Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection -

To reinstall Remote Desktop Connection ) on Windows 11 (version 23H2 or later) or Windows 10, follow these steps to remove and then fresh-install the application. 1. Uninstall the Current Version

Before reinstalling, you must ensure the previous version is completely removed: Via Settings Installed apps

. Search for "Remote Desktop Connection," click the three dots, and select Via Command Prompt Command Prompt as an Administrator and run: mstsc.exe /uninstall

Note: If you receive error code 0x800704c7, ensure you are running the prompt with elevated privileges

: Reboot your computer to ensure all system files are cleared. www.minipcunion.com 2. Download and Reinstall

Once uninstalled, you can download the official installer directly from Microsoft: Download Installer

: Choose the version that matches your system architecture from the official Microsoft download page 64-bit (x64) : Most common for modern PCs. 32-bit (x86) : For older 32-bit systems. : For devices with ARM processors (like Surface Pro X). Run Installation : Open the downloaded

file and follow the on-screen instructions. The installer typically runs without needing much user interaction. Microsoft Learn 3. Verify the Installation After the process completes, you can verify it worked: Start menu , type "Remote Desktop Connection," and launch it. Alternatively, press Microsoft Learn Troubleshooting Common Issues If you encounter errors during or after reinstallation: reinstall remote desktop connection

If you mean the Remote Desktop (MSTSC) executable is missing/corrupt

  • Run sfc /scannow in an admin command prompt.
  • Or copy mstsc.exe and mstscax.dll from a working Windows PC (same version) to C:\Windows\System32.

Step 3: "Reinstall" the Component (Turn it Back On)

Now that the feature is disabled and your PC has rebooted, let’s bring it back fresh.

  1. Open the Windows Features dialog again (Win + R > optionalfeatures).
  2. Find Remote Desktop Connection and check the box again.
  3. Click OK. Windows will now reinstall the latest version of the client from your system image.
  4. Restart your computer once more.

That’s it. Your Remote Desktop Connection has now been effectively "reinstalled" with fresh settings and registry hooks.

Final verdict

⭐ 3.5/5 – It’s a useful troubleshooting step, but “reinstall” is a misnomer. Works well for most RDP issues, though some problems (like firewall or network misconfigurations) require separate fixes. Best for intermediate users comfortable with Windows settings or PowerShell.

Reinstalling Remote Desktop Connection (MSTSC) is a common troubleshooting step for resolving connection errors, missing executables, or corrupt system files. In modern versions of Windows, specifically Windows 11 version 23H2 and later, Microsoft has streamlined this process by allowing the application to be uninstalled and reinstalled like a standard app. 1. Prerequisites for Reinstallation

Before beginning, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

Operating System: Windows 11 version 23H2 or later (required for the official uninstall/reinstall workflow).

Permissions: You must use an account with Administrator privileges. To reinstall Remote Desktop Connection ) on Windows

Architecture: Identify if your system is 64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86), or ARM64 to download the correct installer. 2. Uninstalling the Current Version

If the application is currently installed but failing, you should remove it first:

Using Settings (GUI): Navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Search for "Remote Desktop Connection," click the three dots, and select Uninstall.

Using Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run mstsc.exe /uninstall.

Restart: A system restart is often required to complete the removal. 3. Reinstalling Remote Desktop Connection

Once uninstalled, you can reinstall the app through official Microsoft channels:

Download the Installer: Visit Microsoft Learn to find the official download links for your specific architecture (x64, x86, or ARM64). If you mean the Remote Desktop (MSTSC) executable

Standard Installation: Open the downloaded file and run the installer. The process typically completes without requiring further user interaction.

Command Line Installation: If you prefer the terminal, navigate to the folder containing the installer in an elevated Command Prompt and run setup.exe. 4. Alternative Fixes if Reinstallation Fails

If a standard reinstallation doesn't fix your "remote desktop not found" issue, try these system repair tools:

System File Checker (SFC): Run sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt to fix corrupt system files that might be blocking the app.

DISM Command: Use dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth to repair the underlying Windows system image.

Enable RDP Settings: Ensure the service is actually active by going to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and toggling "Enable Remote Desktop" to On. 5. Transitioning to the Windows App

Microsoft is increasingly encouraging users to transition from the legacy "Remote Desktop Connection" (MSTSC) to the modern Windows App (formerly the Microsoft Remote Desktop app). The Windows App offers more features, such as improved support for Azure Virtual Desktops and the ability to save multiple sessions more easily. You can download this version directly from the Microsoft Store.

Cons

  • Not a true “reinstall” – You’re mostly disabling and re-enabling the feature or repairing system files.
  • Requires admin rights – Limited to users with administrative access.
  • Windows version dependent – Steps differ slightly between Windows 10, 11, Home, Pro, or Enterprise editions.
  • Home editions may lack RDP host – Windows Home can run the client but not host remote sessions, causing confusion.

Step 2: "Uninstall" the Component (Turn it Off)

Since RDC is a Windows feature, you disable it via the Windows Features dialog.

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type optionalfeatures , and hit Enter.
  2. Scroll down and find Remote Desktop Connection (sometimes listed under "Remote Desktop Services Client" or simply "Remote Desktop").
  3. Uncheck the box next to it.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Restart your computer when prompted.

Why restart? Windows needs to remove the system files associated with the feature completely.