Can’t connect via Remote Desktop on Windows 11 Pro

Troubleshooting Remote Desktop Connection Issues on Windows 11 Pro

Connecting remotely to a Windows 11 Pro machine can greatly enhance productivity and flexibility. However, users sometimes encounter obstacles that prevent successful Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. If you find yourself unable to connect via Remote Desktop on your Windows 11 Pro devices, despite following standard setup procedures, this article offers a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you resolve common issues and establish a stable remote connection.

Understanding Common Causes of RDP Failures

Remote Desktop connectivity problems often stem from configuration issues, network restrictions, or firewall misconfigurations. The typical error message might read: “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons: 1. Remote access to the server is not enabled…” When faced with this message, systematically verifying each component of your setup can uncover the underlying cause.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Verify Remote Desktop is Enabled on the Target Machine
Open Settings → System → Remote Desktop
Ensure that “Remote Desktop” is toggled On
Confirm that “Networking must allow remote connections to this computer” is enabled
Confirm that “Network Level Authentication” is selected if required
Check Network Profile Settings
Confirm both devices are set to “Private” network profile
To verify, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet/Wi-Fi → Properties
Change network profile to “Private” if set to “Public”
Confirm User Account and Permissions
Ensure the user attempting the connection has administrative privileges or is part of the “Remote Desktop Users” group
To verify group membership, open “Computer Management” → Local Users and Groups → Users
Add your user account to “Remote Desktop Users” if necessary
Validate Firewall Configuration
Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
Ensure that inbound rules for “Remote Desktop (TCP-In)” are enabled for the Private profile
Also, confirm that “File and Printer Sharing” is enabled for the Private network
You can temporarily disable the firewall to test connectivity (not recommended for prolonged periods)
Test Network Connectivity
Use ping command to verify connectivity to the remote machine
If ping fails initially, adjust firewall settings to allow ICMP Echo Requests
Ensure that both devices are on the same subnet and that no network policies prevent communication
Check Router and Network Settings
Verify that router settings do not include client isolation