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This article will show you how to fix ‘Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104’ issue in Windows 11/10. With Remote Desktop Protocol, a tool that comes with Windows, you can connect virtually to computers on the same network or on a different network. This is helpful because you can control the system from your home or office with just a few clicks. There are many RDP tools that come from outside sources. Even though it might not be “really” the best, most users still prefer to use the built-in RDP. Like any other piece of software, it has problems, too.
This error message shows up when you try to connect to the target system on the same network or on a different network. “We couldn’t connect to the remote PC because the PC can’t be found,” the error message says. Try again after you’ve given the IP address or full name of the remote computer. This could be because of your DNS settings, network discovery settings, or sometimes the privacy settings for the Windows Defender firewall. here are the ways how to fix ‘Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104’ issue in Windows 11/10.
What is Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104?
This error code means that your computer can’t connect to the remote host. There could be problems with the network, the firewall settings, or the credentials. To fix this error, you should first make sure your internet connection is stable and fast enough for RDP. Also, you should ping the remote host’s IP address or hostname to make sure it is online and can be reached. Also, make sure that the remote host allows RDP connections on port 3389 and that your firewall doesn’t block this port. Lastly, make sure you have the right username and password for the remote host, as well as the permissions you need to access it.
What causes Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104?
- Firewall or Security Software: A firewall or security software on either the client or the server may be blocking the RDP connection. Check the settings and ensure that Remote Desktop connections are allowed.
- Network Connectivity: The error could be due to problems with your internet connection or network setup. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and try connecting from a different network if possible.
- Incorrect Server Address: Double-check that you are using the correct IP address or hostname of the remote server you want to connect to. A typo in the address could lead to this error.
- Network Routing Issues: If there are routing issues within your network, it may prevent the RDP connection from reaching the remote server. Contact your network administrator to investigate.
- Port Forwarding: The Remote Desktop Protocol uses port 3389 by default. If port forwarding is not properly configured on the router or firewall, it can lead to connectivity problems.
- RDP Service Issues: There could be issues with the Remote Desktop service on either the client or the server. Restarting the Remote Desktop service might help.
Fix ‘Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104’ issue in Windows 11/10
Make Sure Remote Desktop Is Enabled
First, make sure that both the PC you’re trying to connect to and the PC you’re using have the Remote Desktop software feature enabled. In Windows 11/10, you can enable Remote Desktop as follows:

- Press Windows + S to launch Windows Search.
- Type “remote desktop settings” in the search box.
- Click on the search results for Remote Desktop Settings to see those options.
- Turn on the Remote Desktop option.
- In the “Remote Desktop Settings” window that pops up, click Confirm.
Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Since error 0x104 has to do with networking, some users might be able to fix it using the Network Adapter troubleshooter. That troubleshooter can fix network adapter problems that are the root of error 0x104. The procedures for using that troubleshooting are as follows:
- Right-click on “Start” and select “Run”.
- Type “ms-settings:troubleshoot” and click “OK”.
- Select either the “Other Troubleshooter” option or “Additional Troubleshooter” depending on your Windows version (11 or 10).
- Click “Run” on the network adapter.
- In the Troubleshooter, select the network adapter you want to use for the remote desktop connection. Alternatively, you can click “All Network Adapters” if you’re unsure.
- Press Next to begin troubleshooting.
- Select the “I’m having a different problem” option.
- Click the radio button “Allow other computers to connect to this computer.”
- Select the “Connect to this computer or laptop using Remote Desktop Connection” option and click Next to continue.
Enable Network Discovery in Windows
With the help of the feature known as “Network Discovery,” your PC can view other networked devices and become visible to them. Another feature that is necessary for proper operation of remote desktop connections is that one. In Windows 11/10, you can enable Network Discovery as follows:
- Press the Windows keyboard button + R to launch “Run”.
- Under Run, type Control Panel and select OK.
- Click on the Network and Internet category.
- Select “Network and Sharing Center” to access that applet.
- Then click on “Change Advanced Sharing Settings” to open the Sharing Options.
- Select the “Enable Network Discovery” radio button under Network Profiles.
- Also, click the “Turn on automatic setup of network attached devices” checkbox and select that option.
- Click the “Save Changes” button.
Start Remote Desktop Services
Certain services that are required for RDP connections may not be enabled and running, which can cause the 0x104 error. Users can connect to remote PCs with the help of remote desktop services. Verify that it is turned on and functioning as follows:
- Start Windows Search.
- In the Type and Search Here box, type services.
- Select “Services”.
- Double-click Remote Desktop Services to see the options for that service.
- Click Automatic in the Startup drop-down menu for that service.
- Press the Start button for Remote Desktop Services.
- Click Apply to save your settings for the service.
- Then click OK to close the Remote Desktop Services Properties window.
- Repeat steps 4 through 8 for the Remote Access Auto Connection Manager service.
Select Remote Desktop Developer Settings
- Launch the Windows Settings app.
- In the Windows 11 Settings app, click on Privacy and Security; Windows 10 users should select the Update and Security category.
- Next, select Developer oriented to access these settings.
- Select the checkboxes for all Remote Desktop developer settings.
- Click Apply to save the new developer-friendly options.
Set an Automatic DNS Server
Did you configure a private DNS server on your computer? If so, think about going with the automatic DNS server option. The steps for choosing the Obtain DNS server automatically option are as follows:
- Right-click on the Start button icon and choose the “Settings” shortcut.
- Click on “Network and Internet” to access the navigation options for that tab.
- Select “Advanced Network Settings” to explore additional navigation options.
- Click on the “More Network Adapter Options” box to view the connections in the Control Panel.
- Right-click on your PC’s Internet network adapter and choose the Properties option.
- Then select Internet Protocol Version 4 and press the Properties button.
- If custom DNS is configured, select the “Obtain DNS server addresses automatically” radio button.
- Click the “OK” button in the IPv4 Properties window to close the window.
Conclusion
We hope you like our article about how to fix Remote Desktop error code 0x104 in Windows. The remote desktop error code 0x104 is an error that can happen when you try to connect to a remote desktop. The people who use remote desktop the most are IT experts, customer service agents, and managed service providers, or MSPs. RDP is the most common way for users to connect to client computers and do remote work in a business setting. When you use RDP, you might sometimes get errors like “Cannot connect with error code 0x104.” For further information regarding this error, you can also visit Microsoft official website.
Questions and Answers
One of the following is why Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer: The server is not set up for remote access. The computer far away is off. The computer far away is not connected to the network.
If your credentials for Remote Desktop don’t match, you’ll get the Windows 10 Remote Desktop not working error when you try to connect to a different remote computer. So, you should try to reset your credentials for Remote Desktop.
Enter mstsc /console /v:servername or ip address of remote computer /admin, like mstsc /console /v:192.168.0.45 /admin. Step 3: Press the “Enter” key. The connections will then be made automatically.
Make sure you have the right PC name, and then check to see if you typed it in correctly. If you still can’t connect, try using the remote computer’s IP address instead of its name. The network is having trouble. Make sure you can connect to the internet.
AnyDesk. AnyDesk is similar to RDP in that it lets users access desktops, machines, devices, and servers from a tablet or phone. AnyDesk was made with the user in mind, and the installation process is simple. Users can also transfer files quickly, chat, share their screens, and get safe access to almost any system.