How to Fix Microsoft Remote Desktop Error Code 0x204

If you’ve encountered the frustrating error code 0x204 while trying to connect to a remote computer using Microsoft Remote Desktop, you’re not alone. This error typically indicates connection issues between your device and the remote server. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through what causes this error and provide step-by-step solutions to get you back up and running.

Understanding Error Code 0x204

Error code 0x204 in Microsoft Remote Desktop typically translates to “Connection to the remote computer cannot be established. You might need to try different connection settings.” In hexadecimal, 0x204 corresponds to 516 in decimal, which is related to networking connectivity issues.

The error usually occurs due to:

• Network connectivity problems
• Incorrect Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) settings
• Firewall or security software blocking the connection
• Remote Desktop services not running properly on the target machine
• Network adapter issues

Common Causes

Cause	Description
Network Issues	Unstable internet connection, network congestion, or incorrectly configured network settings
Firewall Blockage	Windows Firewall or third-party security software blocking RDP connections
Remote Desktop Services	Remote Desktop services not running or incorrectly configured on the target machine
Port Configuration	Default RDP port (3389) is blocked or changed
Network Adapter Problems	Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers
Group Policy Restrictions	Group Policy settings restricting Remote Desktop connections
Remote Computer State	Remote computer is shut down, sleeping, or experiencing issues

Quick Solutions Checklist

Before diving into detailed solutions, try these quick checks:

• ✓ Ensure the remote computer is powered on and connected to the network
• ✓ Verify you’re using the correct hostname or IP address
• ✓ Check if you can ping the remote computer
• ✓ Confirm Remote Desktop is enabled on the target machine
• ✓ Try connecting with the IP address instead of the hostname
• ✓ Restart both your local and remote computers
• ✓ Temporarily disable firewalls on both machines
• ✓ Ensure your network connection is stable

Detailed Solutions

Solution 1: Check Network Connectivity

First, let’s verify that basic network connectivity exists between your computer and the remote machine.

1. Test network connectivity using ping:
   • Open Command Prompt (Press Windows+R, type cmd, then press Enter)
   • Type ping [remote_computer_name_or_IP] (replace with the actual name or IP)
   • Check for replies without packet loss
   ping 192.168.1.100
2. Check if the RDP port is open:
   • In Command Prompt, test the RDP port using:
   telnet [remote_computer_name_or_IP] 3389
   • If telnet isn’t installed, you can install it from “Turn Windows features on or off” in Control Panel
   • A blank screen indicates success; an error indicates the port is closed
3. Verify DNS resolution (if using hostname):
   • Run nslookup [remote_computer_name] to check if the hostname resolves to the correct IP address

Solution 2: Verify Remote Desktop Services

Ensure that Remote Desktop services are running properly on the target computer:

1. Check if Remote Desktop is enabled:
   • On the remote computer, right-click on “This PC” or “My Computer”
   • Select “Properties” → “Remote settings”
   • Ensure “Allow remote connections to this computer” is selected
2. Verify Remote Desktop services are running:
   • On the remote computer, press Windows+R
   • Type services.msc and press Enter
   • Locate “Remote Desktop Services” and “Remote Desktop Configuration”
   • Ensure both are set to “Running” and “Automatic”
3. Restart Remote Desktop services:
   • In the Services window, right-click on each Remote Desktop service
   • Select “Restart”

Solution 3: Configure Windows Firewall Settings

The Windows Firewall might be blocking the Remote Desktop connection:

1. Allow Remote Desktop through Windows Firewall:
   • Press Windows+R, type control firewall.cpl, and press Enter
   • Click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”
   • Ensure “Remote Desktop” is checked for both Private and Public networks
   • If not listed, click “Allow another app” → Browse → locate mstsc.exe (typically in C:\Windows\System32)
2. Open RDP port in Windows Firewall:
   • In Windows Defender Firewall, click “Advanced settings”
   • Select “Inbound Rules” → “New Rule”
   • Choose “Port” → “TCP” → enter “3389” (default RDP port)
   • Choose “Allow the connection” → complete the wizard
3. Temporarily disable firewall (for testing only):
   • In Windows Defender Firewall, click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off”
   • Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both network types
   • Try connecting again (remember to re-enable the firewall afterward)

Solution 4: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause connection issues:

1. Update network adapter drivers:
   • Press Windows+X and select “Device Manager”
   • Expand “Network adapters”
   • Right-click on your network adapter → “Update driver”
   • Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”
2. Reinstall network adapter drivers:
   • In Device Manager, right-click on your network adapter
   • Select “Uninstall device” (don’t check the box to delete the driver)
   • Restart your computer; Windows will automatically reinstall the driver
3. Download latest drivers from manufacturer:
   • Visit your computer or network adapter manufacturer’s website
   • Download and install the latest drivers for your specific model

