How to Fix RDP Connection Refused in Windows 10? – Complete Guide

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is one of the most widely used tools in Windows 10 for accessing another computer remotely. It allows users to connect to a machine, manage files, run applications, or troubleshoot issues without being physic
ally present. However, one of the most frustrating problems users encounter is the “RDP Connection Refused” error. This error prevents a successful connection and can arise from several causes, including configuration issues and network restrictions.

This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of causes, troubleshooting methods, and solutions for fixing RDP connection refused errors in Windows 10.

Understanding the “Connection Refused” Error

When attempting to connect via RDP, the client communicates with the host machine using port 3389 (default RDP port). If something blocks the connection, misconfigures the service, or denies authentication, the error “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” or “connection refused” appears.

Common Causes:

1. Remote Desktop is not enabled on the target machine.

2. Windows Firewall or antivirus is blocking RDP.

3. Incorrect network or IP settings.

4. RDP service is not running.

5. Conflicting Group Policy or registry settings.

6. User permissions not configured properly.

7. Router/NAT or ISP restrictions.

8. Incorrect credentials or domain trust issues.

Step 1: Verify Remote Desktop is Enabled

The most common reason for RDP refusal is that the target PC hasn’t enabled remote access.

1. Press Windows + R, typeSystemPropertiesRemote, and hit Enter.

2. In the System Properties > Remote tab, check Allow remote connections to this computer.

3. Ensure the box for 'Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (NLA)' is configured correctly, depending on your client machine.

💡 If the client PC does not support NLA, uncheck that box.

Step 2: Confirm the RDP Service is Running

The Remote Desktop Services process must be active.

1. Press Windows + R, typeservices.msc, and press Enter.

2. Locate Remote Desktop Services in the list.

3. Ensure it is running and set to Automatic startup.

4. Restart the service if necessary.

Step 3: Check Firewall Settings

Windows Firewall can block RDP requests if not configured.

1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

2. Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.

3. Ensure Remote Desktop is allowed for both Private and Public networks.

Alternatively, run this command in PowerShell (as Administrator):

Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"

Step 4: Verify Network and IP Configuration

If the wrong IP address or hostname is used, RDP will fail.

• On the host machine, open Command Prompt and type:

  ipconfig
  

  Note the IPv4 address.

• On the client machine, test connectivity using:

  ping <IP_ADDRESS>
  

• If ping fails, the issue may be network-related or blocked by firewall/security software.

Step 5: Confirm Port 3389 is Open

RDP uses port 3389 by default. If blocked, the connection will be refused.

1. On the host machine, open Command Prompt and run:

   netstat -an | find "3389"
   

   If no results appear, the port may not be listening.

2. If needed, adjust router/NAT settings to forward port 3389 to the host computer.

3. If another service is using 3389, you may need to change the RDP port in the Windows Registry:

   • Open regedit → Navigate to:

     HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp\PortNumber
     

   • Modify the port, restart, and update firewall rules accordingly.

Step 6: Verify User Permissions

The connecting account must be a member of the Remote Desktop Users group.

1. Right-click This PC > Properties > Remote Settings.

2. Under Remote Desktop, click Select Users.

3. Add the appropriate user(s).

Step 7: Disable Third-Party Security Software Temporarily

Sometimes antivirus or endpoint protection software blocks RDP connections.

• Temporarily disable or whitelist RDP-related services in the security program.

• If RDP works after disabling, configure the antivirus to allow RDP traffic.

Step 8: Check Group Policy Settings

In corporate environments, Group Policy may restrict RDP.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections
   

3. Ensure Allow users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Services is set to Enabled.

Step 9: Reset RDP Credentials

Sometimes cached credentials cause issues.

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc).

2. Click Show Options → Delete saved credentials.

3. Enter the username and password again.

Step 10: Try Network Level Authentication Fix

If NLA settings cause the error:

1. On the host machine, disable NLA in System Properties > Remote tab.

2. Alternatively, edit Group Policy:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Credentials Delegation
   

   Allow delegation for NTLM-only authentication.

Step 11: Use RDP Troubleshooter Tools

Microsoft provides built-in troubleshooters.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

• Run Incoming Connections Troubleshooter.

Step 12: Advanced Network Fixes

• Flush DNS Cache:

  ipconfig /flushdns
  

• Reset Winsock:

  netsh winsock reset
  

• Check VPN/Proxy Settings: VPNs can block RDP; disable or reconfigure them.

Preventing Future RDP Refusals

To minimize future issues:

• Keep Windows updated with security patches.

• Use static IP addresses for hosts.

• Monitor RDP logs in Event Viewer for errors.

• Secure RDP with MFA (multi-factor authentication) or VPN.

• Restrict RDP access to specific IP addresses.

Conclusion

The RDP Connection Refused error in Windows 10 is typically caused by misconfigured services, blocked ports, or incorrect permissions. By methodically checking Remote Desktop settings, firewall rules, user permissions, and network configurations, you can restore remote access quickly.

For home users, ensuring the feature is enabled and firewall rules are correct often resolves the issue. For enterprise users, Group Policy, antivirus restrictions, or port conflicts are more likely culprits.

With this step-by-step guide, you should be able to identify the cause of RDP refusal and apply the right fix, ensuring secure and reliable remote access to your Windows 10 machine.