Use dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth to repair the underlying Windows system image.
Uninstall and Reinstall the Remote Desktop Connection App in Windows
: The primary RDP file ( mstsc.exe ) fails to open or throws fatal runtime errors. reinstall remote desktop connection
Microsoft has been promoting the (formerly the Microsoft Remote Desktop client) as a modern alternative to the classic Remote Desktop Connection. This app is available from the Microsoft Store.
Press Win + R , type , and press Enter. The classic Remote Desktop Connection window should appear cleanly. Try connecting to a known working remote PC to confirm. Use dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth to repair the
For IT professionals or those who prefer the command line, you can also use the installer via Command Prompt.
Despite Microsoft's push toward the unified Windows App, the classic mstsc.exe client remains useful for many IT environments because it supports: This app is available from the Microsoft Store
These run independently of mstsc.exe and can confirm whether the issue is your OS or the remote host.
: Press Win + R , type services.msc , and hit Enter. Locate Remote Desktop Services , right-click it, and select Restart . Ensure its Startup Type is set to Automatic .
If you are using the modern, universal (formerly known as the Microsoft Remote Desktop client downloaded from the Microsoft Store) rather than the classic legacy client ( mstsc.exe ), the repair process is slightly different. Launch Settings and click on Apps > Installed apps .