Solution 5: Modify Remote Desktop Connection Settings

Adjusting the Remote Desktop Connection settings can resolve compatibility issues:

1. Change RDP security level:
   • Open Remote Desktop Connection (Press Windows+R, type mstsc, press Enter)
   • Click “Show Options” → “Advanced” tab → “Settings” under “Connect from anywhere”
   • Change the security level to a different option (try “RDP Security Layer” if using “Negotiate”)
2. Disable network level authentication:
   • On the remote computer, open System Properties
   • Go to “Remote” tab → “Advanced” button
   • Uncheck “Require computers to use Network Level Authentication”
   • Note: This reduces security, so re-enable once troubleshooting is complete
3. Modify RDP client settings file:
   • Create a new RDP file (in Remote Desktop Connection, configure settings and Save As)
   • Open the .rdp file in Notepad
   • Add or modify these lines:
   authentication level:i:2 negotiate security layer:i:0
   • Save and try connecting using this RDP file

Solution 6: Check Group Policy Settings

Group Policy settings may restrict Remote Desktop connections:

1. Check local Group Policy:
   • Press Windows+R, type gpedit.msc, press Enter
   • Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Connections
   • Check if “Allow users to connect remotely by using Remote Desktop Services” is enabled
2. Check Remote Desktop security policies:
   • In Group Policy Editor, go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Security
   • Review settings like “Require use of specific security layer for remote (RDP) connections”
3. Update Group Policy settings:
   • After making changes, update Group Policy by running:
   gpupdate /force

Solution 7: Reset TCP/IP Stack

Network stack issues can be resolved by resetting TCP/IP:

1. Reset Winsock:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Run the following command:
   netsh winsock reset
2. Reset TCP/IP stack:
   • In the same Command Prompt window, run:
   netsh int ip reset
3. Flush DNS cache:
   • Run this command:
   ipconfig /flushdns
4. Restart your computer to apply changes

Specific Scenarios

Error 0x204 on Windows 11

Windows 11 might have specific Remote Desktop issues:

1. Check for Windows 11 updates:
   • Go to Settings → Windows Update
   • Download and install all available updates
2. Reset Remote Desktop client:
   • Search for “Apps & features” in Start menu
   • Find “Microsoft Remote Desktop” app
   • Click “Advanced options” → “Reset”
3. Use compatibility mode:
   • Right-click on the Remote Desktop Connection shortcut
   • Select “Properties” → “Compatibility” tab
   • Check “Run this program in compatibility mode” and select Windows 10

Error 0x204 on macOS Client

If you’re using the Remote Desktop client on macOS:

1. Update the Microsoft Remote Desktop app:
   • Open the App Store
   • Check for updates to the Microsoft Remote Desktop app
2. Reset app preferences:
   • Quit the Remote Desktop app
   • Open Finder → Go → Go to Folder
   • Type ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.rdc.macos
   • Rename or delete the folder (it will be recreated)
   • Restart the app
3. Check network configuration:
   • Ensure your Mac’s firewall isn’t blocking the connection
   • Try connecting through a different network (e.g., switch from Wi-Fi to wired)

Error 0x204 in Corporate Environments

Corporate networks often have additional security measures:

1. Contact IT support:
   • Your organization may have specific VPN requirements or security policies
2. Check VPN connection:
   • Ensure your VPN connection is established and working properly
   • Some corporate environments require VPN before establishing RDP connections
3. Verify network path:
   • Ask your IT department if there are any network devices (proxies, firewalls) blocking RDP traffic

Preventive Measures

To prevent future occurrences of error 0x204:

1. Keep systems updated:
   • Regularly install Windows updates on both local and remote computers
   • Keep network drivers up-to-date
2. Create connection backup files:
   • Save working RDP connection settings to .rdp files
   • Store these in a safe location for future use
3. Document working settings:
   • Keep notes on specific configuration settings that work in your environment
4. Consider RDP alternatives:
   • For persistent connection issues, consider alternatives like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or VNC
   • In corporate environments, consider VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

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By following the solutions in this guide, you should be able to resolve the Microsoft Remote Desktop error code 0x204 and successfully connect to your remote computer. If you continue experiencing issues after trying these solutions, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support or your organization’s IT department for further assistance.

Have you encountered other Remote Desktop errors? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll help troubleshoot them in future guides.