Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection Jun 2026

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

If the system states that Remote Desktop is already installed but the application refuses to open, the underlying system binaries may be corrupted. You can repair these files without fully removing the feature. Open or PowerShell as an Administrator. Execute the component store repair tool first: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth Use code with caution.

Type sysdm.cpl and hit to open the System Properties window. Navigate to the Remote tab at the top.

Note: If prompted to restart your computer, type Y and hit Enter. Step 3: Run the Installation Command reinstall remote desktop connection

Because Remote Desktop is deeply integrated into Windows, you cannot simply uninstall it via the standard Control Panel. This guide outlines the exact methods to remove, reinstall, and repair Remote Desktop Connection on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Method 1: Reinstall via Windows Optional Features

Method 1: Reinstall via Windows Optional Features (For the Modern App)

Navigate to , then click on Optional features (or Installed apps > Optional features depending on your Windows version). Scroll down or search for Remote Desktop Connection . Click on it and select Uninstall . Restart your computer. Return to the Optional features menu. Click Add a feature (or View features ). While Microsoft pushes users toward the Store app,

Instead, a proper reinstallation requires toggling the feature off, resetting network and app dependencies, and using Windows Features to perform a clean re-register of the application.

or are you trying to connect over the internet?

Method 2: Reinstall Using PowerShell (Universal Command Line) Execute the component store repair tool first: DISM

You must be running Windows 11 version 23H2 or later to use this method.

If the native Remote Desktop Connection ( mstsc.exe ) is throwing errors, missing, or corrupted, you can remove and reinstall the client package completely. Part A: Uninstall the Feature

: Obtain the version that matches your PC (Windows 64-bit, 32-bit, or ARM64) from the Microsoft Remote Desktop page. Run the Setup :

If you are reinstalling because the connection is failing, ensure these basics are covered first as suggested by TeamViewer :

Once finished, search for in the Start menu to launch it. 3. Troubleshooting (If the App won't open)