Before diving into the reinstallation process, it helps to know the common signs that indicate a reinstall might be necessary:
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "RemoteDesktopConnection" Use code with caution. Type Y if prompted to restart your computer. Once the system reboots, open again. To reinstall the feature, execute this command: powershell
If you are on a version of Windows that does not allow uninstallation, or if the reinstallation methods above fail, the problem may be deeper within your Windows system files. In these cases, you can repair the underlying operating system components without needing to reinstall the client itself. reinstall remote desktop connection
Method 4: Reinstall the Modern Universal Windows Platform (UWP) App
: 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. Before diving into the reinstallation process, it helps
Force a reinstall of the Remote Desktop client capability by entering: powershell
If SFC reports that it found corrupt files but could not fix all of them, run DISM to repair the underlying system image: To reinstall the feature, execute this command: powershell
If you use third-party managers like Remote Desktop Manager , back up your data before uninstallation. 2. Uninstallation Process To remove the existing Remote Desktop Connection app: Open the Settings app on your Windows device. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps . Search for Remote Desktop Connection in the list.
If you are using the modern Remote Desktop app (often found in the Start Menu as just "Remote Desktop") or the classic executable is acting up, resetting it is the fastest way to clear corrupted cache files.
Microsoft is increasingly encouraging users to transition from the legacy "Remote Desktop Connection" (MSTSC) to the modern (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 .
Run dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth to repair the Windows system image. 5. Configuration Checklist