Connection | Reinstall Remote Desktop

How to Properly Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) in Windows

If you rely on Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) to manage a server, access your work PC from home, or help a family member with their computer, you know how frustrating it is when the tool stops working. Maybe the app won’t open, crashes on launch, or throws cryptic error messages.

When this happens, your first instinct might be to "reinstall" it. But here’s the catch: On most versions of Windows, you cannot uninstall Remote Desktop Connection like a standard app.

RDC is a built-in Windows Feature (part of the operating system). So, "reinstalling" it is a different process than downloading a fresh copy from the web. This guide will walk you through the correct steps to effectively remove and reinstall the Remote Desktop client.

Note: This guide covers the classic Remote Desktop Connection (MSTSC.exe) for Windows 10 and Windows 11. The new "Windows App" (formerly Remote Desktop Client) from the Microsoft Store has different steps, which we’ll touch on at the end.

Method 4: Using PowerShell to Re-register the App

If the app refuses to open at all, you can use PowerShell to force a re-registration of the Windows package. This is a command-line version of the reinstall process.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
  2. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.RemoteDesktop | Remove-AppxPackage (This uninstalls the modern Remote Desktop app).
  3. To reinstall it, open the Microsoft Store.
  4. Search for "Microsoft Remote Desktop" and click Install or Get.

Note: This applies to the modern "Remote Desktop" app from the Microsoft Store. If you are using the classic "Remote Desktop Connection" (mstsc.exe), Method 3 is the correct approach. reinstall remote desktop connection

Before You Begin: Is RDC Missing Entirely?

Before attempting a reinstall, first check if the client is present:

  1. Press Windows + R, type mstsc, and press Enter.
  2. If the Remote Desktop window appears, the client is installed. Your issue is likely corruption, not absence.
  3. If you see "Windows cannot find 'mstsc'", the feature has been disabled or removed.

Preventive best practices

How to reset RDP Host (for allowing incoming connections)

How to reinstall the Host (Allow incoming connections):

  1. Open Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
  2. Toggle "Remote Desktop" Off. Restart your PC.
  3. Toggle it On again. This re-creates the necessary firewall rules.
  4. If that fails, open optionalfeatures again.
  5. Uncheck Remote Desktop Services (or "Remote Desktop Session Host").
  6. Reboot. Check it again. Reboot.

Pro Tip: After toggling, always check services.msc for "Remote Desktop Services (TermService)". Ensure it is running and set to Automatic.

Conclusion: You Can’t "Uninstall" It, But You Can Effectively Reinstall It

The keyword "reinstall remote desktop connection" is technically a misnomer—but practically, the methods above achieve the same goal. By disabling the Windows feature, re-registering DLLs, or running DISM repairs, you can restore a fully functional RDP client in under 10 minutes.

Remember: Always test after each method with mstsc or the Microsoft Store app. And if you’re an IT admin, consider deploying the Store version via Winget (winget install Microsoft.RemoteDesktop) to ensure all clients stay up-to-date.

Next steps: If none of these reinstalls work, your Windows user profile may be corrupted. Create a new local user account and test RDC from there. If it works, migrate your data and delete the old profile. How to Properly Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection (RDC)

Have a unique RDP error after reinstalling? Leave a comment below (if republishing) or check the official Microsoft Q&A forum for Remote Desktop Services.

The most significant feature of "reinstalling Remote Desktop Connection" is the ability to remove and restore the built-in RDP client (mstsc.exe) as a standalone app, a feature introduced in Windows 11 version 23H2. Previously, this was a permanent system component that could only be repaired, not fully uninstalled. Key Features and Benefits

Modular Management: Users can now treat the legacy Remote Desktop Connection as an "Installed App" in Settings rather than an immovable system feature.

System Troubleshooting: Reinstalling provides a clean slate for fixing issues like missing executables (mstsc.exe not found), corrupt configurations, or connectivity errors that persistent system file scans (like sfc /scannow) might miss.

Resource Optimization: If you don't use remote access, uninstalling the app frees up minor system resources and ensures the RemoteApp and Desktop Connections control panel is disabled for security or compliance reasons. Note: This guide covers the classic Remote Desktop

Cross-Version Support: While initially a Windows 11 23H2 feature, this modular capability has been extended to Windows 10 22H2 to comply with regional digital regulations like the European Digital Markets Act. Important Limitations

RemoteApp Dependency: Uninstalling Remote Desktop Connection also disables the ability to use RemoteApp, which allows you to run specific programs from a remote server as if they were local.

Version Replacement: Microsoft is moving toward a unified Windows App to replace several older remote tools. Support for the older standalone "Remote Desktop" app from the Microsoft Store is scheduled to end on May 27, 2025. Quick Restoration Methods If you have uninstalled the app and need it back, you can:

Download the Installer: Microsoft provides specific .msi installers for x64, x86, and ARM64 architectures.

Command Line: Reinstallation can be handled via an elevated Command Prompt if the GUI settings fail.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Remote Desktop Connection App in Windows

Risks and trade-offs