Fix: Remote Desktop Connection ‘Internal Error has Occurred’

An Internal Error has Occurred” Error appears while connecting to a desktop or laptop through the Remote Desktop Connection. The error can be caused by misconfigured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and security settings. When the error popups, that means RDP is not able to create a connection with the RDP server between the user and the client.

Fix- Remote Desktop Connection ‘An Internal Error has Occurred’
Fix- Remote Desktop Connection ‘An Internal Error has Occurred’

Before going further, we recommend reading the causes below. So you will understand deeply about this error:

  • Disabled Remote Connection- If the Remote Desktop connection is not enabled on your computer, the error will likely appear. Hence, allow the Remote Desktop connection on your Windows to fix this error.
  • Misconfigured RDP Security Settings- The misconfiguration of the Remote Desktop Protocol settings can cause this error. However, you can easily fix this error by configuring RDP settings correctly. 
  • Corrupt Windows Update- According to some users, the error can appear due to a corrupt Windows Update installation. Therefore, reinstalling the Windows update might fix your issue.
  • Disabled Remote Desktop Service- If the Remote Desktop Service is disabled, you might encounter several errors such as this one. Hence, you need to ensure that the Remote Desktop Service is running properly.  
  • Using Static IP- Another reason that can lead you to this issue is using a static IP address like Google, Cloudfare, and among others. If the DNS server is down, this error might appear. Therefore try switching to the automatic DNS to avoid this error.

1. Change RDP Security Settings

The error can often be caused by a disabled RDP setting in the Local Group Policy. The settings specify whether to use the RDP security layer feature to communicate between clients and the RDP server. However, in many scenarios, you might encounter this error if this setting is disabled. Several users have managed to fix this error by enabling this setting. Follow the steps:

  1. Press the Win + R Simultaneously on the keyboard to open Run Window
  2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK

    Opening Run Window
    Opening Run Window
  3. Go to the following directory
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Security
  4. Find and open Require Use Of Specific Security Layer For Remote (RDP) Connections from the right pane
    Opening RDP Service
    Opening RDP Service
  5. Choose the Enabled option from the top left
  6. Click Apply and click OK

    Enabling RDP Security Layer Settings
    Enabling RDP Security Layer Settings
  7. Once all is finished, restart your computer and then try reconnecting to check if the error is fixed.

2. Allowing Remote Connections

The error also occurs if the Allow Remote connection option for your computer is not enabled from the settings. Hence, allow the Remote Desktop Connection and then try connecting to check if the error is fixed. Follow the steps to allow Remote Connection:

  1. Press the Windows key and type View Advance System Settings

    Opening Advance System Settings
    Opening Advance System Settings
  2. Hit Enter to open the System Settings
  3. Click on Remote from top
  4. Select Allow Remote Connections To This Computer
  5. Click Apply, then click OK

    Allowing Remote Connection
    Allowing Remote Connection
  6. Once done, try connecting through a Remote Desktop connection to check if the error persists.

3. Enable Reconnect If the Connection is Dropped

There is an option in the Remote Desktop Connection app that allows the user to reconnect when the user disconnects suddenly. So if the error is occurring due to an unstable network connection, enabling this option might help as it reconnects the user when the connection drops. Below are the steps:

  1. Press the Windows key and type Remote Desktop Connection
  2. Click Show Options

    Click Show Options
    Click Show Options
  3. Then, click Experience and check the option Reconnect If The Connection Is Dropped

    Enabling Reconnect If The Connection Is Dropped
    Enabling Reconnect If The Connection Is Dropped
  4. After that, try connecting to a Windows system.

4. Delete MachineKeys

Another solution that can fix this issue is deleting a machine keys folder. As per the affected users, deleting the Machinekeys fixed their issue. Hence, follow the steps to delete the MachineKeys.

