Home Miscellaneous Resolving the “Remote Desktop Connection: An Internal Error Has Occurred” Error

Resolving the “Remote Desktop Connection: An Internal Error Has Occurred” Error

by Ashila Antony
Error Image.

The “An Internal Error Has Occurred” message is one of the most common errors encountered by users trying to connect to a remote server using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). While the error doesn’t provide much information about the cause, it can be frustrating when attempting to manage a remote system. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions to resolve this issue.

Common Causes of the Error

1.Network or Connectivity Issues: Temporary issues with your local or remote network can interrupt the RDP connection.

2.Incorrect RDP Configuration: Misconfigured RDP settings on the client or server can trigger this error.

3.Corrupt or Outdated Certificates: RDP connections rely on certificates for secure communication. Expired or corrupted certificates may cause the issue.

4.Firewall or Security Software: Overly aggressive firewall or antivirus settings can block RDP connections.

5.Group Policy Misconfigurations: Certain Group Policy settings can interfere with RDP connections, particularly encryption settings.

6.Outdated Windows Updates: Missing updates or system bugs can also cause this error.

Methods to Resolve the Error

1. Restart the Remote Desktop Service

Sometimes, restarting the RDP service can resolve temporary glitches:

  • Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R and enter services.msc.
  • Identify the service labeled Remote Desktop Services.
  • Right-click the service and select Restart.
  • Retry connecting to the remote system.

2. Check and Restart the Remote Machine

If restarting the Remote Desktop Services doesn’t help, restart the remote system itself. Temporary issues on the remote server can cause connection errors.

3. Disable Network Level Authentication (NLA)

Network Level Authentication (NLA) is a security feature for RDP connections, but in some cases, it can cause connection errors. Try disabling it:

  • On the remote machine, open System Properties (press Win + Pause/Break, then click Advanced System Settings).
  • Go to the Remote tab.
  • In the Remote Desktop settings, deselect the option Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended).
  • Click Apply and OK.
  • Retry the RDP connection.

4. Modify Group Policy Settings

Incorrect or conflicting Group Policy settings can trigger the error. Adjust these settings to fix the issue:

1.Launch the Group Policy Editor by pressing Win + R, typing gpedit.msc, and pressing Enter.

2.Navigate to the following path:

  • Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> Remote Desktop Services> Remote Desktop Session Host> Security

3.Access the policy Require use of specific security layer for remote (RDP) connections by double-clicking it.

4.Select Enabled, and in the dropdown, choose RDP.

5.Click Apply and OK.

6.Ensure the following policy is disabled:

Review the settings related to FIPS-compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing.

To disable it, Navigate to:

  • In the Group Policy Editor, go to:
  • Computer Configuration> Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options
  • Look for the policy System cryptography: Use FIPS-compliant algorithms and adjust its configuration if necessary.

7.Restart the machine after applying the changes.

5. Clear the RDP Cache on the Client Machine

Corrupted cache files can cause issues with RDP connections. Clearing the RDP cache can resolve the error:

1.Press Win + R, type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client\Cache, and press Enter.

2.Clear the contents of the designated folder associated with cached files.

3.Try reconnecting to the remote system.

6. Check the Remote Desktop Certificate

RDP relies on certificates for secure communication. Expired or corrupted certificates can cause this error:

1.Open the Remote Desktop Configuration Manager using the command tsconfig.msc.

2.Under the Connections tab, right-click the RDP connection and access its Properties.

3.Check the certificate and renew it if necessary.

7. Update Windows on Both Machines

Outdated Windows updates may contain bugs or security issues that cause RDP errors. Ensure both the client and server machines are up-to-date:

1.Open Settings (Win + I) on both machines.

2.Access Windows Update under Update & Security to check for updates.

3.Install any updates that may be pending.

4.Restart both machines after updating and try reconnecting.

8. Adjust Firewall or Antivirus Settings

Verify if firewalls or antivirus software might be interfering with the RDP connection:

  • Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and check if the connection works.
  • If it works, create an exception for the RDP port (default: 3389) in the firewall.

To add an exception in Windows Firewall:

1.Open the Control Panel, then navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall to examine the settings.

2.Click Advanced Settings.

3.Select Inbound Rules, and find or create a rule for Port 3389.

4.Ensure the rule is enabled and set to Allow the connection.

9. Use a Static IP Address

If the remote server has a dynamic IP address, it may change unexpectedly, causing connection errors. Assigning a static IP address to the server ensures stable RDP connectivity.

10. Test with a Different User Account

Create a new user account on the remote machine and test the RDP connection. Test with a new user account to determine if the issue is linked to the existing user profile. Recreate the user profile if necessary.

11. Check the Event Viewer for Detailed Logs

The Windows Event Viewer provides detailed logs about connection errors. Use this tool to identify specific issues:

1.Access the Event Viewer by pressing Win + X

2.Navigate to Windows Logs → System or Windows Logs → Application.

3.Look for errors related to Remote Desktop Services or RDP.

4.Analyze the error logs for further insight.

Preventing RDP Errors in the Future

Here are some tips to prevent RDP errors like this one:

  • Regularly Update Your Systems: Ensure all client and server systems have the latest updates.
  • Monitor Server Resources: Regularly check CPU, memory, and network usage to avoid performance bottlenecks.
  • Optimize Group Policy Settings: Use best practices for RDP-related Group Policy settings.
  • Use Reliable Networks: Ensure both client and server machines are on stable, high-speed networks.

Conclusion

The “An Internal Error Has Occurred” message in Remote Desktop Connection can be frustrating, but it is usually caused by misconfigurations, network issues, or system limitations. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this blog, you can identify the root cause and resolve the error effectively.

If the issue persists after trying all the solutions, it may be time to consult your network administrator or a Windows support professional for further assistance.

Leave a Comment