10 Ways to Fix RDP Disconnecting Frequently in Windows



Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is an essential tool for managing Windows systems remotely. However, one of the most frustrating issues faced by users is frequent RDP disconnections. If you're dealing with this issue, you're not alone. Many users report having RDP disconnecting randomly or at regular intervals, which can disrupt work and cause significant downtime. Fortunately, several solutions can help you fix frequent RDP disconnections in Windows.

In this article, we’ll explore ten ways to fix the issue of RDP disconnecting frequently in Windows, providing both basic and advanced solutions to restore seamless connectivity.

1. Check Network Stability

Before diving into technical fixes, it’s crucial to ensure that your network connection is stable. RDP heavily depends on your internet connection, and any fluctuations can cause disconnects. To troubleshoot:

  • Check your internet connection for stability and speed. You can run a speed test using tools like Ookla's Speedtest.
  • Ensure proper signal strength if using Wi-Fi. Try switching to a wired connection (Ethernet) if possible.
  • Restart your router or modem to resolve any temporary connectivity issues.

2. Update Windows and RDP Client

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues, including RDP disconnections. Both the Windows operating system and RDP client need to be up to date to ensure they work seamlessly together.

  • Update Windows: Ensure your Windows operating system is running the latest version. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and then click Check for Updates.
  • Update RDP Client: If you're using a third-party RDP client (like Microsoft Remote Desktop), check for any available updates to ensure you're using the latest version of the client software.

3. Increase RDP Timeout Settings

By default, RDP has a timeout value that disconnects idle sessions after a specific period. If your session is being disconnected frequently due to inactivity, increasing the timeout settings can help prevent disconnections.

To change the timeout settings:

  1. Open Group Policy Editor by pressing Win + R, typing gpedit.msc, and pressing Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Session Time Limits.
  3. Double-click Set time limit for active but idle Remote Desktop Services sessions and set it to Disabled or adjust the time limit as needed.
  4. Do the same for Set time limit for disconnected sessions to ensure the session doesn’t disconnect too early.

4. Disable Power Saving Features

Sometimes, power-saving settings on your computer can cause RDP sessions to disconnect. Windows may put your network adapter or the computer itself into a low-power state, interrupting the connection. To disable power-saving features:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
  2. Choose the High performance plan or create a custom plan.
  3. In the Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, right-click your network adapter, and choose Properties.
  4. Under the Power Management tab, uncheck the box labeled Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

This will help ensure that your network adapter remains active during an RDP session.

5. Check Firewall and Security Software

Firewalls and security software can block or interfere with RDP connections. Ensure that the necessary ports for RDP (TCP 3389) are open in your firewall.

  • Windows Firewall: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. Ensure that Remote Desktop is allowed for both public and private networks.
  • Third-Party Security Software: If you're using third-party antivirus or security software, check the software’s settings to ensure that it is not blocking RDP traffic. You may need to temporarily disable it to test the connection.

6. Adjust RDP Session Settings

RDP settings, such as screen resolution, color depth, and audio redirection, can sometimes cause instability in the connection. If the RDP session is using high resources, reducing these settings may improve stability.

To adjust the RDP session settings:

  1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection client (press Win + R, type mstsc, and press Enter).
  2. Click on Show Options.
  3. Go to the Display tab and reduce the screen resolution and color depth.
  4. On the Experience tab, select a Low-speed connection option to optimize the connection.

By lowering these settings, the RDP session may become more stable, especially if you have a slow or unreliable network connection.

7. Check for Network Congestion

High network traffic or congestion can also cause RDP disconnections. If multiple devices are using the same network for heavy tasks (like streaming, downloading large files, or gaming), it may cause bandwidth issues, resulting in an unstable RDP connection.

To minimize network congestion:

  • Limit other bandwidth-heavy activities while using RDP.
  • If possible, configure Quality of Service (QoS) on your router to prioritize RDP traffic.
  • Try connecting during off-peak hours to see if network congestion is the cause of the issue.

8. Check RDP Licensing and Group Policy

In some cases, licensing or group policies can cause RDP sessions to disconnect unexpectedly. If you are using a Windows Server, check if your RDP licensing is properly configured and ensure your group policies are set to allow RDP connections.

To check licensing:

  • On a server, open Server Manager, go to Remote Desktop Services, and check if your RDP licenses are valid.
  • If using Group Policy, ensure that Allow users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Services is enabled.

9. Adjust the TCP/IP Settings

Sometimes, misconfigured TCP/IP settings can cause issues with RDP. Resetting the TCP/IP stack or adjusting DNS settings can help resolve connection problems.

To reset the TCP/IP stack:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: 
    perl
    netsh int ip reset
  3. Restart your computer and try connecting again.

You can also try changing your DNS server settings to use a reliable DNS service (such as Google's DNS at 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).

10. Reconfigure RDP Licensing Mode

If you're using a Windows Server, the RDP licensing mode can sometimes cause disconnections. The licensing mode determines how many users can connect concurrently, and incorrect configuration can lead to session drops.

To check and configure the RDP licensing mode:

  1. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager (search for licmgr.msc).
  2. Ensure that the licensing mode (Per User or Per Device) is correctly set based on your organization’s licensing agreement.
  3. If there are issues, you may need to reinstall or reconfigure your RDP licenses.

Conclusion

Frequent RDP disconnections can be frustrating, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and restore stable remote desktop sessions. Start with basic troubleshooting like checking your network connection and updating software, and then work through more advanced solutions if necessary. Whether the cause is network instability, power-saving settings, or configuration errors, these steps should help you get back to working remotely without interruptions.

By maintaining an optimized environment for your RDP sessions, you'll improve both performance and reliability in your remote desktop experience.

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