Microsoft RDP from Windows 11 hangs constantly, does not disconnect.

Question

Hi Im starting this new issue because it is impossible to find answers amongst all the issues with RDP not connecting or disconnecting. That is not my issue. It connects fine. It does not disconnect.

I used to use RDP to connect to a server on my own home LAN, and in the past I was able to use it for days at a time without issue leaving it connected all day and all night, using it for 8 hours a day, no issues.

In the past setup, both client and server are windows 10 pro.

Now, currently, I got a new computer and it is my first windows 11 computer. When connecting to the exact same computer (win 10 pro server), RDP hangs like every 5-10 minutes for 5-60 seconds. Its really effing annoying and its ruining my workflow.

It is definitely a problem with connecting from this windows 11 machine (which is brand new) since it started exactly when I switched to the new machine. What can I do to try and solve this? I installed a ping monitoring program to see if I am having network issues and everything is fine. no packet loss between either machine and the router. Is there any kind of workaround I can try? any logs I can send you? I am at my wits end with this. Tried randomly changing the connection quality setting but nothing changed.

The only thing that does slightly help is if I immediately open a new RDP session to the same computer, it kills the older session and the new one is immediately responsive every time. So it seems like this is truly a problem the RDP connection or application itself

Answer 1

Hello,

Since you've mentioned that you've recently started using a Windows 11 computer as the RDP client while connecting to the same Windows 10 Pro server, and there is symptom of instability in the RDP.

The issue might be related to compatibility or new settings introduced in Windows 11.

Here's a troubleshooting steps:

1. Check RDP compatibility between client and server

If there is a significant version difference between the client and server, consult documentation or official support pages to verify compatibility between them.

Within the client RDP settings, you may choose a compatibility mode or adjust the protocol version to accommodate the server's capabilities.

2. Configure consistent security and network settings

Ensure that firewalls on both ends allow RDP communication on the default port 3389.

If NLA (Network Level Authentication) is enabled on the server, ensure the client also supports and has it enabled.

3. Review logs on both the server and client side for more detailed information. you can open show Analytic and Debug logs in Event Viewer.

For details, please refer to the following documentation:

General Remote Desktop connection troubleshooting - Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

Remote Desktop Services RDS Logon Connectivity Overview and Troubleshooting | Microsoft Learn

RDP Direct Connection Process with NLA Enabled | Microsoft Learn

Regards,

Xin Wang

Answer 2

I have checked on the client, it says "remote desktop protocol 10.11 supported" and on the server it says it only supports "10.8"

Could this be a source of the problem? How could I correct it?

Answer 3

Hi,

Your issue could indeed be stemming from the compatibility difference in RDP versions. You can try fixing the problem via updating Server-side RDP Protocol. Ensure that the server is updated to its latest state for optimal compatibility.

There is a temporary solution:

Try remotely connecting from another similarly configured Windows 11 machine, to determine if the problem is specific to the affected client environment.

Regards

Answer 4

Hi, Im now slightly unsure if im talking to real people or chatbots. I cannot update the server because it is on 22h2, which is the last version of windows 10 ever. There is no official way to update the RDP client outside of windows update. So that version will be stuck at 10.8 forever from what I understand from my own searches.

I see where you are going with the testing from other machines idea. Unfortunately, I only have a single machine that supports windows 11.

What did work perfectly fine before was my windows 10 laptop, connected to the exact same network, sitting in the exact same chair. So you could consider that as a "test" that suggests the only difference is windows 11. Both laptops are thinkpads even.

I did notice that the server has some strange behaviour that might require a restart. I still havent restarted it since the problem started, as it does actually act as a server which hosts some important (to me) services.

I will report back if I find out anything that might help other people.

I did try to disable any "Local Resources" I didnt need (like sending the printers to the remote machine). The only one enabled now is "clipboard" but it didnt change anything. My connection quality is currently set to WAN but I might try to decrease it

Answer 5

I enabled the features to "Get windows updates as soon as they are available" and I did get one new windows update:

February 29, 2024—KB5034843 (OS Build 19045.4123) Preview

Then I rebooted. After most of a full work day, I have not had the hanging issue anymore. I dont know what really caused the problem but I guess its gone for now.

This issue can be closed. Thanks for your help