Reinstalling Remote Desktop is a powerful fix when targeted and planned. The key is preserving access during the operation, backing up configurations, and validating security settings (certificates, licensing, NLA) afterward so you restore a stable, secure remote access environment rather than just a working one.

If you are using Windows Home, you cannot host a remote session, but you can still reinstall the client to connect to other PCs.

Remember: Always test after each method with mstsc or the Microsoft Store app. And if you’re an IT admin, consider deploying the Store version via Winget ( winget install Microsoft.RemoteDesktop ) to ensure all clients stay up-to-date.

This completely removes the registry entries and binaries associated with the client feature and then fresh-installs them from the Windows component store. This is the most "official" reinstall method available.

The Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client, powered by the executable mstsc.exe , is a core tool for network administrators and remote workers. If the application crashes, fails to launch, or throws missing DLL errors, a clean reinstallation or reset is required to restore access.

Common problems that lead users to seek a reinstall include:

Click (Windows 11) or Add a feature (Windows 10). Type Remote Desktop Connection into the search bar. Check the box next to it and click Next , then Install .

Under the User name field, look for a hyperlink that reads to wipe out any cached, broken security certificates associated with that specific target IP address. To ensure you get up and running smoothly, let me know:

If you want, tell me whether you mean the client on Windows/macOS/Linux or the server (Windows Server or Linux xrdp), and I’ll provide a step-by-step, platform-specific reinstall procedure.

You don’t "reinstall" it like a normal app. Instead, you the feature.

This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to reinstall RDC on Windows 10 and 11, along with common troubleshooting steps to fix issues without a full reinstallation. What is Remote Desktop Connection (RDC)?

Open as an Administrator (search for cmd in the Start menu, right-click, and choose Run as administrator ).

Remote Desktop Connection (MSTSC) can be reinstalled on Windows 10/11 by downloading the appropriate 64-bit, 32-bit, or ARM64 installer from Microsoft. The process involves running the downloaded executable or using an elevated Command Prompt to restore the application. For full details, read the official guide at Microsoft learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/remotepc/uninstall-remote-desktop-connection. Microsoft Learn

You do not need to download an external installer to fix a broken Remote Desktop Connection. In most cases, or Method 2 (Clearing Registry Cache) resolves the issue immediately.

Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection -

If you are using Windows Home, you cannot host a remote session, but you can still reinstall the client to connect to other PCs.

Common problems that lead users to seek a reinstall include:

Click (Windows 11) or Add a feature (Windows 10). Type Remote Desktop Connection into the search bar. Check the box next to it and click Next , then Install . Reinstalling Remote Desktop is a powerful fix when

If you want, tell me whether you mean the client on Windows/macOS/Linux or the server (Windows Server or Linux xrdp), and I’ll provide a step-by-step, platform-specific reinstall procedure.

You don’t "reinstall" it like a normal app. Instead, you the feature. Remember: Always test after each method with mstsc

Open as an Administrator (search for cmd in the Start menu, right-click, and choose Run as administrator ).

You do not need to download an external installer to fix a broken Remote Desktop Connection. In most cases, or Method 2 (Clearing Registry Cache) resolves the issue immediately.