Getting the “Remote Desktop Can’t Find the Computer” Error? Here’s How to Fix It
The Remote Desktop feature in Windows enables users to connect to another computer remotely and control it as if they were in front of it. However, sometimes you may get the error message, “Remote Desktop Can’t Find the Computer,” preventing you from accessing the remote desktop. If this happens, there are several ways to fix it.
1. Check the Network Connection
The first step to resolving the remote desktop connection error is to check the network connection. A network issue may prevent the remote desktop from connecting with the target computer. Therefore, make sure that the computer you want to connect to is on the same network, and the network settings are correct.
2. Check the Firewall Settings
A firewall can also block the Remote Desktop application from connecting to the target computer. To fix this, you need to allow the Remote Desktop app through the firewall. To do this, launch the Windows Defender Firewall application, click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall,” select “Remote Desktop,” and tick “Private” and “Public” checkboxes. Save the settings and try to connect to the remote desktop again.
3. Check Remote Desktop Services
If there are issues with the Remote Desktop Services, you may get the error message in question. To check and restart the Remote Desktop Services, open the Run command by pressing Windows + R keys together, type “services.msc” and click OK. This will open the Services window, where you can locate “Remote Desktop Services” and “Remote Desktop Configuration” services.
Right-click on each of these services, select “Restart,” and wait for them to restart successfully. After restarting these services, try to connect to the remote desktop again to see if the error is resolved.
4. Check Remote Desktop Configuration
Another reason why the Remote Desktop connection may fail is due to incorrect configuration settings. You can check and update the Remote Desktop Configuration settings in the Control Panel. Go to the Control Panel, then System and Security, then System, and click on the “Remote Settings” link. Ensure that the “Allow remote connections to this computer” box is checked, and the users you want to allow access to are added to the Remote Desktop Users group.
5. Restart the System
Sometimes, the easiest way to fix the Remote Desktop connection error is to restart the target computer. This can easily refresh the network and Remote Desktop Services and may solve the problem.
In conclusion, the “Remote Desktop Can’t Find the Computer” error can be caused by various reasons, including network issues, firewall settings, Remote Desktop Services issues, incorrect configurations, and more. However, you can fix it by checking the network connection, firewall settings, Remote Desktop configuration, restarting the Remote Desktop Services, and restarting the system. So, try these solutions one by one until you can successfully connect to the remote desktop.