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How to Fix Remote Desktop Session Host Not Configured Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Remote Desktop is a powerful feature in Windows 11 that allows you to access your PC from anywhere. However, sometimes you might encounter the “Remote Desktop Session Host not configured” error. This error prevents you from establishing a remote connection and can be frustrating.

Fixing this issue usually involves adjusting some settings and ensuring your system is properly configured. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to follow the steps below. Each solution is explained in a simple, step-by-step manner.

By carefully following these instructions, you can get Remote Desktop working again on your Windows 11 device. Let’s dive into the troubleshooting process.

Before that, there are a few quick checks that can save you time and effort.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check Windows Edition: Remote Desktop Session Host is available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. It’s not supported on Windows 11 Home. To check your edition, go to Settings > System > About and look for “Edition”.
  • Ensure Remote Desktop is Enabled: Head to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and make sure the toggle for “Remote Desktop” is turned on.
  • Network Connection: Confirm that both your local and remote machines are connected to the internet or the same network.
  • Firewall Settings: Sometimes, Windows Firewall or third-party firewalls block Remote Desktop connections. Keep this in mind for later troubleshooting.

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop Session Host Role via Group Policy Editor

This error often occurs because the Remote Desktop Session Host role is not properly configured in the system policies. Group Policy Editor allows you to set this up manually.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
  4. On the right pane, find “Allow users to connect remotely by using Remote Desktop Services”.
  5. Double-click it, select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.
  6. Close the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer to apply changes.

This step ensures that your PC is configured to accept remote desktop connections according to the system policies.

Step 2: Configure Remote Desktop Settings via System Properties

Sometimes the Remote Desktop settings need to be confirmed or adjusted from the System Properties window.

  1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Properties window, switch to the Remote tab.
  3. Under “Remote Desktop,” select Allow remote connections to this computer.
  4. Uncheck “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)” if you are unsure about compatibility with the client device. You can enable it later once the connection is working.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.

This setting enables your PC to accept remote connections and adjusts security options that might otherwise block access.

Step 3: Check and Adjust Windows Firewall Rules

Windows Firewall can sometimes block Remote Desktop connections even if everything else is set correctly. Let’s ensure it allows Remote Desktop traffic.

  1. Press Win + S and search for Windows Defender Firewall, then open it.
  2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left pane.
  3. Click Change settings (you may need administrator permission).
  4. Scroll down and find Remote Desktop in the list.
  5. Make sure the boxes for Private and Public networks are checked.
  6. If not checked, select them and then click OK.

Allowing Remote Desktop through the firewall prevents your connection from being blocked by security rules.

Step 4: Verify Remote Desktop Services are Running

Remote Desktop depends on specific services running in the background. If these are stopped, you may get configuration errors.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. In the Services window, scroll down to find Remote Desktop Services.
  3. Right-click on it and select Properties.
  4. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
  5. If the service is not running, click Start.
  6. Click Apply and OK, then close the window.

This ensures that the essential Remote Desktop services are active and ready to accept remote connections.

Alternative Method: Using Registry Editor to Fix the Issue

If the Group Policy Editor is not available (common in Windows Home editions), you can try this Registry tweak instead. Be careful and back up your registry before making changes.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlTerminal Server
  3. Look for the fDenyTSConnections DWORD value.
  4. Double-click it and change the value data to 0 to enable Remote Desktop.
  5. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
  6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

This method manually enables Remote Desktop by modifying the registry setting that controls session permissions.

FAQs

Q: Why am I still seeing the “Session Host not configured” error after enabling Remote Desktop?

A: It might be due to missing Remote Desktop Session Host role in Windows editions like Home, or firewall blocking the connection. Double-check your Windows edition and firewall settings.

Q: Can I enable Remote Desktop on Windows 11 Home?

A: Windows 11 Home does not support hosting Remote Desktop sessions natively. You can only connect to other machines, but not host a Remote Desktop session.

Q: What if my computer is part of a domain? Could group policies from the network block Remote Desktop?

A: Yes, network administrators might restrict Remote Desktop access via domain group policies. You would need to contact your IT department to change these settings.

Q: Is it safe to disable Network Level Authentication?

A: Disabling Network Level Authentication (NLA) reduces security but can help with compatibility issues. It is recommended to enable NLA once your connection works properly.

Q: How do I check if my firewall is blocking Remote Desktop?

A: Temporarily disable your firewall to test the connection. If Remote Desktop works after disabling the firewall, adjust the firewall rules to allow Remote Desktop traffic.

When Nothing Works

If you have followed all the steps but still face issues, consider these final options:

  • Update Windows: Sometimes, system updates fix bugs related to Remote Desktop.
  • Use Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Troubleshooter: Visit the official Microsoft support page for specialized tools.
  • Reset Network Settings: Resetting your network can solve connectivity issues.
  • Contact Support: Reach out to Microsoft support or your system administrator for advanced help.

Conclusion

The “Remote Desktop Session Host not configured” error on Windows 11 can be resolved by enabling the proper settings through Group Policy, System Properties, and Firewall adjustments. Checking that the necessary services are running also plays a key role.

When Group Policy Editor is not available, the Registry Editor offers an alternative way to enable Remote Desktop. Always ensure your Windows edition supports Remote Desktop hosting before proceeding.

By methodically following these steps, you can restore Remote Desktop functionality and enjoy seamless remote access to your Windows 11 PC.

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