Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 causes remote desktop connections to Windows 7 machines not to show graphics correctly.

Alessandro Cipriano 205

After having upgraded Windows 11 to 24H2, the remote desktop connections to machines that use Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008R2 do not show graphic content correctly.

Returning to the previous Windows 11 version (23H2) has resolved the problem.

No problems with remote desktop connections to other machines with more recent operating systems. Unfortunately, the above-mentioned Windows 7 machine is "special", as it is used to control some very old industrial system control and it is not upgradable.

RemoteDesktopProblemAfter24H2

marc tofsted 10 Reputation points

2024-10-07T12:42:43.9766667+00:00

This same issue just popped up for me. I just "upgraded" to Win11 24H2 and my remote connection to my OLD development machine is now showing corrupt graphics or blank boxes.

Hitting the Experience settings on the remote session helped.
I set that to "LAN" and checked all the option boxes.

I tried both the Bitmap Caching options and neither setting fixed the graphics display.

Microsoft, if you're listening, HELP!

UPDATE:: See below comment from
Michal Kumela Oct 21, 2024, 2:57 AM

Try to download Remote Desktop App from Microsoft Store.

This App connect seems a little slower than the Windows 11 RDC, but it fixed the graphics corruption problem for my situation!
Antoine-9167 30 Reputation points

2024-10-07T14:49:33.8566667+00:00

I have the same problem, on a windows server 2008, the display of certain applications like oracle sql develloper is unreadable.
Antoine-9167 30 Reputation points

2024-10-07T14:49:56.44+00:00

I have the same problem, on a windows server 2008, the display of certain applications like oracle sql develloper is unreadable.
Ryan Jackson 0 Reputation points

2024-10-10T10:06:24.7233333+00:00

We have noticed this issue as-well, not attempted to Rollback yet
Leonardo Zarate 5 Reputation points

2024-10-18T14:20:18.5766667+00:00

Hi, I have the same problem! someone could downgrade windows 11 update or fix this issue?
Leonardo Zarate 5 Reputation points

2024-10-18T14:43:38.59+00:00

me too, do you solve it?
Alessandro Cipriano 205 Reputation points

2024-10-18T15:04:16.5766667+00:00

I "rolled back" to the previous Windows 11 version, which temporarily resolved the problem. However, in this way, I blocked many other good improvement present in the 24H2.
Michal Kumela 45 Reputation points

2024-10-21T07:39:25.7633333+00:00

I have the same problem when connected to Windows Server 2008. Please help!!!
Michal Kumela 45 Reputation points

2024-10-21T08:53:42.8833333+00:00

Try to download Remote Desktop App from Microsoft Store - it is still working fine.
Poyo Poyo 0 Reputation points

2024-10-22T01:06:30.53+00:00

I also encountered this issue and was confused for a long time, until I finally discovered it was a problem with the new version of the mstsc client in Windows 11 24H2.
Mikael Andersen 0 Reputation points

2024-10-31T09:08:03.83+00:00

Any word from Microsoft on this issue? This causes massive issues for me, who RDPs into older systems, but where I am forced to update.
Alessandro Cipriano 205 Reputation points

2024-10-31T12:48:09.5266667+00:00

Unfortunately, the only solution now is to return to the previous version (23H2). You should do that quickly, or it will become unavailable after a while.
DiegoCarmona-4368 10 Reputation points

2024-10-31T21:06:47.19+00:00

We are also affected by this. We've reached out to Microsoft but it doesn't seem they're aware of the issue.
Guilherme Rodrigues Da Costa 0 Reputation points

2024-11-11T20:06:41.1366667+00:00

Algum conseguiu ajustar ?
Horse Merry 0 Reputation points

2024-11-17T08:07:44.03+00:00

I also encountered a similar problem! When is Microsoft going to solve it? It is impossible to work fully with a remote desktop!!!!
Jason Beaumont 0 Reputation points

