How to Fix the "Windows Could Not Start the Remote Desktop Services" Error

Remote Desktop is a great tool, but Windows sometimes struggles to start its services. Here's how to fix it.

Remote Desktop Services is an important Windows service that allows you to connect to remote computers. This service ensures that the Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Session Host Server operate properly. But for some reason, this service is not working for many users and shows an error message that says "Windows could not start the Remote Desktop Services service on Local Computer."

Fortunately, it's a cakewalk the eliminate this error message. Just try the below fixes to resolve all the problems with the Remote Desktop Services.

Before diving into the advanced fixes, make sure that the Remote Desktop is enabled on your computer. You can check it by following the below steps:

You can check out our guide on enabling and setting up a remote desktop connection for more information.

If the Remote Desktop is already enabled, disable the toggle and restart your computer. As the system restarts, enable the Remote Desktop again and check if it fixes the problem.

Windows Firewall allows you to block or unblock different applications and inbound and outbound communications. If the Remote Desktop is blocked under the Windows Firewall, you'll most likely face the problem at hand.

The solution, in this case, is to whitelist Remote Desktop from the Windows Firewall. To do this, follow the below steps:

That's it. Now try to open the Remote Desktop Services on your computer and check if you still face the error message.

IPv6, aka Internet Protocol version 6, allow your computer to establish a connection and talk between all the connected networks. By default, Windows prefers IPv6 over IPv4. But for some reason, the IPv6 protocol can sometimes make the network inconsistent, adversely affecting the Remote Desktop Services.

As a solution, you will have to disable the IPv6 protocol, which will force the RDP connection to switch to IPv4. You can disable the IPv6 protocol by following the below steps:

Restart your system and check if the problem persists.

For Remote Desktop to work properly, the RPD Services must be running in the background. You can check the status of this service by following the below steps:

The computer you are trying to connect remotely must be compatible with the scaling feature. If not, you are likely to face the error at hand.

The solution, in this case, is to disable custom scaling on your computer. Here's how:

You will be signed out of your account. Wait for a few seconds, and then sign in again.

The next solution on the list is to configure the RDP Listen Port. Here's how:

Check if you're still facing the problem.

You must enable the RDP Protocol in the Registry so that Remote Desktop Connection works properly. Here's how:

System File Checker, aka SFC, is an important diagnostic tool on Windows. You can run an SFC to fix most Windows services, including the Remote Desktop Services.

To run an SFC scan:

Once the scan is complete, check for the issue. If it persists, you'll have to run a DISM scan. It is the most powerful Windows diagnostic tool that can easily fix system errors.

If running the SFC and DISM scan wasn't helpful, you'll have to reset the Remote Desktop Connection credentials.

The issue can appear due to corrupt or changed credentials. The solution, in this case, is to reset the saved credentials. To do this, follow the below instructions:

Once the credentials are reset, open the Remote Desktop Connection again, and check for the issue.

Remote Desktop Services is an essential Windows service. It makes sure that you connect to the Remote desktop without any issues. But for some reason, sometimes it can stop working and cause an error. Depending on your PC's status, you can troubleshoot the problem by following the above fixes.

Aman is a Windows specialist and loves writing about the Windows ecosystem on MakeUseOf. He has a Bachelor's in Information Technology and is now a full-time freelance writer with expertise in Windows, iOS, and browsers.