Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection

Scroll through the installed features list or use the search bar to look for . Click on it and select Uninstall . Restart your computer to complete the removal process. Step 2: Reinstall the Feature Open Settings and return to Optional features .

If the client is missing or broken on a Windows Server machine, follow these steps:

Restart your PC one more time to initialize the freshly installed components.

Often, what appears to be a broken installation is actually a corrupted system file or dependency. Running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool alongside the System File Checker (SFC) will repair the underlying mstsc.exe application without modifying your user settings.

Right-click the and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) . reinstall remote desktop connection

Run the System File Checker to replace missing or damaged RDC files: sfc /scannow Use code with caution.

Once the system has restarted, you can reinstall the application:

Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall . Ensure that Remote Desktop is checked for both Private and Public networks.

DISM scans the hidden Windows component store for corruption and fetches healthy replacement files online. Scroll through the installed features list or use

Right-click the and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) .

(Only for legacy RD Web setups.)

Type sysdm.cpl and hit to open the System Properties window. Navigate to the Remote tab at the top.

If the legacy win32 client ( mstsc.exe ) remains broken after attempting reinstallation, Microsoft provides a modern, sandboxed alternative through the Microsoft Store. This universal application features a completely distinct codebase, meaning it remains unaffected by standard system file corruption. Step-by-Step Instructions: Open the from your taskbar or Start menu. Type Microsoft Remote Desktop into the top search bar. Step 2: Reinstall the Feature Open Settings and

Run the downloaded setup.exe file. The setup wizard will run and complete automatically without requiring complex user interaction. Alternative: Transition to the New "Windows App"

Ensure port is open. In firewall settings, verify "Remote Desktop" is checked for Private and Public networks. Network Properties

Press the , type cmd , right-click Command Prompt , and select Run as administrator .

Click . Windows will pull the necessary files and install the client.

file is still missing, use system repair tools to restore the original Windows files. Microsoft Learn Command Prompt as an administrator and run: sfc /scannow