Windows Server 2019 RDP Not Working? Remote Desktop Connection Fix
Use this guide to troubleshoot Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop connection errors, RDP not connecting problems, disabled Remote Desktop settings, firewall restrictions and Remote Desktop service issues.
Why Windows Server 2019 RDP may not connect
Remote Desktop can stop working when RDP is disabled, the firewall blocks Remote Desktop traffic, Remote Desktop Services are stopped, the server is unreachable, or the user does not have permission to sign in remotely.
1. Confirm Remote Desktop is enabled
Open Server Manager, choose Local Server, and verify that Remote Desktop is enabled.
You can also open:
SystemPropertiesRemote.exe
Under the Remote tab, allow remote connections to the server.
2. Check Windows Firewall
Confirm that the built-in Remote Desktop firewall rules are enabled. Remote Desktop normally uses TCP port 3389.
In PowerShell as Administrator, you can review the rules with:
Get-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"
3. Check Remote Desktop Services
Open services.msc and confirm that Remote Desktop Services is running.
The service name is:
TermService
4. Test network connectivity
Test whether the server can be reached and whether RDP port 3389 is responding:
Test-NetConnection SERVER-IP -Port 3389
Replace SERVER-IP with the Windows Server IP address.
5. Check remote logon permission
Confirm that the account is a member of Administrators or Remote Desktop Users.
Also review local or domain Group Policy if the message says the user is not allowed to sign in through Remote Desktop Services.
Important
Do not expose RDP port 3389 directly to the public internet unless it is protected by a secure VPN, Remote Desktop Gateway, strong account security and appropriate firewall restrictions.
Watch the original short video
The original 25-second video demonstrates the Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop setting related to this issue.
Watch on YouTube