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA): NLA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to authenticate before establishing a connection.
- Use encryption: Use encryption protocols, such as TLS, to protect data transmitted during the RDC session.
- Limit RDC access: Restrict RDC access to specific users or groups to prevent unauthorized access.
Method 4: Re-register the App (For Windows 10/11 App Issues)
Best for: The app window won't open at all, or it immediately closes. How to Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection: A Complete
Remember: Always test after each method with mstsc or the Microsoft Store app. And if you’re an IT admin, consider deploying the Store version via Winget (winget install Microsoft.RemoteDesktop) to ensure all clients stay up-to-date. Run the Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System
This scans for and replaces corrupted system files that RDC relies on. DISM Repair : If SFC doesn't fix it, run: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
- Open PowerShell as administrator and run:

