Home dedicated server support Resolving RDP Hang and Connection Drop Issues on VPS or Dedicated Servers

Resolving RDP Hang and Connection Drop Issues on VPS or Dedicated Servers

by Ashila Antony
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Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a widely used tool for managing virtual private servers (VPS) and dedicated servers. However, under certain network conditions, users may encounter issues such as RDP sessions hanging or frequent connection drops. One effective solution to improve the stability of RDP connections is to disable UDP support and rely solely on the TCP protocol. TCP is often more reliable and stable in adverse network environments, making it a preferred option for remote server management.

In this article, we will explore how to disable UDP for RDP connections on a Windows Server using different methods. These steps can help mitigate connection issues and provide a smoother remote desktop experience.

Why Disable UDP for RDP?

RDP uses both UDP and TCP protocols by default. While UDP offers faster data transmission, it is more susceptible to packet loss and network instability. Disabling UDP forces RDP to rely entirely on TCP, which provides better reliability due to its error-checking and retransmission capabilities. This adjustment can resolve complications related to unreliable network connections.

Methods to Disable UDP for RDP Connections

Here are three main methods to disable UDP support for RDP connections on Windows Servers:

Method 1: Use Windows Firewall on Windows Server 2012-2016

1.Open the Control Panel:

  • Use the keyboard shortcut Win+X and select Control Panel.

2.Navigate to Windows Firewall:

  • Go to the System and Security section and select Windows Firewall.

3.Access Advanced Settings:

  • From the left-hand panel, click Advanced Settings to launch the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security window.

4.Locate the Rule:

  • Under Inbound Rules, locate the rule named Remote Desktop – User Mode (UDP-In). This rule typically uses port 3389 (the default RDP port, unless it has been changed).

5.Edit the Rule:

  • Double-click the rule to open its properties.
  • Navigate to the General tab and, under the Action section, choose Block the connection.

6.Save Changes:

  • Click OK to save your changes.

By blocking the UDP-In rule, you prevent RDP from using UDP, thereby forcing it to use TCP exclusively.

Method 2: Using Windows Firewall on Windows Server 2019-2022

On newer versions of Windows Server, the process for launching the firewall configuration is slightly different:

1.Launch Server Manager

  • Open Server Manager.

2.Access Firewall Settings

  • Go to Tools and select Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.

3.Follow the Steps

  • Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to locate and block the Remote Desktop – User Mode (UDP-In) rule.

4.Save Changes:

  • Save your changes to disable UDP for RDP.

Method 3: Modifying the Registry

This method involves editing the Windows Registry to disable UDP for RDP connections. While it requires more caution, it is an effective solution.

1.Open the Registry Editor:

  • Press Win+R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2.Navigate to the following path:

  • Go to the following path:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services\Client

3.Create a New Entry:

  • Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value and give it the name it:

fClientDisableUDP

4.Set the Vaue:

  • Assign a value of 1 to the fClientDisableUDP entry to turn off UDP support for RDP.

5.Reboot the Server:

  • Exit the Registry Editor, then reboot the server to enforce the new settings.

Additional Notes

  • Always back up your registry before making changes to avoid accidental misconfigurations.
  • If you need to re-enable UDP support in the future, simply delete the fClientDisableUDP entry or set its value to 0.

Conclusion

Disabling UDP for RDP connections can significantly enhance connection stability on VPS and dedicated servers, especially under challenging network conditions. By using one of the abovementioned methods, you can prevent RDP hangs and connection drops, ensuring a smoother remote desktop experience.

Whether you choose to configure the firewall or modify the registry, make sure to follow the steps carefully. Implementing this change will help you maintain reliable remote server management and avoid unnecessary disruptions in your workflow.

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