This article explains common reasons RDP can’t connect to remote desktop from outside network. It also covers settings needed to allow remote desktop outside access and improve connection success.
🌟Quick Summary:
This article explains how to fix the issue when RDP can’t connect to Remote Desktop from outside network. Common solutions include configuring port forwarding on your router to allow RDP traffic, enabling remote connections on the host computer, updating Windows to resolve CredSSP or NLA errors, setting up a VPN for secure access, adjusting the network profile from Public to Private, checking the RDP listener port, and modifying registry settings like the RDGClientTransport key. Each method helps restore Remote Desktop access over the internet, but some require technical knowledge and careful configuration.
For users who want a faster and simpler solution, a remote access tool like AnyViewer offers reliable connections, supports more Windows editions including Home and Standard, and provides extra features such as file transfer, multi-monitor support, unattended access, and simultaneous multiple connections. It helps reduce connection errors and improves efficiency, making remote access straightforward and convenient.
If you can’t connect to Remote Desktop from outside network, the issue may be that RDP traffic is blocked by your router. To allow outside access, set up port forwarding for port to the target PC. This helps resolve errors like “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” and RDP can’t connect from outside network.
✍️Before you start: Routers offer web-based control panels that can be accessed by opening a web browser and entering the router's IP address. If you don't know the login details, go to check your router's user manual.
Step 1. Open a web browser, type in your router address, and press Enter.
Step 2. Input the information and click Login.
Step 3. When you logged in, go to Port Forwarding/Port Triggering section, and click Add Custom Service.
Step 4. Then enter a name for the service, select "TCP/UDP" or "Both" under Service Type, type in the RDP port number (default 3389), and enter the IP address.
Step 5. Click Apply to save the settings and, if necessary, restart the router. Then you can establish an RDP connection over the Internet.
If Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer from outside network, remote access may not be enabled on the host PC. To allow outside access, turn on Remote Desktop in system settings. Without this option enabled, RDP can’t connect to Remote Desktop from outside network, even if the network is configured correctly.
Note: Windows 10 or Windows 11 Home Edition doesn't support Remote Desktop. That is to say, you won't be able to connect to a Windows 11/10 home computer using Remote Desktop.
Step 1. On the host computer, press "Windows" + "R" to open the "Run" dialogue.
Step 2. Input “sysdm.cpl” and click “OK” button to open the “System Properties” window.
Step 3. Click the “Remote” tab and choose “Allow remote connection to this computer” and click "OK" to allow remote access to this computer.
▶ Note: If you want to use Remote Assistance to help the PC solve issues, check the “Allow Remote Assistance connection to this computer” as well. To realize the differences between Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop, refer to Remote Assistance vs. Remote Desktop.
If you can’t connect to Remote Desktop from outside network, CredSSP or NLA issues may be the cause. When the client or remote computer lacks required Windows updates, an authentication error can occur due to a version mismatch. Updating both systems often helps restore Remote Desktop outside access and resolves RDP can’t connect to the remote computer failures.
The best fix is to update both systems. If you need an immediate workaround, you can temporarily disable Network Level Authentication (NLA):
Step 1. Open the System Properties sheet (run "sysdm.cpl") and select the Remote tab.
Step 2. Verify that Allow Remote Connections is enabled.
Step 3. Uncheck Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication.
Note: This reduces security and should only be a temporary diagnostic step.
If RDP can’t connect to Remote Desktop from outside network, setting up a VPN may help. A VPN creates a secure connection to your local network, which allows Remote Desktop outside access without direct port exposure. This method can reduce errors like “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” when accessing it remotely.
✍️Before you start, make sure you know the required information as follows:
Step 1. Navigate here: Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, and then click Add a VPN connection.
Step 2. Fill in the required information and then click Save.
If you still can’t connect to Remote Desktop from outside network, adding the RDGClientTransport key in Registry Editor may help. This change forces RDP to use an RPC over HTTP connection instead of HTTP over UDP. It can resolve errors such as “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” and improve Remote Desktop outside access.
Step 1. Launch Run window, input “regedit” and click “Enter” to open Windows Registry Editor.
Step 2. Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client.
Step 3. Right-click the empty space on the right panel and choose“New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value”. Then, name the value “DGClientTransport”.
Step 4. Double-click the new key, choose "Properties", set value data to 1, and click “OK”.
Step 5. Reboot your computer to make the change into effect
If RDP can’t connect to Remote Desktop from outside network, your network profile may be set to Public. In this mode, Windows hides your computer and limits network discovery, which can block Remote Desktop outside access. Switching the network profile to Private may help fix “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” and restore normal RDP connections.
