I vividly remember the day when everything seemed to fall apart. I had just started working remotely from home, which was a new experience for me. Everything was running smoothly until one fateful morning when I encountered the Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104 on my Windows 11 machine. This error suddenly blocked my access to my work computer, causing a wave of panic and frustration. The stakes were high as I had an important project due, and the deadline was looming.
The error code 0x104 usually means that there is a connection issue preventing the Remote Desktop from connecting to the remote computer. This can be a real showstopper, especially when you’re under the pressure of tight deadlines. I needed a solution fast, and the first thing I did was to calm down and start troubleshooting systematically.
My initial approach was to check the basics. I verified that my internet connection was stable. Sometimes, connection issues can stem from a simple network hiccup, and in my case, everything seemed to be working fine with my home network. My next step was to ensure that my remote computer was turned on and properly connected to the internet. I tried accessing it from another device, but I was met with the same error. It was clear that the problem was not on the remote computer’s end but somewhere in the connection process.
I then shifted my focus to my local machine. I began by restarting both my computer and the remote computer. A simple restart can often resolve issues that are caused by temporary glitches or conflicting processes. Unfortunately, this did not resolve the problem. It became apparent that I needed to delve deeper into the Remote Desktop settings.
The first place I checked was the Remote Desktop settings on my Windows 11 machine. I navigated to the “Settings” menu, went to “System,” and then selected “Remote Desktop.” I made sure that Remote Desktop was enabled. I also verified that my computer’s firewall settings were not blocking the Remote Desktop connections. The firewall settings can sometimes be too restrictive, preventing legitimate connections. I ensured that Remote Desktop was allowed through the firewall, both for private and public networks.
Despite these efforts, the issue persisted. At this point, I needed to check the Remote Desktop’s network configuration. I opened the “Network and Sharing Center” and checked the network status. I verified that my network was set to a private network rather than a public one, as a public network can have stricter security settings that might interfere with Remote Desktop connections.
Another critical area to inspect was the remote computer’s IP address. I verified that I was using the correct IP address to connect. Occasionally, changes in network settings or IP addresses can cause connection issues. I made sure that the IP address I was using was current and accurate. I also checked the port number used for Remote Desktop connections (default is 3389) and ensured that it was correctly configured.
The error code 0x104 can also be related to issues with the Windows security settings. To address this, I ran the Windows Security troubleshooter. I opened the “Settings” menu, went to “Update & Security,” and selected “Troubleshoot.” I ran the Windows Security troubleshooter to identify and fix any security-related problems that might be interfering with the Remote Desktop connection.
Another potential culprit was the Remote Desktop service itself. I opened the “Services” application by typing “services.msc” in the Start menu search box. I looked for the “Remote Desktop Services” and ensured that it was running. If the service was stopped or not running properly, I restarted it and set it to automatically start with Windows.
As a last resort, I decided to check for Windows updates. Sometimes, issues can be resolved by installing the latest updates or patches. I went to “Settings,” selected “Update & Security,” and checked for updates. I installed any available updates and restarted my computer.
After performing all these troubleshooting steps, I was hopeful that the issue would be resolved. To my relief, when I attempted to connect to my remote computer again, the Remote Desktop connection went through successfully. The error code 0x104 was gone, and I was able to access my work computer as needed.
In summary, encountering the Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104 was a stressful experience, especially given the urgency of my work. However, by methodically troubleshooting the issue—checking network settings, firewall configurations, Remote Desktop settings, IP addresses, security settings, and Windows updates—I was able to resolve the problem and restore my Remote Desktop connection. This experience taught me the importance of staying calm and approaching technical problems systematically, even when they seem insurmountable.