2024-11-19T00:13:53.0733333+00:00

November Cumulative update hasn't fixed this issue
HenriquedaCunhaTeixeira-8514 0 Reputation points

2024-11-21T12:13:17.61+00:00

The same happened to me, but when accessing applications that needs Java. Windows Explorer and Browsers runs fine.
Alexander Galkin 1 Reputation point

2024-11-25T09:23:47.6233333+00:00

I took old RDP 7.1 client files and that's ok !
Алексей Степин 0 Reputation points

2024-11-25T16:44:59.15+00:00

Аналогичная проблема. Очень жду скорейшего решения!
Frederic DM 0 Reputation points

2024-12-06T20:31:18.2833333+00:00

Same problem here. Thunderbird menus on the remote computer are unusable.

I have recovered mstsc.exe and mstscax.dll from Windows.old ; and both .mui files from subdirectory en-US.

When launched from that location, it fixes the problem, but creates another.

The top menu bar is absent, so that you cannot disconnect from the remote session or reduce it in a window.

Frédéric, from Belgium
Stéphane Girard 0 Reputation points

2024-12-10T12:53:34.4233333+00:00

Same problem with windows 11 24h2 and a 2008 server with excel 2002. All the buttons are hidden and appear when I move the mouse over them.
Manie Van Der Raad 0 Reputation points

2024-12-10T13:00:08.2966667+00:00

Not a very helpful answer?
Don 0 Reputation points

2024-12-14T00:16:48.16+00:00

Same problem with Remote Desktop accessing an older Windows 7 machine after updating to 24H2. At first I thought it was a video card issue, until I noticed that another laptop just updated to 24H2 also had the problem. I will not update my remaining laptop for the time being!
Michael Glocker 0 Reputation points

2024-12-17T10:05:35.44+00:00

Same problem with our Win11 24h2 update: A lot of artefacts in RDP-windows. Moving mouse creates stripes. It's more than annoying...
Tim Jones 0 Reputation points

2024-12-17T14:41:28.34+00:00

I've been looking for the 7.1 download but I haven't been able to find it anywhere.
Marc Picart 15 Reputation points

2024-12-17T18:59:25.7+00:00

Hi Frederic,

To fix the menu bar problem

I copied the following files from the 23H2 version, from the Windows.old folder:

C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe

C:\Windows\System32\mstscax.dll

C:\Windows\System32\en-US\mstsc.exe.mui

C:\Windows\System32\en-US\mstscax.dll.mui

C:\Windows\SystemResources\mstsc.exe.mun

C:\Windows\SystemResources\mstscax.dll.mun

It worked fine
Frederic DM 0 Reputation points

2024-12-17T19:07:31.83+00:00

Hello @marc picart, I already tried that (except that I have put a target location outside c:\windows) and the behaviour is a bit different. The remote desktop comes immediately a full-screen, and the top menu bar is absent.

Hence you cannot put the remote desktop in a window, neither close it in order to disconnect.

I cannot test anymore as I have reverted to 23H2 within the 10-days timeframe.
Takorn 0 Reputation points

2024-12-17T23:56:48.1466667+00:00

resolved https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Jux5xWdSk/
translate THAI to ENG
sullivanjc 25 Reputation points

2024-12-24T00:17:51.9+00:00

Is anyone experiencing this issue with Windows 2008R2 or Windows 7 running RDP 8 on their machines (which was an update, not what was released with the OS)? I'm wondering if that changes anything in regards to this issue as I don't think Microsoft will view it as a problem. The OSes of the servers being connected to are past end of of life and running versions of RDP that were not installed to currently supported versions of their PC and server products.
Dominic_Knight 0 Reputation points

2024-12-24T13:22:24.7633333+00:00

I cleared out the group policy history cache and know it works
sullivanjc 25 Reputation points

