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But SSL encryption requires the use of certificates, which creates two problems that can cause a remote desktop to not work.įirst, if remote desktops are going to connect properly, client computers must trust the certificate authority that issued the certificate. Many VDI products use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption for users that access VDI sessions outside the network perimeter. Security certificates can also cause remote desktop connection problems. The Control Panel setting that shows Windows Defender Firewall allowing RDP traffic on port 3389
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Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)-based tools use RDP port 3389 by default. To avoid firewall problems, ensure that the port your remote desktop software uses is open on any firewalls residing between client computers and the server they connect to. It's easy to dismiss the notion that a firewall could contribute to a remote desktop not working, but it's quite common. Likewise, you may discover the problem is unique to VPN traffic or a particular subnet. In doing so, you might discover that the problem affects wireless connections but not wired ones. If you suspect the network might be to blame, try to narrow down the scope of the issue to find the root cause. The goal is to find out if the problem is specific to an individual client, the network or a terminal server/Windows server. The easiest way to diagnose this issue is through the process of elimination.įirst, try to establish a session from a client that has been able to successfully connect in the past. Network failureĪ lack of a valid communications path can prevent a client from connecting to a remote desktop session. There are many remote desktop connection problems that administrators may encounter, including network failure, Secure Sockets Layer certificate issues, authentication troubles and capacity limitations.Īs a desktop admin, you can prevent and solve common remote desktop problems by using these tips.
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