Windows App generates "insufficient resources" error when trying to launch

Question

I use the Windows App to access a virtual machine issued to me by one of my customers.

Occasionally (about once every 1-2 weeks), when I try to launch the app, I get the following error message.

Picture1.png

However, it does not appear to be an actual resource issue because when I reboot my laptop and before I open any other applications, I try to launch the Windows App and it generates the same error. That would not occur if it were an actual resource issue because a reboot would free up resources like memory and processor threads.

The only fix I have found is to uninstall the app, download a new version from the App Store, and then reinstall. Then, the problem seems to repeat itself about 1-2 weeks later.

The other reason it does not seem to be a resource issue is that uninstalling and reinstalling works - even if I don't reboot - and that should not be the case if there were truly related to insufficient resources.

Also, I notice that this seems to happen when I leave the Windows App running for a long time and don't disconnect. At some point, the Windows App just closes (often when I am not at my desk) and when I try to relaunch the app, it generates the above error message. The VM itself isn't stopped - when I access it via a browser using a web-based version of the Windows App rather than the desktop version, the VM is still there, right where I left it, happily chugging along.

The problem is not my virtual machine - it is access to my virtual machine, and it only occurs with the desktop version of the Windows App. When I access the app via a browser, I can connect to my virtual machine just fine. However, for a variety of reasons, I prefer running my VM from the desktop app rather than in a browser tab.

Has anyone else experienced this issue?

BTW / FWIW: The "Windows App" is a horrible product name. It makes it all but impossible to search for answers on the web because it generates so many non-relevant hits to "apps that run on windows" versus the specific app formerly known as Remote Desktop.

Answer 1

Hello Steve Sabin,  

 

Thank you for sharing your concern with us here in the Microsoft Community. 

 

Based on your detailed description, this appears to be a recurring issue with the Windows App (formerly Remote Desktop) where the desktop client crashes silently after prolonged use and fails to relaunch until reinstalled. Here's a structured approach to diagnose and resolve the problem: 

Root Cause Analysis 

1. Not a Resource Issue 

• Confirmed by: 
• Error persists after reboot (resources freed). 
• Reinstall works without reboot. 
• Likely caused by: 
• Corrupted local app data after prolonged sessions. 
• Broken client-server handshake during auto-reconnection attempts. 

1. Pattern Recognition 

• Triggered when: 
• App runs uninterrupted for days. 
• Laptop goes to sleep/hibernation with active connection. 
• Browser version works → Points to desktop app's local state management bug. 

 

Step-by-Step Solutions 

**1. Clear App Data Without Reinstalling (Faster Fix) **

When the error occurs: 

1. Close all Windows App processes via Task Manager (msrdc.exe). 
2. Delete local cache files: 

• Press Win+R, paste: 

%localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe 

• Delete the LocalCache and Temp folders. 

1. Relaunch the app. 

• This often fixes the issue without reinstallation. 

 

**2. Prevent Data Corruption **

• Always manually disconnect (don't just close the app). 
• Disable auto-reconnect: 

1. Open Windows App → Settings (gear icon). 
2. Under "Connections", toggle off "Reconnect automatically". 

 

**3. Repair App Dependencies **

1. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter: 

• Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps. 

1. Reset the app: 

• Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Windows App > Advanced Options > Reset. 

 

**4. Alternative: Use Classic Remote Desktop Client **

If the issue persists: 

1. Install the legacy Remote Desktop (MSTSC): 

• Open PowerShell as admin and run: 

Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object { $_.Name -like 'Rsat.RemoteDesktop*' } | Add-WindowsCapability -Online 

1. Access your VM via: 

• mstsc.exe (supports persistent connections better). 

 

Long-Term Workarounds 

• Schedule Weekly Cache Cleanup:  Create a task in Task Scheduler to clear 
• %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache every 7 days. 
• Use Web Client as Backup:  Bookmark the browser-based client for emergencies. 

 

Why Reinstalling "Works" (Temporarily) 

• The uninstall process deletes corrupted cache files, which the app regenerates on fresh install. 
• Better solution: Manually clear cache (Step 1) to avoid download delays. 

  Pro Tip for Searching Issues 

• Use these precise search terms: 
• "Windows App" (RemoteDesktop OR MSRDC) crash after idle site:answers.microsoft.com 
• "Windows App" connection state bug site:github.com/microsoft. 

 

 

Best regards,   

XXXX | Microsoft Community Support Specialist Hello,  

 

Thank you for sharing your concern with us here in the Microsoft Community. 

 

Based on your detailed description, this appears to be a recurring issue with the Windows App (formerly Remote Desktop) where the desktop client crashes silently after prolonged use and fails to relaunch until reinstalled. Here's a structured approach to diagnose and resolve the problem: 

Root Cause Analysis 

1. Not a Resource Issue 

• Confirmed by: 
• Error persists after reboot (resources freed). 
• Reinstall works without reboot. 
• Likely caused by: 
• Corrupted local app data after prolonged sessions. 
• Broken client-server handshake during auto-reconnection attempts. 

1. Pattern Recognition 

• Triggered when: 
• App runs uninterrupted for days. 
• Laptop goes to sleep/hibernation with active connection. 
• Browser version works → Points to desktop app's local state management bug. 

 

Step-by-Step Solutions 

**1. Clear App Data Without Reinstalling (Faster Fix) **

When the error occurs: 

1. Close all Windows App processes via Task Manager (msrdc.exe). 
2. Delete local cache files: 

• Press Win+R, paste: 

%localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe 

• Delete the LocalCache and Temp folders. 

1. Relaunch the app. 

• This often fixes the issue without reinstallation. 

 

**2. Prevent Data Corruption **

• Always manually disconnect (don't just close the app). 
• Disable auto-reconnect: 

1. Open Windows App → Settings (gear icon). 
2. Under "Connections", toggle off "Reconnect automatically". 

 

**3. Repair App Dependencies **

1. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter: 

• Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps. 

1. Reset the app: 

• Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Windows App > Advanced Options > Reset. 

 

**4. Alternative: Use Classic Remote Desktop Client **

If the issue persists: 

1. Install the legacy Remote Desktop (MSTSC): 

• Open PowerShell as admin and run: 

Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object { $_.Name -like 'Rsat.RemoteDesktop*' } | Add-WindowsCapability -Online 

1. Access your VM via: 

• mstsc.exe (supports persistent connections better). 

 

Long-Term Workarounds 

• Schedule Weekly Cache Cleanup: 
  Create a task in Task Scheduler to clear 
• %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.RemoteDesktop_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache every 7 days. 
• Use Web Client as Backup: 
  Bookmark the browser-based client for emergencies. 

 

Why Reinstalling "Works" (Temporarily) 

• The uninstall process deletes corrupted cache files, which the app regenerates on fresh install. 
• Better solution: Manually clear cache (Step 1) to avoid download delays. 

 
Pro Tip for Searching Issues 

• Use these precise search terms: 
• "Windows App" (RemoteDesktop OR MSRDC) crash after idle site:answers.microsoft.com 
• "Windows App" connection state bug site:github.com/microsoft. 

Best regards,   

Kai Ho | Microsoft Community Support Specialist