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.

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
   

   

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

   

5. Choose the Enabled option from the top left
6. Click Apply and click OK
   

   

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
   

   

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
   

   

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
   

   

3. Then, click Experience and check the option 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
   

   

3. If you get an error message, right-click the file and go to Properties
4. Click Security from the top, then click Advanced

   

5. Click Change and type the username of your local account

   

6. Then, click Check Names and click OK
   

   

7. Click Add, then click Select A Principal
   

   

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

   

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
   

   

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

   

4. Change the startup type to Automatic
5. Then click Apply and if the service is stopped, click the Start button

   

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
   

   

2. Select the VPN and click Uninstall
   

   

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
   

   

4. Right-click the network adapter and select Properties
   

   

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

   

6. Choose Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically and click OK
   

   

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

   

4. Select the recent Windows Update and click Uninstall

   

5. Now type Windows update from Start Menu and open it
6. Click on Check for Updates
   

   

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

   

2. Open the restore settings and click Next
   

   

3. Then, select a restore point and click Next

   

4. Then, click Finish to start the process.