By Ellie / Last Updated January 18, 2024

How do I fix VMware Horizon Client disconnection?

 

I’m attempting to connect to my office VDI using Vmware Horizon Client 5.4.2 on Windows 10. When I open the VMware Horizon client and select VDI. I enter the user name and password and successfully log in, but when VDI is about to start, it abruptly disconnects with the error 'The connection to the remote machine ended' on VMware Horizon Client.”

- Question from VMTN Communities

VMware Connection Ended

The Horizon Client is a software application developed by VMware that allows users to connect to virtual desktops, applications, and remote desktop services. It is commonly used in virtualized environments where users need access to virtual machines or desktops hosted on servers. The error message "The Connection to the Remote Computer Ended" on Horizon Client indicates that the connection between your local device and the remote computer has been terminated.

3 steps to fix "The Connection to the Remote Computer Ended" on Horizon Client

If you happen to encounter this problem, don't worry. In this section, we'll guide you on how to address the issue of "The Connection to the Remote Computer Ended" on VMware Horizon Client in three steps.

Step 1. Enable PCoIP Gateway functionality on the Connection Server

Navigate to the Configuration Servers in View Administrator. Select a Connection Server, then click Edit and check the box that says "Use PCoIP Secure Gateway for PCoIP connections to desktop". PCoIP will then gateway through either the associated Security Servers or this Connection Server for all users of this Connection Server and any Security Servers.

Use PCoIP Secure Gateway

Step 2. Set up the “External URL” and the new “PCoIP External URL” on the Security Server

View Clients use these URLs to connect to a certain View server. Clients must be able to resolve and use these names and addresses. If distant connections are made directly to the Connection Server, External URLs must be configured on the Connection Server as well.

External URL and PCoIP External URL

Step 3. Update the firewall to allow PCoIP to pass through

The final part is to check if a UDP port is blocked. You’ll need to install netcat for Windows on the View Client, the View Security Server, and the View desktop virtual machine.

  • To test UDP connectivity from the View desktop to the Security Server:

Step 1. On the Security Server, open Command Prompt, run the command “nc -l -u -p 4172” to set the Security Server to listen on port 4172 for UDP traffic.

Step 2. On the View desktop, open Command Prompt, and run the command “nc -u Security_Server_IPaddress 4172” to transmit traffic over UDP port 4172 to the destination IP address.

  • To test UDP connectivity from the Security Server to the View Desktop virtual machine:

Step 1. On the View desktop virtual machine, open Command Prompt, and run the command “nc -l -u -p 4172” to set the View Desktop to listen on port 4172 for UDP traffic.

Step 2. On the Security Server, open Command Prompt, and run the command “nc -u View_Desktop_IPaddress 4172” to transmit traffic over UDP port 4172 to the destination IP address.

  • To test UDP connectivity from the Security Server to the View Client:

Step 1. On the View Client, open Command Prompt, and run the command “nc -l -u -p 4172” to set the View Client to listen on port 4172.

Step 2. On the Security Server, open Command Prompt, and run the command “nc -u firewall_IPaddress_in_client_environment 4172” to transmit traffic over UDP port 4172 to the destination IP address.

AnyViewer: Best Horizon Client alternative for remote access

If you’re tired of VMware Horizon Client "The connection to the remote computer ended" on Windows 10 and 11, another option for you to remotely access and control another desktop is to use the free and stable remote desktop software AnyViewer.

AnyViewer is indeed a well-established and widely used solution for remote access to desktops and applications. It serves as a suitable alternative to VMware Horizon Client, especially if you are looking for a solution that allows users to connect to remote desktops and applications from various devices. Here are some key features and considerations for AnyViewer:

  • Integration with Windows Ecosystem: As a product specifically designed for Windows, AnyViewer integrates seamlessly with the Windows ecosystem. It works well with Windows Server environments.
  • Security Features: AnyViewer incorporates security features, including encryption for data transmission, authentication mechanisms, and the ability to configure access controls to enhance security during remote connections.
  • Ease of Use: The user interface of AnyViewer is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for both individuals and organizations. Setting up remote connections is generally straightforward.
  • Performance: The performance of AnyViewer is often commendable, providing a responsive and smooth experience for users accessing remote desktops and applications.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch AnyViewer on both computers.

Download Freeware Win PCs & Servers
Secure Download
Note: AnyViewer also has mobile versions, you are also able to remotely control your PC from your iPhone/iPad/Android devices.

Step 2. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)

Log in AnyViewer

Step 3. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices.

Free Editions

Step 4. On the local device, choose the remote device, and then click One-click control to achieve unattended remote access.

Connect to My Devices

★Tips:
The free version lets you set up unattended remote access for three devices. Businesses with more extensive needs can opt for a Professional or Enterprise plan, enabling simultaneous access to multiple devices, group management, mass deployment, and other enhanced features.

 

Conclusion

For a quick solution to the "The Connection to the Remote Computer Ended" problem on Horizon Client, refer to this post. We present detailed three-step troubleshooting instructions. Additionally, explore an alternative option by considering the use of the third-party remote desktop software AnyViewer. If you seek a simpler way to access another computer remotely, giving AnyViewer a try could be the solution you're looking for.