If you prefer a more technical approach or the app isn't showing in Settings, use these commands: . Uninstall : mstsc.exe /uninstall Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Sometimes the executable file itself is perfectly fine, but corrupted registry paths or configuration caches make Remote Desktop fail to launch. Reinstalling its settings will resolve this issue. Step 1: Delete Corrupted RDP Cache Files Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cleanmgr and hit to open Disk Cleanup. Select your primary drive (usually C:) and click OK .
To reinstall the app on Windows 11 (version 23H2 or later), you can use the following steps. This is often necessary if the application is missing, corrupted, or failing to launch. 1. Uninstall the Current App
For advanced users and IT professionals, PowerShell provides a powerful way to reinstall the Remote Desktop Connection client.
For most users, the approach (Method 5) is the most versatile and reliable because it works on all Windows versions and doesn't depend on finding a working installer download. However, if you're on Windows 11 23H2 or newer, the official GUI method is equally reliable and simpler to execute. reinstall remote desktop connection
Press Windows Key + R , type gpedit.msc , and hit Enter . Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections . Ensure Allow users to connect remotely using Remote Desktop Services is set to Enabled . Looking for an Alternative?
DISM scans the hidden Windows component store for corruption and fetches healthy replacement files online.
Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.RemoteDesktop | Foreach Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"
Since the legacy Remote Desktop Connection ( mstsc.exe ) is deeply integrated into Windows, you cannot simply uninstall it through the standard "Apps & Features" menu. This comprehensive guide covers the proven methods to remove and reinstall the Remote Desktop Connection framework across Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you prefer a more technical approach or
Now that the feature is disabled and your PC has rebooted, let’s bring it back fresh.
This guide covers the most effective ways to reinstall or repair Remote Desktop Connection on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
: Check the box next to the application and click Next , then Install . Method 2: Reinstall via PowerShell or Command Prompt
To reinstall Remote Desktop Connection (RDC), follow these steps based on whether you want to use the standard Windows settings or the command line. Reinstalling its settings will resolve this issue
: Follow the DISM/SFC process (Part 1, Method 5) thoroughly. This will repair the system image and all associated registry entries for Remote Desktop Connection. After DISM and SFC complete, reboot and try opening mstsc .
Starting with Windows 11 version 23H2, the Remote Desktop Connection app can be uninstalled and reinstalled like a standard application. : Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps . Search for Remote Desktop Connection . Click the three dots (...) and select Uninstall . Reinstall the App :
A system restart is often required to complete the removal. 3. Reinstalling Remote Desktop Connection
Method 2: Reinstall Using PowerShell (Recommended for Administrators)
Download the installer (e.g., mstsc-x64-setup.exe ) to a known folder. In the Command Prompt, navigate to that folder and run: mstsc-x64-setup.exe Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard