How to fix Windows “This PC can’t connect to the remote computer” error

If you’re trying to connect to a remote computer and see the “This PC can’t connect to the remote computer” message, it can really throw off your workflow and slow things down. Usually, you can fix this error by tweaking your network settings, double-checking permissions, or restarting remote desktop services. These quick checks solve most connection problems, and you don’t need to be a tech expert to try them.

We’ve worked with plenty of professionals who needed to restore remote access fast, and most of the time, the fix comes down to pinpointing what’s blocking the connection. In this guide, we’ll walk through what causes the error, how to troubleshoot it, and what you can try if the basics don’t work.

If you keep running into problems or your business relies on stable remote connections, our team is ready to help. Reach out to NetTech Consultants – IT Support and Managed IT Services in Jacksonville for support that fits your network setup.

The “This PC Can’t Connect to the Remote Computer” Error

This connection error usually points to trouble with network communication, remote desktop settings, or security configurations. Most of the time, something prevents your local computer from authenticating or reaching the remote host through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

Common Causes of the Error

There are a few technical reasons why this message pops up. Network connectivity is a big one. If the remote computer is offline, has the wrong IP address, or a firewall blocks it, you’re not getting through.

Sometimes, Remote Desktop settings cause the problem. Maybe RDP is turned off on the remote computer, or it’s set up to only let certain users or networks connect.

Credential issues can block you too. If your username or password is old, or domain policies restrict remote logins, authentication just won’t go through.

Other times, Windows updates or group policies change security requirements, like forcing Network Level Authentication (NLA). If your computer can’t handle these requirements, you’ll get the error.

How the Error Impacts Remote Connections

When this error shows up, you can’t get to files, apps, or admin tools on the remote system. That can really slow things down, especially if your team depends on centralized servers or virtual desktops.

We see this issue hit remote workforce operations pretty often. Folks working from home lose access to shared drives or business apps until the connection gets fixed.

Admins get stuck too. Without RDP, they can’t patch, monitor, or troubleshoot remote machines.

If you’re managing IT for a company and this keeps happening, it might be a sign of deeper network or policy issues. Catching these early helps us avoid bigger disruptions and keeps remote access running smoothly.

Essential Troubleshooting Steps

We usually start by checking network communication, making sure Remote Desktop is set up right, and confirming the user account has the right permissions. Each step narrows down where the connection is failing.

Check Network Connectivity

First up, check that both your computer and the remote one are online and reachable. An easy way to do this is to ping the remote computer’s IP address. If the ping doesn’t work, the problem is probably with the network, not Remote Desktop.

Make sure both computers are on the same network, or that VPN connections are active if you need them. Firewalls, routers, or security software sometimes block remote access ports. The default port for Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is 3389, and it needs to be open on both sides.

If you use static IPs, check for conflicts. For DHCP, make sure the assigned addresses are good. Keeping track of IP setups in a table is handy:

Once you know the network is good, move on to checking configurations.

Verify Remote Desktop Settings

Remote Desktop has to be enabled on the computer you’re trying to reach. To check, open System Properties > Remote Settings and make sure Allow remote connections to this computer is selected. On Windows 10 or later, look in Settings > System > Remote Desktop for the same thing.

It’s a good idea to check that Network Level Authentication (NLA) is set up right. If your client doesn’t support NLA, turn it off temporarily to test the connection. But remember, NLA adds security, so don’t leave it off.

Make sure the remote computer isn’t set to sleep or hibernate, since that blocks connections. On servers, check that the RDP service is running in Services.msc under Remote Desktop Services. Restarting this service sometimes clears up the issue.

Check that Windows Firewall allows inbound RDP traffic. The rule Remote Desktop (TCP-In) should be on.

Confirm User Permissions

Even if the network and RDP settings are right, permissions can still trip you up. Make sure the user account you’re using is part of the Remote Desktop Users group on the remote machine.

To check, open Computer Management > Local Users and Groups > Groups and look at who’s in the group. If your user isn’t listed, add them. In a domain setup, confirm the account has the right Active Directory permissions.

Group Policy can also block RDP. Run gpedit.msc and go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections. Make sure Allow users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Services is enabled.

Check that the account isn’t locked or expired. If you’ve changed your password recently, update the saved credentials in the Remote Desktop client. These steps usually solve most user-level problems with connecting.

Advanced Solutions for Persistent Issues

If you’ve tried the basics and still can’t connect, it’s time to dig deeper into configurations. These steps cover firewall and antivirus settings, system policies, and software updates that sometimes block Remote Desktop.

Configure Windows Firewall and Antivirus

Firewall or antivirus software can block Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) traffic. Start by checking that TCP port 3389 is open on both the local and remote systems.

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Select Inbound Rules > New Rule > Port.
3. Pick TCP, enter 3389, and allow the connection.

Check your antivirus software for network protection features that might block RDP. Try turning off real-time protection briefly to see if that’s the problem.

If you use a third-party firewall, make sure it allows RDP traffic by adding an exception. Keeping firewall rules the same across devices helps avoid connection mismatches.

Adjust Group Policy and Registry Settings

Group Policy or registry settings can stop remote connections, even if the network looks fine. Use gpedit.msc to check policies under:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.

Make sure Allow users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Services is Enabled. Turning off Limit number of connections can help avoid session caps.

In the registry, check that the fDenyTSConnections key is set to 0 under:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server.

Always back up the registry before making changes. One wrong value can stop RDP from working.

Update Windows and Device Drivers

Outdated system components can really mess with RDP compatibility. We usually run Windows Update to grab any patches or security updates out there.

Old network adapter and display drivers sometimes get in the way of remote sessions too. So, we open Device Manager, find Network adapters, right-click on the device, and hit Update driver.

Sometimes we just head over to the manufacturer’s website to see if they’ve got a newer driver, especially if we’re dealing with enterprise network cards.

Keeping everything patched up helps encryption, authentication, and RDP client versions stay in sync across devices. That way, you’re less likely to run into weird connection problems.