Desktop Connection | Reinstall Remote

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.RemoteDesktop | Foreach  Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" 

Get-AppxPackage *RemoteDesktop* | Select Name, InstallLocation
  • Run:
    • takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe
icacls C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe /grant Administrators:F

    regsvr32 /u msrdc.ocx
regsvr32 msrdc.ocx

    (Only for legacy RD Web setups.)

    To reinstall the Remote Desktop Connection (MSTSC) app on Windows, you must first uninstall the existing version through Settings and then download the official installer from 1. Uninstall the Current App (Win + I) and go to Installed apps Search for "Remote Desktop Connection" Click the three dots (menu) next to it and select

    Alternatively, you can run this command in an elevated Command Prompt: mstsc /uninstall /noPromptBeforeRestart Restart your computer to ensure all files are cleared. Microsoft Learn 2. Download and Reinstall You can download the appropriate installer directly from Microsoft Learn based on your system architecture: Microsoft Learn 64-bit (x64): Most common for modern PCs. 32-bit (x86): For older systems. For Surface Pro X or similar ARM-based devices. Installation Steps: Double-click the downloaded

    The installer typically runs silently without user interaction. Once finished, search for "Remote Desktop Connection" in the Start menu to launch it. Microsoft Learn 3. Troubleshooting Missing Files

    If you cannot uninstall or the app is still missing, your system files may be corrupted. Use these repair commands in an Administrator Command Prompt sfc /scannow : Scans and repairs corrupted system files. dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth : Restores the Windows image from official sources. Microsoft Learn Are you running into a specific error code like "unable to locate mstsc.exe" while trying to connect?

    Uninstall and Reinstall the Remote Desktop Connection App in Windows

    Reinstalling Remote Desktop Connection: A Comprehensive Guide

    Introduction

    Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) is a vital tool for IT professionals, system administrators, and remote workers, allowing them to access and control a remote computer or server from another device. However, issues with RDC can arise, and reinstalling the connection may be necessary. In this paper, we will explore the reasons for reinstalling RDC, the steps to do so, and best practices for ensuring a smooth and secure remote desktop experience.

    Why Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection?

    There are several reasons why you may need to reinstall RDC:

    Preparing for Reinstallation

    Before reinstalling RDC, consider the following:

    Steps to Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection

    The steps to reinstall RDC vary depending on the Windows version and configuration. Here are the general steps:

    For Windows 10 and later:

    For Windows Server:

    Best Practices for Secure RDC Connections

    To ensure a secure RDC connection:

    Conclusion

    Reinstalling Remote Desktop Connection can resolve issues related to corrupted files, software updates, configuration errors, or security concerns. By following the steps outlined in this paper and adhering to best practices for secure RDC connections, you can ensure a smooth and secure remote desktop experience. Remember to always backup your data, verify firewall settings, and check for updates before reinstalling RDC.

    References

    Reinstalling Remote Desktop Connection (MSTSC) is a common troubleshooting step for resolving connection errors, missing executables, or corrupt system files. In modern versions of Windows, specifically Windows 11 version 23H2 and later, Microsoft has streamlined this process by allowing the application to be uninstalled and reinstalled like a standard app. 1. Prerequisites for Reinstallation reinstall remote desktop connection

    Before beginning, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

    Operating System: Windows 11 version 23H2 or later (required for the official uninstall/reinstall workflow).

    Permissions: You must use an account with Administrator privileges.

    Architecture: Identify if your system is 64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86), or ARM64 to download the correct installer. 2. Uninstalling the Current Version

    If the application is currently installed but failing, you should remove it first:

    Using Settings (GUI): Navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Search for "Remote Desktop Connection," click the three dots, and select Uninstall.

    Using Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run mstsc.exe /uninstall.

    Restart: A system restart is often required to complete the removal. 3. Reinstalling Remote Desktop Connection

    Once uninstalled, you can reinstall the app through official Microsoft channels:

    Download the Installer: Visit Microsoft Learn to find the official download links for your specific architecture (x64, x86, or ARM64).

    Standard Installation: Open the downloaded file and run the installer. The process typically completes without requiring further user interaction. sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Command Line Installation: If you prefer the terminal, navigate to the folder containing the installer in an elevated Command Prompt and run setup.exe. 4. Alternative Fixes if Reinstallation Fails

    If a standard reinstallation doesn't fix your "remote desktop not found" issue, try these system repair tools:

    System File Checker (SFC): Run sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt to fix corrupt system files that might be blocking the app.

    DISM Command: Use dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth to repair the underlying Windows system image.

    Enable RDP Settings: Ensure the service is actually active by going to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and toggling "Enable Remote Desktop" to On. 5. Transitioning to the Windows App

    Microsoft is increasingly encouraging users to transition from the legacy "Remote Desktop Connection" (MSTSC) to the modern Windows App (formerly the Microsoft Remote Desktop app). The Windows App offers more features, such as improved support for Azure Virtual Desktops and the ability to save multiple sessions more easily. You can download this version directly from the Microsoft Store.

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

    Best for: Corporate environments or if the Microsoft Store is disabled.

    While Microsoft pushes users toward the Store app, you can still

    Best for: Error messages saying "mstsc.exe is missing" or "class not registered" errors.

    If the core system files responsible for Remote Desktop are corrupted, disabling features may not work. You should use the Windows system repair tools to overwrite bad files with fresh ones from the Windows Update servers. Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft