How to Fix Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104?

Remote Desktop Protocol is a built-in Windows utility that you can use to access computers over the same or different networks without having physical access. This is useful as you are allowed to control the target system using a few clicks from your office or home. There are tons of third-party RDP utilities out there. The built-in RDP might not “really” be the best off of them; most users still prefer to use it. Of course, there are some issues with it as well, like any other software. The one we are going to discuss in this article is the error code 0x104.

Remote Desktop Error 0x104

This error message pops up when you are trying to connect to the target system on the same or a different network. The error message states “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”. This can be due to your DNS settings, network discovery options or occasionally, the Windows defender firewall privacy settings.

What causes the Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104?

The cause of the error message can vary depending on different scenarios. Nonetheless, it is often due to the following reasons —

  • Network Discovery Turned Off: If the network discovery option is turned off in your Sharing options then that can be the reason for the appearance of the error message.
  • Port Blocked by Windows Firewall: Remote Desktop uses the 3389 port by default for RDP connections. In case it is being blocked by Windows Firewall, you will not be able to establish a connection.
  • DNS Settings: If you are using any custom DNS servers, the issue might be rising because of that. In such a case, you will have to remove them and then try establishing a connection.

With that said, you can follow the solutions given down below to fix your issue. Please make sure you follow them in the same order as provided.

Solution 1: Turn on Network Discovery

Network Discovery is an option using which you can determine whether your system can see/scan other systems on the network or not. You have to make sure this option is turned on to establish an RDP connection. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open up the Control Panel.
  2. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Then, on the left-hand side, click on ‘Change advanced sharing settings’.
  4. Expand the network profile that you are currently using and select ‘Turn on network discovery’.
    Turning on Network Discovery
  5. Click Save Changes.

Solution 2: Allow Port 3389 Port through Firewall

Like we mentioned earlier, the 3389 port is the default port that is used by Remote Desktop for connections. If in case, it is blocked by the Windows Firewall, you won’t be able to make a connection. Also, you must choose a strong password and username for the connection to secure yourself from malicious attackers. Here’s how to allow the port through the firewall:

  1. Press the Windows Key to open up the Start Menu.
  2. Type in Remote Settings and hit Enter. This will open up the System window.
  3. On the left-hand side, click on Remote settings.
  4. Under Remote Desktop in the Remote tab, make sure Allow remote connections to this computer is selected.
    Allowing Remote Connections
  5. Now, open up the Control Panel.
  6. Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  7. On the left-hand side, click on ‘Advanced settings’.
  8. Now, select Inbound Rules and then search for Remote Assistance (RA Server TCP-In).
  9. Make sure it is enabled.
  10. Now look for Remote Desktop – User Mode (TCP-In and UDP-In). Make sure they are enabled and 3389 is the port. You can check the port by expanding the window so that the Local Port column is visible.
    Remote Desktop Firewall Rules
  11. Try establishing a connection again.

Solution 3: Clear Custom DNS Servers

If you are using a custom DNS server(s) on your system, you will have to clear it before establishing a remote connection. This applies to both the host and target system. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Right-click on the Network icon in the taskbar and select Open Network and Internet settings.
  2. Click on ‘Change adapter options’.
    Network Settings
  3. Right-click on your adapter and select Properties.
  4. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 and select Properties.
  5. Make sure ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’ is selected.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Try connecting again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.