  1. Open File Explorer, navigate to the following path
    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\MachineKeys
  2. Right-click the f686.. file and click Delete

    Deleting Machine Key File
    Deleting Machine Key File
  3. If you get an error message, right-click the file and go to Properties
  4. Click Security from the top, then click Advanced
    Opening Advanced Folder Settings
    Opening Advanced Folder Settings
  5. Click Change and type the username of your local account
    Click Change
    Click Change
  6. Then, click Check Names and click OK

    Entering Microsoft Local Account Name
    Entering Microsoft Local Account Name
  7. Click Add, then click Select A Principal

    Clicking Add Button
    Clicking Add Button
  8. Again, type the username and click Check Names, then click OK
  9. Tick all the permissions under Basic Permissions

    Taking Full Access to the File
    Taking Full Access to the File
  10. Click OK, then click Apply and again click OK
  11. Again, click OK to close the Window
  12. Now try to delete the file and check if the error is fixed.

5. Restarting Remote Desktop Service

Remote Desktop Service allows the user to access the other Windows computer system. If this service is not working properly, it can cause this error. Hence, to fix this, try restarting the Remote Desktop Service. Below are the steps:

  1. Press the Win key and type Services from Start Menu

    Opening Services App
    Opening Services App
  2. Open Services Window and find Remote Desktop Services
  3. Right-click on the service and click Properties

    Opening Service Properties
    Opening Service Properties
  4. Change the startup type to Automatic
  5. Then click Apply and if the service is stopped, click the Start button
    Restarting RDP Service
    Restarting RDP Service
  6. Once done, check if it fixes the issue.

6. Disable or Uninstall VPN

If you use a VPN, your connection might be routed to another server; that is why you are encountering this error. Therefore, disable any Proxy server or uninstall VPN from the computer to fix this issue. Below are the steps:

  1. Press the Windows key and type Appwiz.CPL and click OK

    Opening Programs And Features
    Opening Programs And Features
  2. Select the VPN and click Uninstall

    Uninstalling VPN Program
    Uninstalling VPN Program
  3. To disable proxy, follow the first method mentioned in this article
  4. Once done, now check if the issue is fixed.

7. Switch to Automatic DNS

If you use a manual DNS instead of the automatic one, this error will likely appear as it is possible that the DNS you are using is facing server issues or the DNS is incompatible with RDP. Hence, to fix this, try switching to automatic DNS. Below are the steps:

  1. Press Win + I to navigate into Settings
  2. Then, go to Network & Internet
  3. Click Change Adapter Settings

    Navigating to Network Adapter SettingsNavigating to Network Adapter Settings
    Navigating to Network Adapter Settings
  4. Right-click the network adapter and select Properties

    Opening Network Adapter Properties
    Opening Network Adapter Properties
  5. Select Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties

    Opening Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP IPv4) Properties
    Opening Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP IPv4) Properties
  6. Choose Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically and click OK

    Switching to Automatic DNS
    Switching to Automatic DNS
  7. Once done, check if the Remote Desktop app still gives the same error message.

8. Reinstall Windows Update

As per the affected users, a corrupt Windows update can lead to this error. Therefore, try reinstalling the recent Windows update to check if it fixes the error. If this method does not help, try to disable the HP printer driver, as it can cause this issue. Below are the steps to reinstall a recent Windows update:

  1. Click Start Menu and type Control Panel
  2. Open the control panel, then click Uninstall Programs
  3. Click View Installed Updates from the left pane
    Viewing Installed Updates
    Viewing Installed Updates
  4. Select the recent Windows Update and click Uninstall
    Uninstalling Recent Windows Update
    Uninstalling Recent Windows Update
  5. Now type Windows update from Start Menu and open it
  6. Click on Check for Updates

    Updating Windows update
    Updating Windows update
  7. Download and install pending updates
  8. Restart your computer, and then try connecting the Remote Desktop app to see if the error is resolved.

9. Use System Restore

Unfortunately, if none of the solutions have worked, try restoring Windows to a previous state, as it can fix this issue. However, for this process, you will need a restore point, which should be created before encountering the error.

  1. To use a System Restore, type rstrui from the start menu
    Opening System Restore Settings
    Opening System Restore Settings
  2. Open the restore settings and click Next

    Clicking Next
    Clicking Next
  3. Then, select a restore point and click Next
    Selecting a Restore Point
    Selecting a Restore Point
  4. Then, click Finish to start the process.
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.