Have you ever tried to access a remote desktop through a VPN, only to see that it isn’t working? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone, as this is a very common issue.
Fortunately, there are ways to troubleshoot this problem to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Quick Answer
There are two main reasons why remote desktop through a VPN might not work. One is that the remote computer doesn’t have a VPN server and can’t be accessed remotely. Another is that you don’t have the correct ports open.
Having issues connecting to a remote desktop through VPN? This article will teach you how to troubleshoot and fix the problem so that you can get back to your work right away.
Understanding VPNS and Remote RDP
VPNs are virtual private networks, and they encrypt and authenticate your web traffic.
VPNs effectively hide your internet traffic by encrypting it. Because your traffic is cloaked in extra encryption, it’s harder for people to see what you’re doing online.
VPNs are also useful for connecting to a remote computer. Unless you have physical access to a remote computer, you’ll need to connect to it remotely.
VPNs allow you to connect to a remote computer by tunneling your web traffic through a secure connection.
When you connect to a VPN, your computer establishes a secure connection to a server, which it then uses to connect to the internet.
Most VPNs also hide your traffic from your ISP, which sometimes blocks or throttles your connection. By encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your traffic from your ISP, VPNs can help you connect to a remote computer.
Remote Desktop Connectivity ?Traumatic Error?
Diagnosing problems with network connectivity and protocol troubleshooting can be complicated.
General computer problems, such as missing or corrupt device drivers, may interfere with the VPN. Disconnecting the hardware or performing a system reset can clear any lingering issues.
Additionally, the VPN software may be to blame. Verify that the VPN server is running properly before troubleshooting any other configuration.
Finally, there may be problems with your networking hardware. Cables, routers, and network adapters can fail over time, causing connectivity issues.
For general networking issues, you may need to contact your ISP or an IT professional.
Checking Firewall and Router Settings
VPNs use port forwarding to securely route traffic through the remote network. In some cases, port forwarding may not be enabled or configured correctly, preventing you from successfully connecting to a remote computer.
To test whether port forwarding is enabled, you can follow these steps:
- Open a command prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac).
- Type “ipconfig” and press enter.
- A menu will appear, including the “Default Gateway” field.
- Enter “192.168.1.1” in this field and press enter.
- Open a command prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac).
- Type “ipconfig” and press enter.
- A menu will appear, including the “Default Gateway” field.
- Enter “192.168.1.1” in this field and press enter.
- If the “Default Gateway” field in the “IP Configuration” results field contains the IP address of your router’s WAN port, then port forwarding is enabled.
If the “Default Gateway” field in the “IP Configuration” results field contains the IP address of your VPN server, then port forwarding is enabled.
To check router settings, you can follow these steps:
PROPERLY CONFIGURING VPNs
VPNs and Remote Desktop sessions rely on TCP port 3389, which most firewalls allow by default.
But VPNs have other settings you have to configure, which can vary from service to service.
- For Windows, enable Remote Desktop Connection (Windows) in the Settings app, then configure the port and protocol in Control Panel.
- For Mac and Linux, enable Remote Desktop (System Preferences) and configure the ports and protocol in rdpconfig.
- For Chrome OS, enable Remote Desktop (Settings) and configure the ports and protocol in the Chrome OS app.
- For Android, enable VPN in the Settings app, then configure the port and protocol in VPN Settings.
Verifiing VPN Connectivity
Sometimes it may make sense to verify VPN connectivity using another method. One method is to connect directly to the remote computer. To do this, you’ll still need the credentials of the remote computer, and you will need the remote computer’s IP address.
Most Windows computers have a built-in utility called “Command Prompt.
” It can be found under “ Accessories.” Once on the Command Prompt, enter “ipconfig” and press enter.
On the next screen, you’ll see your router’s IP address. Note that the IP address is not the same thing as the “Internet Protocol” (IP) address. The IP address is what computers traverse the internet with. The “Internet Protocol” is how the computers communicate with each other.
Type “ping” followed by the IP address of the remote computer.
If the ping command successfully connects to the remote computer, you have established connectivity.
Examining Remote Desktop Protocol Settings
If you’ve confirmed your VPN connection is working, you’ll want to verify the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is working properly as well.
Most modern versions of Windows allow you to change Remote Desktop Protocol settings manually. However, if you’re running an older version of Windows, you’ll need to use the Remote Desktop Connection Manager instead.
Open the Remote Desktop Connection Manager and make sure you have the “Turn off Windows Firewall” box unchecked.
Next, you’ll want to make sure Remote Desktop settings are enabled. By default, Windows is set to not allow remote connections.
Now close the window, and reopen Remote Desktop Connection Manager.
Make sure “Turn off Windows Firewall” is checked, and click OK.
Testing Remote Session Connectivity With Remote Hosts
If you’ve used a VPN previously, but are now experiencing trouble connecting to a remote host, you may want to test the connection first. You can do this by attempting to establish a Remote Desktop connection directly to the remote host.
First, you’ll need to open Remote Desktop Connection Manager, which can be found in the Accessories folder of the Start menu. Next, right-click on the remote host computer’s name in the “Remote Desktop Clients” list, and choose “Connect to a Workplace.”
In the “Connect to a Workplace” window, enter the remote host’s IP address in “Workgroup” in the “Workgroup or Domain” field. The remote host’s NetBIOS name is usually “WORKGROUP,” so you’ll also need to enter the NetBIOS name in the “Workgroup or Domain” field.
Next, select the “Remote Desktop” tab, enter your username and password in the “User name” and “Password” fields, and then choose “Connect.”
If the connection is successful, you’ll see the remote host’s desktop in the “Remote Desktop” window, and you’ll be able to use Remote Desktop.
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