Remote Desktop is one of the most valuable features in Windows 10, allowing users to connect to a computer or server remotely. Whether you’re working from home, managing IT systems, or accessing files on your server, Remote Desktop makes it all possible. However, encountering the error “Remote access to the server is not enabled” can prevent you from connecting to the target device, disrupting your workflow.
This article explains the common causes of this error and provides step-by-step solutions to resolve and prevent it in the future.
What Does the Error Mean?
The error “Remote access to the server is not enabled” usually occurs when the target computer or server is not configured to accept remote connections. It may also indicate issues with the network, permissions, or security settings.
In most cases, this error arises because the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is disabled by default in Windows 10 for security reasons. Additionally, other factors such as firewall settings, network configurations, or insufficient user privileges can trigger this issue.
Common Causes of the Error
Several factors can lead to this error message:
Remote Desktop Not Enabled:
The primary reason is that Remote Desktop functionality hasn’t been activated on the target machine.
Network Profile Settings:
Public network profiles restrict access, preventing remote connections.
Firewall or Antivirus Restrictions:
Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software may block RDP connections.
User Permissions:
The user attempting to connect does not have the necessary privileges to access the server.
Group Policy Restrictions:
Active Directory Group Policy settings might disable remote connections.
Inactive Remote Desktop Services:
The Windows service responsible for managing remote connections may not be running.
Network Port Issues:
RDP uses port 3389 by default, and it may be blocked by a firewall or router configuration.
Step-by-Step Solutions
- Enable Remote Desktop The first step is to ensure that Remote Desktop is enabled on the target machine. Follow these steps:
Open Settings (Windows + I).
Navigate to System > Remote Desktop.
Toggle on the option Enable Remote Desktop.
Confirm the change by clicking Confirm.
Alternatively, you can use the classic Control Panel:
Right-click This PC and select Properties.
Click on Remote settings in the left panel.
Under Remote Desktop, choose Allow remote connections to this computer.
Ensure the option “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)” is checked.
- Adjust Network Profile The network profile of the target machine determines how accessible it is to other devices. If the machine is set to Public, remote access may be blocked. Switch to a Private network:
Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
Click Change connection properties under your active network.
Select Private as the network profile.
- Configure Firewall Settings Windows Firewall may block Remote Desktop connections. To allow RDP through the firewall:
Open the Control Panel.
Navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Scroll down and ensure Remote Desktop is checked for both Private and Public networks.
If you’re using third-party antivirus software, add an exception for Remote Desktop in its settings.
- Verify User Permissions The account you’re using to connect remotely must have proper permissions. To check:
Right-click This PC and select Properties.
Click on Remote settings.
Under Remote Desktop, click Select Users.
Add the username of the account you’ll use for remote access.
- Restart Remote Desktop Services Ensure that the Remote Desktop Services are running properly:
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Locate Remote Desktop Services in the list.
Ensure the status is Running. If not, right-click and select Start.
Set the Startup Type to Automatic to ensure the service starts at boot.
- Check Group Policy Settings If you’re on a domain or using Windows 10 Pro, Group Policy settings may restrict remote access. To modify these:
Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
Double-click Allow users to connect remotely by using Remote Desktop Services and set it to Enabled.
Apply and save the changes.
- Ensure the RDP Port Is Open Remote Desktop connections use TCP port 3389 by default. If this port is blocked, the connection will fail. To ensure the port is open:
Open Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Advanced settings.
Under Inbound Rules, look for a rule that allows traffic on port 3389.
If no rule exists, create one:
Click New Rule in the right-hand menu.
Select Port, then click Next.
Enter 3389 and allow the connection.
If you’re using a router, ensure port 3389 is forwarded to your computer’s local IP address.
- Test Connection Using IP Address Sometimes, DNS issues can prevent connections. Use the target computer’s IP address instead of its hostname:
On the target computer, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig.
Note the IPv4 Address.
Use this IP address to establish the remote connection.
Tips to Prevent Future Issues
Keep Windows Updated:
Regular updates ensure that Remote Desktop features and security are up to date.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Adding an extra layer of security prevents unauthorized access.
Backup System Configurations:
Save system configurations to easily restore them if changes disrupt remote access.
Monitor Firewall and Antivirus Settings:
Periodically check for updates or rules that might block Remote Desktop.
Regularly Audit Group Policies:
For domain environments, ensure Group Policy settings align with remote access needs.
Conclusion
The error “Remote access to the server is not enabled” in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but it’s often the result of straightforward misconfigurations. By enabling Remote Desktop, adjusting network profiles, configuring firewalls, and verifying permissions, you can quickly resolve this issue and regain remote access to your system. With proper setup and maintenance, Windows 10 Remote Desktop can provide a reliable and secure solution for managing servers and accessing resources remotely.
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