Among the most often used ways to remotely connect to Windows systems is Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Whether you’re a system administrator managing multiple servers or a home user trying to connect to another device, RDP can save time and streamline tasks. However, login errors sometimes occur and prevent users from establishing a remote connection. These issues can be frustrating and result from a wide range of factors—network misconfigurations, credential problems, user permissions, service failures, or security settings. windows rdp login error fix.
This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to diagnosing and fixing Windows RDP login errors. We’ll cover common causes, troubleshooting methods, and best practices to ensure your remote connections work reliably.
Understanding Common RDP Login Errors
Before applying fixes, you must understand the errors you might encounter. Some of the most common Windows RDP login messages include:
- “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer.”
- “The credentials did not work.”
- “Your account is not allowed to log in.”
- “An authentication error has occurred.”
- “The Local Security Authority cannot be contacted.”
- Error codes such as 0x80004005, 0x700070, or 0x800703F8
Each message points toward a different problem area—network issues, authentication errors, permission settings, misconfigured policies, or Windows service failures.
Check Network Connectivity Windows RDP Login Error Fix
The most basic reason RDP fails is because the client device cannot reach the remote computer.
Checklist:
- Ensure both computers are powered on.
- Verify that they are connected to the same network or have proper routing in place.
- Use the ping command to test connectivity:
ping <remote-ip-address> - Ensure the remote computer’s IP address hasn’t changed (especially common in DHCP environments).
If ping fails, resolve the network issue before attempting RDP again.
Verify RDP Is Enabled on the Remote Machine
Even if the machine is online, Remote Desktop must be manually enabled.
To enable RDP:
- Open Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
- Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On.
- Allow access through Windows Firewall.
You can also verify this using PowerShell:
Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" -name fDenyTSConnections
A value of 0 means RDP is enabled; 1 means disabled.
To enable it:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" -name fDenyTSConnections -Value 0
Allow RDP Through Windows Firewall
The Windows Firewall may block incoming RDP connections.
Steps to allow RDP:
- Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
- Windows Defender Firewall will let you click Allow an application or feature.
- Check for both Public and Private networks Remote Desktop.
Alternatively, run:
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group=remote desktop new enable=YesIf RDP traffic is blocked on the main router or cloud provider firewall (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), open port 3389 as well.
Fix Incorrect Credentials Error
Sometimes, RDP rejects login attempts even when you enter the correct username and password.
Possible causes:
- Wrong username format
- Password recently changed
- Cached credentials
- Account not allowed to log in via RDP
Use this format for usernames:
PCNAME\usernameDOMAIN\username- Or simply:
username
If the password was changed recently, log in locally once to sync credentials.
You can also clear saved credentials:
- Search Credential Manager.
- Remove all saved Remote Desktop credentials.
Then try again.
Ensure the User Has RDP Permissions
Even if the credentials are correct, not every Windows account is allowed to use Remote Desktop.
To grant RDP permission:
- Go to System Properties → Remote tab.
- Click Select Users.
- Add the username that needs access.
check group membership:
net localgroup "Remote Desktop Users"
To add a user:
net localgroup "Remote Desktop Users" username /add
Check the RDP Services
Windows RDP Login Error Fix Windows relies on multiple services for remote login. If any of them stop working, RDP fails.
Ensure these services are running:
- Remote Desktop Services
- Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector
- Remote Desktop Configuration
Open Services.msc and set their startup type to Automatic.
Restart the main RDS service:
net stop termservice
net start termservice
Fix NLA (Network Level Authentication) Errors
If you see an error like:
“An authentication error has occurred. The function requested is not supported.”
or
“The Local Security Authority cannot be contacted.”
It may be caused by Network Level Authentication.
Option 1: Disable NLA temporarily
- Right-click This PC → Properties.
- Go to Remote settings.
- Uncheck Only accept connections from systems executing Remote Desktop with NLA.
Using PowerShell:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp" -name UserAuthentication -Value 0
Check Group Policy Settings
Sometimes a GPO blocks remote login.
Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and verify the following settings:
Computer Setup, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Remote Desktop Services
Check:
- Allow users to connect remotely = Enabled
- Limit number of connections
- Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services
If your user is listed under deny, remove it.
Run:
gpupdate /force
Fix Licensing and Session Limits (Servers)
On Windows Server, RDP issues can occur due to:
- RDS licensing errors
- Maximum sessions reached
Restart session host services:
net stop sessionenv
net start sessionenv
You can also log off stuck sessions using:
query session
logoff <ID>
Check for Windows Updates and Security Patches
Broken updates or missing patches can block RDP authentication.
Run:
wuauclt /detectnow
Or through Settings → Update & Security.
Install updates, then restart the system.
Conclusion
Windows Remote Desktop is an essential tool for remote access, but login errors can prevent you from connecting when you need it most. Fortunately, most issues are caused by fixable problems—network connectivity, firewall settings, permissions, service failures, or authentication misconfigurations. By following the steps in this guide, you can systematically diagnose and resolve RDP login errors.
For persistent issues, review logs in Event Viewer under: