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How to Fix Remote Desktop Can’t Find Computer Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Remote Desktop is a useful feature in Windows 11 that allows you to connect to another computer over a network. However, sometimes you might see the error message “Remote Desktop can’t find computer.” This can be frustrating, especially if you need to access your files or programs remotely.

This article will guide you through simple and effective steps to fix this issue. Each step is explained in detail to help even beginners understand and follow along easily.

By the end, you should be able to connect to the remote computer without any problems. Let’s get started.

Remember, troubleshooting is about checking each possibility one by one to find the root cause.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

  • Make sure both your local and remote computers are turned on and connected to the internet or the same network.
  • Check that the remote PC has Remote Desktop enabled in its settings.
  • Confirm you have the correct computer name or IP address of the remote PC.
  • Ensure your user account has permission to access the remote computer.

Step 1: Verify the Computer Name or IP Address

One common reason for the “can’t find computer” error is entering the wrong computer name or IP address. The Remote Desktop app needs the exact name or IP to connect.

How to find the correct computer name:

  1. On the remote PC, press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > About.
  3. Look for Device name. This is the computer name you need to enter in Remote Desktop.

Alternatively, find the IP address:

  1. Open the Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start menu and hitting Enter.
  2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
  3. Look for the line labeled IPv4 Address. This is the IP address of the remote PC.

Use either the computer name or the IP address to connect. If you are on the same local network, the computer name usually works well. For connections over the internet, use the IP address.

Step 2: Enable Remote Desktop on the Remote PC

If Remote Desktop is not enabled, you won’t be able to connect, regardless of the name or IP address. Enabling it is simple and important.

To enable Remote Desktop:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Remote Desktop.
  3. Turn on the toggle for Remote Desktop.
  4. When prompted, confirm that you want to enable it.

This setting allows your PC to accept remote connections. Without it, the connection will fail.

Step 3: Check Your Network Connection

A poor or disconnected network can cause the Remote Desktop app to not find the remote computer. Both computers need to be online and reachable.

How to check:

  • Make sure Wi-Fi or Ethernet is connected on both PCs.
  • Try pinging the remote PC’s IP address from your local PC:
ping [IP address]

Replace [IP address] with the remote PC’s IP from Step 1. If you get a reply, the network connection is working.

If you don’t get a reply, there could be a network issue or firewall blocking access.

Step 4: Configure Windows Firewall to Allow Remote Desktop

Windows Firewall can sometimes block Remote Desktop connections. You need to make sure it allows incoming Remote Desktop traffic.

To check and enable Remote Desktop in Windows Firewall:

  1. Open the Start menu and type Windows Defender Firewall, then open it.
  2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left.
  3. Scroll down and find Remote Desktop.
  4. Make sure both Private and Public boxes are checked.
  5. If not, click Change settings and check them.
  6. Click OK to save changes.

This ensures that Windows Firewall will not block Remote Desktop connections.

Step 5: Check Remote Desktop Services are Running

Remote Desktop relies on certain Windows services. If these services are stopped, connections will fail.

To check services:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Look for Remote Desktop Services in the list.
  3. Make sure its status is Running.
  4. If it’s stopped, right-click it and select Start.

Restarting this service can also help if Remote Desktop is acting up.

Step 6: Use the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) or IP Address

If you are on a corporate or complex network, the computer name alone may not be enough. You might need to use the full domain name or the IP address.

For example: instead of just computername, use computername.domain.com.

If you are unsure, ask your network administrator or check your network settings.

Advanced Option: Edit the Hosts File

If DNS (domain name system) is causing problems, you can try adding the remote PC’s name and IP address to your local computer’s hosts file. This file tells your PC how to resolve names to IPs.

How to edit the hosts file:

  1. Open Notepad as Administrator (search Notepad, right-click, and select Run as administrator).
  2. In Notepad, open the file located at C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts.
  3. Add a new line at the bottom with the remote PC’s IP address followed by a space and then the computer name.
  4. Example: 192.168.1.10 computername
  5. Save the file and close Notepad.

This forces your PC to use the specified IP address when connecting to that computer name.

FAQs

Why does Remote Desktop say it can’t find the computer?

This usually happens because the computer name or IP address is incorrect, the remote PC is offline, or network issues are preventing the connection.

Can I use Remote Desktop over the internet?

Yes, but you need to configure your network router for port forwarding, use the public IP address, and ensure security settings are correct.

What port does Remote Desktop use?

By default, Remote Desktop uses port 3389. This port must be open and not blocked by firewalls.

How do I find the IP address of a remote PC?

On the remote PC, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. The IPv4 address shown is the IP you need.

What if the Remote Desktop feature is missing on my Windows 11?

Remote Desktop is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, not on Windows 11 Home.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still can’t connect, consider these final options:

  • Restart both your local and remote computers to clear temporary network issues.
  • Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software that might block Remote Desktop.
  • Use Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Troubleshooter tool available online.
  • Consult the official Microsoft support page for Remote Desktop: Microsoft Remote Desktop Support.
  • Contact your network administrator if you are on a corporate network.

Conclusion

Fixing the “Remote Desktop can’t find computer” error on Windows 11 involves checking the computer name or IP, enabling Remote Desktop, verifying network connections, and ensuring firewall and services are properly configured.

Start with simple checks like the computer name and network status, then move to more advanced fixes like firewall settings and hosts file editing. This logical approach saves time and helps you identify the exact problem.

With patience and careful steps, you can restore your Remote Desktop connection and continue working remotely without interruption.

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