2024-12-27T20:01:58.4166667+00:00

I believe I found a workaround, albeit a low quality one. I found this while tinkering with mRemoteNG and was able to do this with the Windows Remote Desktop Client with an .rdp file. When I set the color depth to 256 colors, I did not get the bars across my screen running sqldeveloper. I viewed table contents and ran a sql script without issue. It is an ugly screen, but it is legible. The Windows 11 RDP client does not offer 256 colors as an option but you can save a .rdp file and edit the file in notepad to set it there. The value you want to change is session bits per pixel (session bpp). It normally looks like "session bpp:i:32". It could be 15 or 16 depending on color depth picked when you saved the .rdp intially. Change it to the following: "session bpp:i:8", save the file, and then launch your remote desktop session using that .rdp file.
James White 15 Reputation points

2025-01-02T23:30:32.7933333+00:00

It is more complicated when you are using an RDM manager program that uses mstsc API.

This has been broken for some months now. I have to access older servers

it impacts hosts running

windows 2008 x86,

windows 2008 r2 X64

from any Windows 11 machine since the second or third windows insider release preview of 24H2

While RDM supports using older versions of the RDP Api supposedly from RDP6.1 to RDP 10.11 it makes no difference so far

FreeRDP API has problems with cutting and pasting the clipboard which is essential

time for a fix please Bill
matt Jensen 0 Reputation points

2025-01-14T15:32:57.0133333+00:00

I work for a medical Facility and The EHR we use connects via Remote desktop connection the program is centered around Windows Server 2008, When I did the update Windows 11, version 24H2 on 1-13-2025 I had logged into my EHR and it is comparable to the picture above, I went into the Microsoft Store and downloaded remote desktop connection and it fixed the graphical issues but now i cant access my printer. The printer is not wired it connects via Wifi. Does anybody know If i can uninstall the most recent update or how to get my printer to pick up through MICROSOFT REMOTE DESKTOP.
sullivanjc 25 Reputation points

2025-01-14T19:18:47.74+00:00

You can try my suggestion from Dec. 27th to get the standard PC remote desktop application working at 256 colors. The graphics are legible then but the color depth kind of sucks. That would then presumably allow you to use your printer with Remote Desktop. If you updated on the 13th, you might be able to go into the update history on Windows Update and roll the update back. If it's been more than 10 days, though, you won't have that option.
Keyser Söze 5 Reputation points

2025-01-22T09:32:59.4133333+00:00

Hello, has anyone solved this problem properly? When I run the files from version 23h2, everything looks fine, but the top toolbar does not show. Do you have any solution? I am solving the problem on remote computers, so I cannot completely replace mstsc.exe in the system32 directory.. Thanks
Dmitry Merkotan 20 Reputation points

2025-01-22T09:50:28.9733333+00:00

Sort this thread by newest and see my solution just under yours (from Comraddm). You don't need to touch you system mstsc, just copy that archive to any place and make a shortcut to desktop.
Thomas-3831 5 Reputation points

2025-01-22T09:57:30.4166667+00:00

We also have this problem and urgently need a solution.
It is unacceptable that we have to replace the mstsc files with every Windows update.
Unfortunately, many functions are not possible with the new MS Remote Desktop.
Comraddm 120 Reputation points

2025-01-22T10:09:37.9833333+00:00

You don't need to touch your system mstsc, sort this thread by newest and see my solution below.
Frederic DM 0 Reputation points

2025-01-22T10:15:49.9966667+00:00

I do not agree. I did that and explained it in a previous post. The remote desktop comes in a full screen window without a toolbar, and you cannot set the remote session in a window, or minimise it, or disconnect it.

The only way to return to your local computer is to logoff from the remote computer.

I was still in the timeframe to uninstall 24H2 and reverted to 23H2.

(I had other problems with 24H2 related to networking, IPv6, DNS and DHCP.)
Comraddm 120 Reputation points

2025-01-22T10:35:07.8066667+00:00

Frederic DM, no, I insist it really works fine!

