By Ellie / Last Updated September 8, 2022

Microsoft Remote Desktop error code 0x204

 

I received Error Code 0x204 when attempting to remote access my Windows 10 PC from my MAC OS using Microsoft Remote Desktop for MAC. What is the source of this mistake, and how can I resolve it?”

- Question from Reddit

Error Code 0204

Causes of Microsoft Remote Desktop error code 0x204

Microsoft Remote Desktop error code 0x204 on Windows 10 and Mac can be caused by the following five reasons:

  • The Remote Desktop functionality is not enabled on the remote computer.
  • The Remote Desktop Protocol is not whitelisted by default in the Windows Firewall. As a result, the default Windows Firewall settings may prevent Remote Desktop from working.
  • There might be some issues with the DNS resolution that making the connection cannot be succeeded by using the Windows PC name.
  • The temporary files used by the Mac Remote Desktop application contain corrupted files that are preventing the connection from being established.
  • Port 3389 is not opened on either the Windows side or Mac side.

Five ways to fix Microsoft Remote Desktop error code 0x204

Here we listed five ways to fix Microsoft Remote Desktop error code 0x204 on Windows 10 and Mac when using RDP to control another computer remotely.

Solution 1. Enable Remote Desktop on Windows

Step 1. On Windows 10, press Win + R, then type “sysdm.cpl” in the entry bar and press Enter to open System Properties.

Run Command Sysdm.cpl

Step 2. Go to the Remote tab, and check Allow remote connection to this computer.

Remote Desktop Tab

Solution 2. Allow Remote Desktop through Windows Firewall on Windows

Step 1. On Windows 10, open the Run box, type in “control panel” to open Control Panel.

Run Control Panel

Step 2. Navigate here: Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

Defender Firewall

Step 3. Click Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall.

Allow APP or Feature

Step 4. Select Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop (WebSocket), then hit OK.

Tick Remote Desktop

Solution 3. Connect to Windows with IP Address on Mac

Step 1. On Windows 10, open the Run box, type in “cmd” and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

Run Box CMD

Step 2. Type in “ipconfig” and press Enter, the IPv4 address is the one you need.

Find the Computer Name in the Console

Step 3. On the Mac, enter the IP Address of Windows 10 instead of the PC Name in the box to achieve a remote connection.

Enter IP Address

Solution 4. Delete Remote Desktop temporary files on Mac

Step 1. Click the Finder icon, type “group containers” in the search bar, and press Enter. Be sure the search area is “This Mac”.

Group Container

Step 2. Open the Group Containers folder.

Open Group Container

Step 3. Right-click the folder named UBF8T346G9.com.microsoft.rdc and then choose Move to Trash.

Move To Trash

Solution 5. Open port 3389 on Mac and Windows

Step 1. on the Mac, go to Network Utility, select Port Scan, and then Only test ports between 3389 and 3389.

Port Scan

Step 2. On Windows 10, search Windows Firewall in the search box and then choose “Windows Firewall with advanced security”.

Windows Defender Firewall Advanced Security

Step 3. Click on Inbound Rules and then New Rule.

Inbound Rules Firewall

Step 4. Select Port and click Next.

Port

Step 5. Click Specific local ports and enter port number 3389.

Specific Local Ports 3389

Step 6. click Allow the connection.

Allow the Connection

Step 7. Select the network types you want to use, name the rule, and hit Finish.

Confirm Check

Note: It's worthy to mention that error code 0x204 may also appear on the iPad. Please check if you are using the latest version of the Microsoft Remote Desktop app. You can uninstall the app and reinstall the latest version and see if that helps in resolving the issue

Conclusion

There are five solutions to fix Microsoft Remote Desktop error code 0x204. You need to enable a remote connection or edit firewall settings on your Windows 10. Besides, you need to enter the IP address of Windows 10 instead of entering its PC name. Additionally, you can delete the Remote Desktop temporary files from Mac. If the issue persists, open port 3389 on both devices.

Actually, you have multiple options to remotely control another computer. For example, you can use Chrome Remote Desktop from Mac to Windows. Or if you are looking forward to finding free yet professional remote desktop software for Windows, you can use AnyViewer, which can provide you with stable and fast unattended remote access.

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