Easily Fixed: Access Is Denied This Initial Program Cannot Be Started

The case: Access is denied this initial program cannot be started

I access via RDP to Windows Server 2016. However, there appears the error "this initial program cannot be started" and the path. What can I do to work it out? I can't find any way to enable RDP applications on the Server now.

Actually, the users may meet with different kinds of problems that make them feel annoyed when using the RDP feature, such as Remote Desktop not working after upgrade. Just as the complaint from the above, he meets with the error “Access is denied” and can’t find the way to enable RDP applications on the Server, which almost drives him crazy. And this passage is mainly dealing with the error “Access is denied  This initial program cannot be started”.

Causes for “Access is denied. This initial program cannot be started”

Before we know the solutions to fix the problem, let’s learn something about the possible reasons for “Access is denied This initial program cannot be started.”

▪ Reason 1. The wrong program path and filename
The client connection might have been configured to start a program upon connection, but the program path and filename are incorrect.

▪ Reason 2. The specific program of the administrator
The server administrator might have specified a program to start upon connection, using Group Policy, Terminal Services Configuration, or other Terminal Services administration tools.

▪ Reason 3. multiple monitors
When there are multiple monitors, Remote Desktop will not work. It always fails when trying to remotely control any session where the user has more than one monitor. The best solution for this one is resorting to third-party software.

Solutions for “ Access is denied. This initial program cannot be started”

Now, let’s get to know more about the solutions for “Access is denied This initial program cannot be started” on Server 2016 when connecting remotely with RDP.

Solution 1. Configure the settings

Step 1. Search Remote Desktop Connection in the Search box.

Step 2. Locate on “ Programs” tab, check and tick the option “ Start the following program on connection”

Solution 2. Add Key and Value to Registry

Step 1. Create a blank document and enter the following lines:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Terminal Server\TSAppAllowList\Applications\calc]"CommandLineSetting"=dword:00000000"RequiredCommandLine"="""Path"="C:\\Windows\\system32\\calc.exe""ShowInTSWA"=dword:00000000"Name"="Calculator""SecurityDescriptor"=""

Step 2. Rename the file as the name with .reg suffix, such as enter.reg

Step 3. Double click the file, then you can enter “Registry Editor”, click on Yes, then you’ll receive a warning message, click on Yes.

Step 4. Finally, the keys and values have been successfully added to the registry. Click on “OK” and check if the problem has been solved.

Solution 3. Allow remote start in Group Policy

Step 1. Press Win + R and input “gpedit.msc” and click on OK

Step 2. Navigation:

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

Step 3. On the right pane, double click on “Allow remote start of unlisted programs” and enable it.

Note: If you select this option, users can start any program remotely from a .rdp file on the initial connection. And this solution is suitable for server 2016.

Bonus tip: If you encounter the problem when using RDP on Windows 2008, you can also configure RemoteApp deployment settings to fix the issue. 

Step 1. Click on the start button, go to “All programs” and then choose Remote Desktop Services and the RemoteApp Manager.

Step 2. Now you can see “RD Session Host Server Settings” in the left, click on “Change”.

Step 3. Select the “Allow users to start both listed and unlisted programs on initial connection” to enable the RDP client to launch applications, click OK.

Final Solution: A free & easy 3rd party remote software-- AnyViewer

After reading or trying the above solutions, has your problem has been fixed now? If it is, I’d appreciate the solution works for you. If it’s not, don’t worry, there is a final solution that must be suitable for you -- AnyViewer. As a free and easy-operated third-party remote access software, AnyViewer is supported by a great team. Its accessibility and security are reliable. You can remotely control the host computer without too many troubles by using AnyViewer. It’s workable for all editions of Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2 (64bit and 32bit) and Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7. Follow me and get to know how it works.

Prerequisites:

• Be sure of the accessibility of the network.
• Download and install AnyViewer on the client PC and host PC.

Step 1. Install AnyViewer and then open it. Go to the “Log in” tab, click on “Sign up”.

Step 2. Fill in the information to sign up.

Step 3. Now you can see your interface as the following picture. And your device will automatically be assigned to the account you’ve logged in to.

Step 4. If you have logged in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices, then you can achieve a direct connection by clicking Remote control on the right pane. 

Note: If you  want to control the remote  PC  without logging your AnyViewer account, you can follow these steps:

Step 1. Open AnyViewer on both two computers and then locate the Settings and the device ID.

Step 2. Click on Settings on the host computer, and then select Recipient, choose the third option “Set my security code”, input the security code and then click on OK. Return to the main interface.

Step 3. On the client PC, enter the device ID of the host PC in the partner ID box. Click on “Connect”.

Step 4. A pop-up window appears, tick the second option “Input security code” and input the security code, click on “OK”.

Step 5. Now the connection is completed.

Note: Isn’t it easier than RDP? Another easy way is “Send a control request”, which is for the attended access.

Conclusion

The error “Access is denied This initial program cannot be started” must be addressed through the solutions like configuring the settings, adding Key and Value to Registry, and so on. Absolutely, the solutions above may seem too troublesome. At this time, you can also try the 3rd party access freeware, which can help you out of the problem.