Fix: Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104 on Windows 11/10: 5 Ways

RDP, which stands for “Remote Desktop Protocol,” lets users access another computer remotely, that is, without being there in person. But the connection isn’t as stable as many would think, and some people often Fix Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104.

There are also third-party programs that do similar things, but some users prefer to just use the Windows Desktop Protocol. Even though this is a free tool, it has some problems, such as Error Code 0x104. When you want to connect to a target system on your network or another network, remote screen 0x104 appears. The message about the mistake says:

This is a big problem, since the ability to access a PC from afar has become more and more popular over the years. Even though you can set up remote access with a number of third-party apps, let’s first try to fix the Error code 0x104 with Microsoft remote desktop.

Fix: Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104 on Windows 11/10

Unblock the 3389 Port

1. Make sure Remote Desktop is turned on, as described in the first solution. Our guide on how to use Remote Desktop also tells you how to turn this feature on in Windows 11.
2. Using the search tool in Windows is easy thanks to its shortcut on the taskbar.
3. In the search box, type “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.”
4. To open this tool, click Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
5. Next, on the left side of that firewall program’s window, click Inbound Rules.
6. Scroll down the list of inbound rules until you find Remote Desktop – User Mode (TCP-In) with a local port number of 3389.
7. Right-click on Remote Desktop – User Mode (TCP-In) and choose the Enable Rule option.
8. Repeat the last two steps for the Remote Desktop – User Mode (UDP-In) and Remote Assistance (RA Server TCP-In) rules by selecting their Enable options.
9. Then close Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security and try to connect to your remote PC again.

Turn on Network Discovery

1. Open the Control Panel and type “Network and Internet” into the search box.
2. Press Enter, and then on the next page, choose the option that says “Network and Sharing Center.”
3. Choose Change advanced sharing settings from the list on the left.
4. Increase the size of the network profile that is being used for your network connection right now.
5. After that, click the radio button next to Turn on network discovery.

Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

1. Start Windows Run by right-clicking the Start button and choosing Run.
2. Type ms-settings:troubleshoot and then click OK.
3. Depending on whether you’re using Windows 11 or 10, choose either “Other troubleshooters” or “Additional troubleshooters.”
4. Click the Run button next to Network Adapter.
5. In the troubleshooter, choose the network adapter that you use to connect to your remote desktop. Or, if you’re not sure, you can click All network adapters.
6. Then press the Next button to start fixing the problem.
7. Choose the option “I’m having a different problem.”
8. Click the radio button that says “Allow other computers to connect to this one.”

Start Remote Desktop Services

1. Bring up Windows Search.
2. Input Services in the Type here to search box.
3. Select Services.
4. Double-click Remote Desktop Services to open options for that service
5. Press the Start button for Remote Desktop Services.
6. Click Apply to save the settings you’ve set for the service.
7. Then exit the Remote Desktop Services Properties window by clicking OK.
8. Repeat steps four to eight for the Remote Access Auto Connection Manager service.

Clear Custom DNS Servers to fix Error Code 0x104

1. Using the Windows+X keyboard shortcut, you can open the WinX menu.
2. Choose Settings > Network & Internet from the list of items on the menu.
3. Click on Change adapter options in the right pane.
4. Look for your adapter on the Network Connections page.
5. When you find it, right-click on it and choose Properties from the menu.
6. Make sure you’re on the Networking tab in the respective properties wizard.
7. Then, check the box next to Internet Protocol Version 4 and click the Properties button.
8. Also, make sure that the box next to “Obtain DNS server address automatically” is checked.
9. Click “OK” to save the changes, and then try again to connect it.

What causes remote desktop error 0x104 to occur

• The network discovery option is turned off in the Sharing options.
• By default for RDP connections, Remote Desktop uses the 3389 port. In case, if it is blocked by Windows Firewall then it is not possible to establish a connection.
• Some custom DNS servers might also create an issue.