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Since it debuted on Windows, Remote Desktop Connection has undergone several name changes. On separate occasions, it has been referred to as Microsoft Terminal Services Client, mstsc, Remote Desktop, or tsclient.

Nowadays, the name that has stuck with IT spheres is Remote Desktop or RDP.

RDP is widely used in corporate environments where individuals constantly access, transfer, and modify resources and data on client machines.

However, what if the option to enable Remote Desktop is greyed out in Windows 10? This article provides a solution to this problem.

What Is a Remote Desktop Connection?

RDP is a special protocol that enables remotely controlling a computer or virtual machine connected to the same network.

In IT terms, the remotely controlled device is called the “client device,” while the device making the connection is the “administrator.” Remote connection is only possible when both machines are on the same Wi-Fi network or connected to the Internet.

The administrator can remotely take control of the client’s computer.

Depending on the specific RDP configuration, the user may be able to control everything remotely or only have access to the client PC’s mouse, keyboard, etc.

Casual computer users utilize a form of RDP when they connect their mobile devices and PCs to the same network and control the former through the latter.

However, IT professionals, customer support representatives, and managed service providers (or MSPs) mostly use standard RDP.

Also read: How to Protect Yourself on the Internet

Why Is Remote Desktop Not Working?

Usually, setting up RDP on Windows 10 is pretty straightforward. Depending on whether the connection is through a local network or the Internet, you only need to enable a few settings, and you’re home and hosed.

Just to refresh your memory, here are the quick methods to initiate an RDP on a local network and over the web.

RDP over a local network:

  • Launch the Control Panel and click System and Security.
  • Select System on the System and Security screen.
  • Click Advanced system settings on the left pane.
  • Switch to the Remote tab in the System Properties dialog.
  • Under Remote Desktop, tick Allow remote connections to this computer.
  • To connect remotely through a local network, select the Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication checkbox.
  • Click the OK, Apply, and OK buttons successively to save your modifications.

Follow these steps for Windows 11 (Windows 11 Pro):

  • Open the Settings application by tapping Windows + I.
  • Once the Settings window shows up, scroll down under the main Settings page and click on Remote Desktop.
  • Toggle on the Remote Desktop switch and confirm your decision.
The feature isn’t available on the Home edition of Windows 10.

RDP over an internet connection:

  • Launch the Remote Desktop app on Windows 10. If it isn’t already installed, get it from the Microsoft Store.
  • Click the Add (+) button and select Desktop.
  • Under the PC Name section, enter the TCP/IP address of the client computer or its local IP address if it is within a private network.
  • Click the + button next to User Account and enter the username and password for the client’s PC.
  • If you wish, click the + button next to Display name and specify the settings.
  • Click Save to add the remote computer.
  • When you want to connect to the client PC remotely, select it from the Saved Desktops section and click Connect.

Of course, the Allow remote connections to this computer option in System Properties must be enabled for remote connections to work over the Internet or a local network.

However, there have been many complaints lately that the option to enable RDP on the computer is greyed out and disabled. This means that users cannot enable the option and start Remote Desktop.

If you are one of the affected users, you can use the steps below to fix the “Remote Desktop option greyed out” issue on Windows 10.

Also read: Boost Internet on Your PC: Tips on How to Speed Up Your Internet Connection

How to Fix the “Remote Desktop Option Is Greyed Out” Issue on Windows 10

You must change some registry settings to make the Allow remote connections to this computer option selectable if it is greyed out. The registry isn’t something you can handle with kid gloves, as making mistakes can cause system failure.

Before you proceed with the tips here, it is recommended that you create a system restore point. Another good idea is to back up your registry.

Once you’ve taken the necessary precautions, follow these steps to fix the “Remote Desktop greyed out” issue in Windows 10.

  • Press the Windows logo + R keys simultaneously to open the Run box.
  • Type “regedit” and hit the Enter key or click OK.

Once in the registry, navigate to this location:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services
  • In the left pane, select Terminal Services.
  • Then, in the right pane, double-click fDenyTSConnections and change its value.

If the fDenyTSConnections DWORD is missing, you can create it by right-clicking the blank space in the right pane and selecting New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

After the new DWORD shows up, give it this name: fDenyTSConnections.

The options for the fDenyTSConnections Value data are:

0: Allow users to connect remotely using Terminal Services/Remote Desktop

1: Disallow users to connect remotely using Terminal Services/Remote Desktop

  • To make the Allow remote connections to this computer field selectable, change the value in the Value data field to 0 and click OK.

Reboot the PC now and check the Remote tab in System Properties or the System page in Settings (Windows 11). The greyed-out option should now be available.

Rarely, additional registry issues can prevent the option from appearing even after making the above fix.

PRO TIP
You can scan the registry for errors to ensure no registry setting interferes with the remote desktop. A recommended program for this is Auslogics Registry Cleaner . It will analyze safe areas of the registry for broken, empty, and invalid keys and clean them out.
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Also read: How to Resolve the Remote Device or Resource Won’t Accept the Connection?

How to Fix the Remote Desktop Connection Greyed Out on Windows 10/11: Answered

Fixing the “Remote Desktop connection is greyed out’ issue on Windows 10/11 can be quite straightforward—that is, if you follow the right steps. In most cases, slightly tweaking your registry settings can resolve the problem. 

We hope this article taught you how to enable RDP on Windows 10 and how to restore the Allow remote connections to this computer option when it is greyed out.

After successfully applying the fix, you can connect to your devices remotely.

FAQ

How do I unlock my Remote Desktop connection?
A closed Remote Desktop connection can have several possible causes. First, ensure you are online and have a steady network connection. If the connection is stable, try rebooting your computer and connecting again. Furthermore, ensure the remote machine is turned on and not in hibernation or sleep mode. If your Remote Desktop connection doesn’t unlock, try briefly turning off any firewall or antivirus software to see if it’s preventing the connection. To check if the problem still exists, you can also attempt connecting using another device.
How can I enable Remote Desktop Connection?
The process to enable Remote Desktop Connection is simple. Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > System > Remote settings on your Windows computer. One option under the Remote tab is Allow remote connections to this computer. Verify that this item is selected. If it’s not, check it, then select the users by clicking on Select Users. You can add here the users who can connect to your computer remotely. After making your options, click OK to confirm and activate the Remote Desktop Connection.
How do I enable Remote Desktop when it is greyed out?
Make sure that your PC is running a version of Windows that supports Remote Desktop before attempting to enable it when it is greyed out. Next, ensure the Windows Services Manager’s Remote Desktop Services are enabled. If they are inactive, you can activate them by right-clicking on Remote Desktop Services and choosing Start or Restart. Furthermore, confirm that your user account is authorized to use Remote Desktop. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > Remote settings to verify this.