Checked on several PCs.

Are you sure you did exactly what suggested?

The situation without toolbar appears if resource files *.mun are absent.

Can you show all files and dirs of your dir with mstsc.exe?

To do that run cmd, then cd to your dir and there type command tree /f.

You should get this:
Thomas-3831 5 Reputation points

2025-01-22T10:58:21+00:00

Unfortunately, it doesn't work for us with the GPO either.
Frederic DM 0 Reputation points

2025-01-22T10:58:55.0866667+00:00

Sorry, I cannot do that. I have reverted to 23H2.

Anyway, what a mess in order to sort out what is needed and what is crap.

Not counting zillions occurrences in WinSXS

Thanks for your advice, I will keep a copy of those .mun files in a safe place, for the time MS will push forcefully 24H2 sooner or later.

C:\WINDOWS\System32\mstsc.exe

C:\WINDOWS\System32\mstscax.dll

C:\WINDOWS\System32\en-GB\mstsc.exe.mui

C:\WINDOWS\System32\en-GB\mstscax.dll.mui

C:\WINDOWS\System32\en-US\mstsc.exe.mui

C:\WINDOWS\System32\en-US\mstscax.dll.mui

C:\WINDOWS\System32\fr-FR\mstsc.exe.mui

C:\WINDOWS\System32\fr-FR\mstscax.dll.mui

C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\mstsc.mof

C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\mstscax.mof

C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\en-GB\mstsc.mfl

C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\en-GB\mstscax.mfl

C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\en-US\mstsc.mfl

C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\en-US\mstscax.mfl

C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\fr-FR\mstsc.mfl

C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\fr-FR\mstscax.mfl

C:\WINDOWS\SystemResources\mstsc.exe.mun

C:\WINDOWS\SystemResources\mstscax.dll.mun

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\mstsc.exe

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\mstscax.dll

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\wbem\mstsc.mof

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\wbem\mstscax.mof

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\wbem\en-GB\mstscax.mfl

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\wbem\en-US\mstscax.mfl

C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\wbem\fr-FR\mstscax.mfl

C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\amd64_microsoft-windows-t..cesclient.resources_31bf3856ad3... ... ...
Comraddm 120 Reputation points

2025-01-22T11:32:48.7466667+00:00

Not about GPO, try this our solution:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/2086656/upgrading-to-windows-11-24h2-causes-remote-desktop?orderby=newest&page=1#answers:~:text=10%3A22%20PM-,Hi%20everyone!,Here%27s%20a%20required%20structure%3A,-Just%20copy%20those
Thomas-3831 5 Reputation points

2025-01-22T12:08:03.21+00:00

Can anyone tell me how to install FreeRDP on Windows?
Anwar Mangla 15 Reputation points

2025-02-03T18:51:43.3866667+00:00

This method of copying mstsc files from old built to a different location and starting older version of mstsc works if you are using remote desktop but if you have a remote app, it does not follow even if you point that remote app file to older mstsc version.
DiegoCarmona-4368 10 Reputation points

2025-02-07T18:49:15.75+00:00

We have tested this week's Insider Preview build

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/01/31/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-26120-3073-dev-and-beta-channels/

And we can confirm that the issue has been fixed in this build.
Comraddm 120 Reputation points

2025-02-07T19:10:45.5566667+00:00

Thank you, DiegoCarmona-4368.

Will be waiting for the official stable release.
Dave Johnston 10 Reputation points

2025-02-08T20:04:45.0733333+00:00

Agree, that release does the job, great!
Paul Vancluysen 15 Reputation points

2025-02-16T14:48:31.8966667+00:00

Hi everyone,

I did upgrade recently (14/2/2025) to Windows 11 version 24H2. Also, it causes problems with remote desktop connections to XP virtual machine, graphics are not shown correctly.

Does anyone knows if Microsoft self will solve this issue in future upgrades? It seems to me an unacceptable behavior as so many windows users all have this same problem.