Step 1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet.
Step 2. Open the Status.
Step 3. Click on "Change Connection Properties" option, located in the right-hand pane.
Step 4. In the opened window, select the "Private" radio button, then close it.
By default, the Remote Desktop service utilizes port 3389 unless modified. If another application occupies the same port, connecting may not be possible. To check the port currently used by Remote Desktop:
Step 1. Press Windows + R and in the dialog box, type "Regedit".
Step 2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > System > CurrentControlSet > Control > Terminal Server > WinStations > RDP-Tcp.
Step 3. Check the value of "PortNumber" in the right-hand pane.
Step 4. If the value is 0x00000000d3d, it indicates the default port is configured, with a value of 3389.
Step 5. Change the value to 3388 and attempt to connect to the remote computer using the new port.
If you are tired of fixing errors like “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” or RDP can’t connect from outside network, using a simpler remote access tool may save time. Instead of adjusting ports, VPN, or registry settings, you can switch to a dedicated remote desktop program.
AnyViewer provides an easy way to access your computer from anywhere. It supports more Windows editions, including Home and Standard, not just Pro. This makes it a practical choice if your current system does not support built in Remote Desktop outside access.
It also offers useful features during a session, such as text chat, file transfer, multi monitor support, and unattended access. Multiple connections are supported at the same time. One user can control several remote computers, or several users can access one device if needed.
For daily work or frequent remote control, this type of all in one solution can reduce connection problems and improve efficiency. After installing it on both devices, you can sign in and complete a simple setup to start remote access without complex network configuration.
Step 1. Start up AnyViewer on host computer, and click Sign up for account registration.
Step 2. Complete the information and click Sign up.
Step 3. Start up AnyViewer on client computer, log in to the same account, and your device will be automaticallyassigned to the account.
Step 4. Go to Device, select your home computer from the list, and click One-click control to start a remote session with that device.
Now you can see and take control of the host computer.
Note that AnyViewer also has an iOS and Android app, you can access remote computer from mobile devices in different network environments. You can upgrade to a Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy more advanced features!
Sometimes, when trying to use Remote Desktop, you may encounter connection failures. Understanding the main reasons behind these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore remote access. Common causes include network problems, system settings, security restrictions, and technical misconfigurations.
Here are the main reasons why Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer:
Network Issues – The remote PC may not be reachable over the internet, or the router may be blocking the default RDP port, preventing outside access.
Remote Access Not Enabled – If Remote Desktop is not turned on in the host computer’s system settings, it will reject incoming connections.
Security or Authentication Errors – CredSSP or Network Level Authentication (NLA) mismatches due to missing Windows updates can block connections and cause authentication failures.
Firewall or Antivirus Blocking RDP – Windows Firewall or third-party security software may block RDP traffic, especially on port 3389, stopping Remote Desktop from working.
Incorrect Network Profile – When a network is set to Public instead of Private, Windows hides the computer from other devices, which can prevent remote connections.
Technical Misconfigurations – Wrong RDP port settings, improper port forwarding, or registry issues can prevent the Remote Desktop service from responding to connection attempts.
Identifying which of these factors applies to your situation can guide you to the most effective solution, whether adjusting settings, updating systems, or using a reliable remote access tool.
When RDP can’t connect to Remote Desktop from outside network, there are several ways to troubleshoot the issue, such as configuring port forwarding, enabling remote access, updating systems, using a VPN, or adjusting network settings. Each method can help restore Remote Desktop outside access, but some require technical steps and patience. For a faster and simpler solution, using a dedicated remote access tool like AnyViewer provides reliable connections, broader Windows support, and additional features like file transfer and multi-session control. This approach allows you to access your computer securely from anywhere without dealing with complicated network or system configurations.
How to connect to a PC remotely over the internet?
Use Remote Desktop with proper port forwarding or a VPN, or a remote access tool like AnyViewer for easier setup.
How do I fix unable to connect to remote server?
Check network settings, enable remote access, update Windows, verify RDP port, or use a reliable remote access program.
How to check RDP is working or not?
Try connecting from another device on the same network or use mstsc to test the Remote Desktop connection.
How to allow remote connections from outside your local network?
Set up port forwarding on your router, enable Remote Desktop on the host PC, or use a VPN for secure external access.
Is RDP port 389 or 3389?
The default RDP port is 3389, not 389.