Why Windows Remote Desktop Black Screen and How to Fix?
The Remote Desktop Connection app is a useful tool that allows you to quickly connect to a remote computer. Therefore, it can become the cause of frustration when it doesn’t work properly. One of the most common issues that users encounter is the remote desktop black screen.
In this article, we will give you some possible reasons and fixes for the remote desktop black screen in Windows 11 and 10. Try them to fix your Windows Remote Desktop app and establish a connection successfully.
- Part 1 :Possible Causes for Windows Remote Desktop Black Screen
- Part 2 :How to Fix Windows Remote Desktop Black Screen
- Fix 1 :Check the Latest Windows Updates
- Fix 2 :Check the Windows Remote Desktop Settings
- Fix 3 :Update your Graphics Drivers
- Fix 4 :Test Your Network Connection
- Fix 5 :Restart Windows Remote Desktop
- Fix 6 :Check Your Firewall Settings
- Part 3 :Alternative Tools for Windows Remote Desktop Connection
Part 1. Possible Causes for Windows Remote Desktop Black Screen
The remote desktop black screen is an issue that might arise for numerous reasons. For instance, it can be the result of driver issues, lack of Windows updates, and even permissions. That's why, you need to be aware of all the possible reasons that might cause this black screen while using the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection app.
Namely, the remote desktop black screen on Windows 11 might be because of:
- Windows updates – if you see a black screen while using the Windows Remote Desktop, this might mean that one of the devices is being updated, causing the tool’s performance to be interrupted. In addition to this, some updates might make the two different versions of the operating system incompatible, so you need to ensure that both computers are updated.
- Settings mismatch – when you are first trying to establish a connection via the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection app, you can also choose your preferred settings. However, if these don’t match, then you might encounter the black screen issue.
- Graphics drivers issues – another reason for the black screen on Windows Remote Desktop is the graphics drivers. For example, they might be outdated or compatible, thus preventing the connection from establishing.
- Network connection – the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection app needs a stable network connection to work properly. If you are having network issues, then they will affect all apps and tools that require a network to function.
- The client computer has another remote connection – if the target computer is in another remote session, then you will encounter a black screen when you try to establish a connection.
- Firewall issues – in some cases, the firewall used by the client computer might block the connection if it marks it as a threat. In this instance, you will see a black screen instead of the client screen.
Part 2. How to Fix Windows Remote Desktop Black Screen
As we have already seen, there are many reasons for the remote desktop black screen. The good news is that there are fixes for all of the reasons that might trigger this issue.
1Check the Latest Windows Updates
Since one of the most common triggers for the black screen is Windows updates, you should check both the host and client computers for updates. Both PCs should use the same version so that you eliminate the chance that the operating systems are incompatible.
To check for Windows updates, you must do the following:
- Step 1.Go to System > Settings > Update & Security. Here, you can check if the device is ongoing a Windows update, if it is required that you reboot the device, or if it’s up to date.
- Step 2.Click the Check for updates button to ensure that there isn’t a new one.
- Step 3.You can also check the update history, by clicking the View update history option.
2Check the Windows Remote Desktop Settings
The following fix of the remote desktop black screen in Windows 11 has to do with the Windows Remote Desktop settings. Below, we will show you what you need to keep an eye on.
- Step 1.Type Remote Desktop Connection on the search bar and launch the app.
- Step 2.Go to the Display tab and select the High Color (16 bit) option from the drop-down menu to adjust the color depth of the remote connection.
- Step 3.Change the display configuration on the top part of the Display tab to ensure that the host and client displays match.
- Step 4.Go to the Experience tab to adjust the performance settings. All of these options directly affect the speed of the connection, which can lead to a black screen. In more detail, select your network connection speed to enable the rest of the choices. For instance, you might have a fast connection, which will require a LAN (10 Mbps or higher). Then, you can just tick all the options that are unnecessary and affect the speed, such as animations.
- Step 5.On the Experience tab, you can also disable the persistent bitmap caching. Simply uncheck the option that you will find at the bottom of the window.
3Update your Graphics Drivers
Another reason that we have noted for the remote desktop black screen is outdated graphics drivers. Therefore, a simple solution might be to restore or update them. To do that, you need to follow these steps:
- Step 1.Right-click on the Windows icon and click on the Device Manager option.
- Step 2.Find your Display Adapters and right-click on your graphics driver. First, click the “update driver” option and wait for the process to be completed.
4Test Your Network Connection
Since network connectivity plays such an important role, make sure that you have a fast and stable connection. To do that, you have to follow these steps:
- Step 1.Go to Settings > Network & Internet to view your connection.
- Step 2.If there is an issue, try the Network troubleshooter.
5Restart Windows Remote Desktop
If you are sure that the client is not in another remote connection, you can try restarting the Windows Remote Desktop app. By doing that, you will ensure that it has been disconnected from previous connections. The steps for doing that are the following:
- Step 1.Launch the Run dialog by pressing Win + R.
- Step 2.Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Step 3.Locate Remote Desktop Services in the list and right-click on it.
- Step 4.Click the Restart option.
6Check Your Firewall Settings
Finally, check your firewall and antivirus software to ensure that it doesn’t mark remote desktop as a threat. An additional thing you should check is whether a remote connection has been enabled on the client’s computer. This way, you will determine whether you have permission to access the computer remotely. You can find this setting by doing this:
- Step 1.Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
- Step 2.Toggle the switch to enable remote connections.
Part 3. Alternative Tools for Windows Remote Desktop Connection
If Windows Remote Desktop is still not working for you and you continue to see the remote desktop black screen, you shouldn’t be disheartened. Fortunately, there are many remote desktop tools that you can utilize to establish a connection with a computer remotely.
On the market, you will discover numerous tools that cover all of your remote needs. Therefore, you can find one that is perfect for your daily tasks. Namely, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, AnyViewer, and Zoho Assist are just a small example of the tools that you can get.
Conclusion
The remote desktop black screen in Windows 11 is a frustrating issue as it prevents from establishing a remote connection to another PC. However, there are possible fixes that you can try.
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