Thanks in advance to Microsoft for professional help!
Paul Vancluysen 15 Reputation points

2025-02-17T13:16:03.1166667+00:00

My last update was at 11/02/2025.

2025-02 Cumulatieve update voor op Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64 gebaseerde systemen (KB5051989).

There are still problems in my XP virtual machine via remote desktop connection. Missing some icon graphics in XP system environment and also in some XP programs. Graphic curves are not displayed solid, missing data points and also icons are not complete displayed in the programs. Accessing the icon buttons they become visible and complete, but it doesn't become stable at all.

I stay waiting for upgrade that solves it all.

I still use some older XP programs for my company and I cannot replace them by more recent versions, because they don't exist. So, I really need a good working stable XP environment like it was before the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade.
Morena Abritta 5 Reputation points

2025-02-18T18:52:54.4533333+00:00

Same, installed KB5051987 but the issue is still there. It is unacceptable for such a problem to be going on for months.
Toni Zapata Yerga 10 Reputation points

2025-02-20T08:00:53.41+00:00

I have had this issue for two months and Microsoft still hasn't fixed it. I am an IT administrator and I have several affected servers, Windows 2008 and even some Windows 2003. I know they should be updated but they do their job perfectly. I have some users with the 24H2 version but more and more are coming. At the moment we have solved it using the old mstsc.exe. But that can stop working at any time. I hope Microsoft takes this seriously. Otherwise, between Windows 10 end of support and 24H2, companies are going to have to spend a fortune on renewals.
Dave Johnston 10 Reputation points

2025-02-20T08:08:04+00:00

Sorts graphics but can't use as there is no printer and local drive ability.

24 answers

sullivanjc 25 Reputation points

2024-12-27T20:27:32.8433333+00:00

I believe I found a workaround, albeit a low quality one. I found this while tinkering with mRemoteNG and was able to do this with the Windows Remote Desktop Client with an .rdp file. When I set the color depth to 256 colors, I did not get the bars across my screen running sqldeveloper. I viewed table contents and ran a sql script without issue. It is an ugly screen, but it is legible. The Windows 11 RDP client does not offer 256 colors as an option but you can save a .rdp file and edit the file in notepad to set it there. The value you want to change is session bits per pixel (session bpp). It normally looks like "session bpp:i:32". It could be 15 or 16 depending on color depth picked when you saved the .rdp intially. Change it to the following: "session bpp:i:8", save the file, and then launch your remote desktop session using that .rdp file. If this does work for others, maybe this will help futher determine what the actual issue is. My hypothesis at this point is it's something with data compression and that it only comes into play when color depth exceeds 8 bits per pixel or 1 byte.
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2 people found this answer helpful.
Toni Zapata Yerga 10 Reputation points

2025-02-26T10:01:27.9733333+00:00

This worked for me today. But weeks ago I already did this same test and it didn't work. I think it may be due to the addition of some 24H2 update and 8-bit color.
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Hughs 5 Reputation points

2024-12-11T04:23:24.25+00:00

I get this same problem on our customers Windows 11 too.

I copy all the mstsc*.* (version 10.0.22621) from my notebook which doesn't update to 24H2 yet.

Copy those files to customers c:\windows\mstsc (10.0.22621). And make a shortcut for them to use temporarily until Microsoft release a fix
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1 person found this answer helpful.
James White 15 Reputation points

2025-01-25T00:26:18.4033333+00:00

This thread is about RDP issues with windows 7 and server 2008 r2

Your issues is the difference between the Modern App "Remote desktop" and the windows application MSTSC.exe "Remote Desktop Connections"

Go to Settings App, Remote Desktop where you can set the default app/application for rdp files.
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Marc Picart 15 Reputation points

2024-12-17T19:00:44.97+00:00

I copied the following files from the 23H2 version, from the Windows.old folder:

