Connecting from MacOS to Windows via Windows App (RDP)

Question

I'm on MacOS 15.1 and downloaded the "Windows App" from the Apple App Store, which replaces Remote Desktop. When I try to connect to a Windows (Windows 11 Pro) computer on my home network, I get this error:

We couldn't connect to the remote PC because the PC can't be found. Please provide the fully-qualified name or the IP address of the remote PC, and then try again.

Error code: 0x104

I have a Windows virtual machine on this Mac. Remote Desktop Connection is available in Windows (Windows 11 Home). I enter in the same PC name and credentials and connect successfully. I did get the trust warning.

Would the Mac to PC issue be because the certificate in the "Windows App" is outdated or something? I don't see any way to update anything in the mac "Windows App".

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks.

***Moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Apps / Windows apps***

Answer 1

Hi Brett,

I'm Sumit, here to answer your query at the Microsoft Community.

Apologies for any inconvenience you are experiencing. We are happy to help you.

This usually means a network issue. Are both of the Macs on 2.4 Ghz or 5Ghz WiFI?

For the Windows computer,

Please ensure the following services are running:

Function Discovery Provider Host

Function Discovery Resource Publication

SSDP Discovery

UPnP Device Host

Please try using IP Adress and let me know if it works or not instead of Hostname.

I look forward to your response and am eager to collaborate until we find a solution.

Answer 2

Hi. All of those services are enabled. My network is 5/2.4g.

I have already tried the IP on the mac and it still can't connect. Why does this work Windows to Windows but not Mac to Windows?

Also, why doesn't the Windows App prompt for the certificate/trust issue?

thanks,

Brett

Answer 3

Hi Brett,

Thanks for the response. The certificate thing will be prompted if RDP finds the PC on the network, which is not happening here.

There is some configuration issue on the Mac I believe. How about switching from 5 Ghz network to 2.4 and checking?

Answer 4

Hi Sumit.

I didn't change anything but all of the sudden, it started working through the Windows App. I also got the certificate warning prompt.

Is there a way to suppress the certificate prompt?

My Mac is on the 5g network. I don't know what the Windows computer is connected to. But if the default, it is also 5g.

Thanks,

Brett

Answer 5

That is great to hear!

Does this workaround help you if it applies?

https://arcanecode.com/2021/02/15/supressing-th...

Simply click the Show Certificate button to display the certificate information.

Once you review, simply put a check mark in the “Always trust...” checkbox (pointed to by the arrow) then click Continue.

To help others with a similar issue, consider rating the thread to help others, and close it. Microsoft Community is always available to assist you with any questions about Microsoft products.

Hope that helps, and rely on us for any further inquiries. All the best.

Disclaimer:

The link included is a non-Microsoft website that would provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that are frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers as they sometimes do more harm than good.