Windows 10 Remote Desktop Not Working After Reboot: Troubleshooting Guide

If you've found yourself staring at a blank screen or encountering error messages when trying to connect to Remote Desktop after a reboot, you're not alone. This article delves into the common issues causing Remote Desktop to fail post-reboot, offering a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to get you back online.

Introduction

Ever experienced the frustration of setting up everything for a smooth Remote Desktop session, only to have it fail after a reboot? This is a frequent issue many Windows 10 users face. Why does this happen, and more importantly, how can you fix it? This guide explores the potential reasons and provides step-by-step solutions to restore your Remote Desktop functionality.

Common Causes of Remote Desktop Issues

1. Network Connectivity Problems

One of the most common issues is related to network connectivity. After a reboot, network settings or configurations might be altered. To address this:

• Check your network connection: Ensure that both your local and remote computers are connected to the internet.
• Verify IP addresses: Ensure that the remote machine’s IP address hasn't changed.
• Restart your router: Sometimes, a simple restart of your network equipment can resolve connectivity issues.

2. Remote Desktop Services Not Running

Remote Desktop requires specific services to be running. If these services are not started or are malfunctioning after a reboot, the connection will fail.

• Check Remote Desktop Services: Go to Services (search for it in the Start menu), and ensure that the Remote Desktop Services is running. If not, start it and set it to automatically start.

3. Firewall and Security Software

Firewalls and security software can block Remote Desktop connections. Post-reboot, these settings might reset or become stricter.

• Check Windows Firewall settings: Ensure that Remote Desktop is allowed through the firewall. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall and verify that Remote Desktop is allowed.
• Review third-party security software: Sometimes, antivirus or third-party firewall software may block Remote Desktop. Check the settings of your security software and create an exception for Remote Desktop.

4. Incorrect Remote Desktop Settings

Sometimes, settings related to Remote Desktop might get altered or reset after a reboot.

• Verify Remote Desktop settings: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > Remote settings. Ensure that Allow remote connections to this computer is selected.
• Check Group Policy settings: For advanced configurations, check if there are any Group Policy settings affecting Remote Desktop by running gpedit.msc and navigating to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services.

5. User Account Issues

User accounts and permissions play a crucial role in Remote Desktop access.

• Ensure the user has permissions: Go to System Properties > Remote Settings, click on Select Users, and ensure that the user account you're trying to use is listed.
• Check user account status: Verify that the user account has not been disabled or has expired.

6. Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can cause various issues, including Remote Desktop failures.

• Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow. This tool will scan and repair corrupted system files that might be affecting Remote Desktop.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Step 1: Restart Services and Check Network

1. Restart both local and remote machines.
2. Ensure network connectivity and verify IP addresses.

Step 2: Verify and Adjust Firewall Settings

1. Check Windows Firewall settings.
2. Review third-party firewall and security software configurations.

Step 3: Review Remote Desktop Settings

1. Confirm Remote Desktop settings in Control Panel.
2. Check Group Policy settings if applicable.

Step 4: Validate User Account Permissions

1. Ensure user permissions are correctly set.
2. Verify the status of the user account.

Step 5: Repair System Files

1. Run the System File Checker to repair any corrupted files.

Conclusion

Remote Desktop issues post-reboot can be a source of significant frustration, but with a systematic approach to troubleshooting, you can identify and resolve the problem. From network connectivity to system file corruption, this guide covers the most common issues and their solutions, ensuring you can get back to your Remote Desktop sessions with minimal downtime.

By following these steps, you can minimize disruptions and maintain seamless remote connectivity. For ongoing issues, consider reaching out to technical support or consulting additional resources for more advanced troubleshooting techniques.