C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe

C:\Windows\System32\mstscax.dll

C:\Windows\System32\en-US\mstsc.exe.mui (en-US It depends on the Windows language)

C:\Windows\System32\en-US\mstscax.dll.mui (en-US It depends on the Windows language)

C:\Windows\SystemResources\mstsc.exe.mun

C:\Windows\SystemResources\mstscax.dll.mun

It worked fine

Of course I made a backup of the originals from 24H2 in case Microsoft takes notice and solves the problem

To copy these files I did it from the recovery environment using the command line

I hope it is useful to you
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1 person found this answer helpful.
Tim Jones 0 Reputation points

2024-12-24T14:19:36.0233333+00:00

The has worked for me on multiple computers.

Martin Hubka 1 Reputation point

2025-02-26T09:45:58.0866667+00:00

this not worked for me .... After this, my rdp stopped working completely and I couldn't connect anywhere.
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James White 15 Reputation points

2025-02-01T02:27:00.4233333+00:00
Good news happy campers..

Edition Windows 11 Pro for Workstations

Version 24H2 (insider Release Preview installed 1/2/2025)

OS build 26100.3037

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.48.0

***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SEEMS to have resolved the issue

MSTSC.EXE - FIXED - used direct (default.rdp)

saved rdp - fixed

RDM Devolutions using latest rdp - FIXED

***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

in Passing..

I note that the top bar for MSTSC can be moved (dragged) from middle and hides unless it is pinned. You may have to feel around with the mouse for it - but that is not this topic.

Thanks Bill
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Dave Johnston 10 Reputation points

2025-02-02T17:42:53.6833333+00:00

So this is a revised 24H2 that resolves the problem with graphics when remote desktop to a windows server 2008 R2? How do I access this?

Anwar Mangla 15 Reputation points

2025-02-03T18:48:09.6533333+00:00

It does not resolve the issue when connecting to Server 2008R2 via RDP.

Dave Johnston 10 Reputation points

2025-02-03T20:41:15.7266667+00:00

Just installed Build 10.0.26120.3073 - still no good for Server 2008 R2

sullivanjc 25 Reputation points

2025-02-03T20:50:25.06+00:00

I have the same versions:

OS build 26100.3037

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.48.0

Still have issue with connections to Windows 2008R2 with mstsc.exe

Anwar Mangla 15 Reputation points

2025-02-13T19:02:51.8766667+00:00

GOOD NEWS!!!

Microsoft has released a feature pack update for Windows 11, 24H2:

2025-02 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5051987)

Just go to updates and run this update and it should fix the RDP issues.

Comraddm 120 Reputation points

2025-02-13T20:24:32.5033333+00:00

Anwar Mangla, unfortunately this did not work for me connecting to Windows Server 2008 R2 :(
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James White 15 Reputation points

2025-02-04T00:28:10.7733333+00:00

Just so y'all are aware

The latest release preview build of W24H2 fixes the RDP API, and MSTSC.exe

The Modern APP remote desktop was never broken, The issues with Modern APP remote desktop were to do with the bar at the top and not part of this topic

Edition Windows 11 Pro for Workstations

Version 24H2 (insider Release Preview installed 1/2/2025)

OS build 26100.3037

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.48.0

The Changed file is mstscax.dll which matches the Build Version and has a datetime stamp of 29/1/2025. and a build version of 10.0.26100.3037. this is the only changed file since October 2024

For release versions of Windows 11 Pro 24H2 build 26120.1912 the filedate is 3/10/2024

there's ya problem so no fix yet there in latest servicing pack for production versions, which are still broken..
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DiegoCarmona-4368 10 Reputation points

2025-02-07T18:50:38.7333333+00:00

Thanks a lot for lettings us know about this. We have tested it and it does seem to be fixed in that Insider Preview.
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Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 causes remote desktop connections to Windows 7 machines not to show graphics correctly.

24 answers

Good news happy campers..

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