By Hester / Last Updated February 7, 2023

The issue: VNC Viewer not connecting

 

Hey guys, I recently installed VNC on both my Windows 10 computers. But I encountered the problem that VNC Viewer not connecting to my server. I’ve googled over the past hour and tried everything I found but in vain. So here I am once again asking you for support!”

- Question from VNC Forum

VNC Connect

How to fix VNC Viewer connection error [6 solutions]

VNC is a graphical desktop-sharing program used to remotely control other computers. However, there are instances where errors like can't connect VNC Viewer may occur. In this part, we are going to discuss how to fix VNC connect errors.

Solution 1. Restart VNC Server

When VNC Viewer not connecting, it is mainly because VNC Server not running well. Make sure VNC Server is running on the remote computer and you can restart it to solve the problem.

Step 1. Press Win + R and type in “services.msc”, and click OK.

Services msc

Step 2. Scroll down and right-click VNC Server > Restart.

Restart VNC Server

Solution 2. Uninstall and reinstall VNC Viewer

If both VNC Viewer and VNC Server are the latest version, try to reinstall them respectively.

Step 1. Open Control Panel > Uninstall a program, right-click VNC Server> Uninstall.

Uninstall VNC

Step 2. Go to VNC official website to reinstall it.

Solution 3. Change Firewall setting

If your error message says “the connection was refused by the computer” VNC Windows 10. You can go to Firewall Defender in both computers to check whether VNC is whitelisted.

Step 1. Launch Control Panel and follow: System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall, click Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall on the left pane.

Allow App or Feature

Step 2. Click Change settings, locate and tick VNC Server/Viewer, then click OK.

VNC Server Firewall

Solution 4. Enable ping response

It may because of the ping issue that leads to VNC Viewer not connection. You can enable ping response with the following steps.

Step 1. Launch Control Panel and follow: System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall, click Advanced settings on the left pane.

Defender Firewall Advanced Settings

Step 2. Click Inbound Rules. Select the correct File and Printer Sharing rule (based on your network protocol type and location type.) Right-click it and select Enable Rule.

File and Printer Sharing Enable Rule

Solution 5. Port forward VNC

The default port for VNC is 5900, make sure the VNC Server is configured to use that port. If you are still facing VNC Viewer connect error, try to port forward VNC by the steps below.

Tips: If you don’t know the detailed information, check your router’s user manual.

Step 1. Open a web browser, type in your router address, and press Enter.

Login Router Address

Step 2. Click the port forwarding section of your router. Enter TCP port 5900, set the IP address of your local PC, and click Apply to save your plan.

Port Forward Entry

Solution 6. Switch to a reliable VNC alternative [fast connection]

You can also use another VNC alternative to solve the problem and avoid it happening again. If you have no idea about selecting your desired software, here we recommend you use the all-in-one remote desktop software AnyViewer to satisfy all your demands for remote connection.

AnyVeiwer supports unattended remote access, file transfer, screen sharing, multiple sessions, etc. Besides, it is developed by a strong technical team, promising you a secure, stable, and fast connection without any interruption.

Download AnyViewer on your devices and set it up with simple steps.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Step 1. On the host computer, click Sign up to register a new AnyViewer account. (You can directly login if you have already signed up.)

Log in Anyviewer

Step 2. Complete the information and click Sign up.

Sign Up for Anyviewer

Step 3. On the client computer, log in to the same account, and your device will be automatically assigned to the account.

Free Editions

Step 4. Go to Device, select the host computer, and you can establish a connection by clicking the option you desired.

Connect to My Devices

If you select One-click control, there are several built-in features in the remote control window, you can use them conveniently by clicking the toolbar.

Remote Access Operations

Tips: You can upgrade to Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy more rights!

Conclusion

This post introduces how to fix VNC Viewer not connecting. We offer you six available ways to solve this problem. If you frequently encounter such errors, we recommend you use other reliable remote desktop software, AnyViewer could be your best choice.