RDC is a built-in Windows Feature (part of the operating system). So, "reinstalling" it is a different process than downloading a fresh copy from the web. This guide will walk you through the correct steps to effectively remove and reinstall the Remote Desktop client.
If you are trying to on a specific computer, let me know the exact error code or operating system version you are running so I can provide customized troubleshooting steps.
Install the standalone from Microsoft Store (Method 4) reinstall remote desktop connection
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
: Ensure that the Remote Desktop port (TCP 3389) is not actively blocked. You can allow it by navigating to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allowed apps and ensuring "Remote Desktop" is checked for your current network profile. RDC is a built-in Windows Feature (part of
Administrators who need to deploy or fix Remote Desktop across multiple devices can use command-line utilities. Using DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)
Since RDC is a Windows feature, you disable it via the dialog. If you are trying to on a specific
: Download the modern "Remote Desktop" app from the Microsoft Store . This is a separate, lighter client that can often bypass issues with the legacy mstsc.exe .
Before reinstalling RDC, consider the following:
file is still missing, use system repair tools to restore the original Windows files. Microsoft Learn Command Prompt as an administrator and run: sfc /scannow
Open your security settings and verify that is marked as an allowed app through the Windows Defender Firewall. If it is blocked, your client will fail to connect regardless of how many times it is reinstalled. Summary Troubleshooting Table Issue Encountered Root Cause Recommended Fix mstsc.exe missing or crashing Corrupted Windows system files Run DISM and SFC Scannow (Method 2) Connection freezes on initialization Corrupted local cache data Run Disk Cleanup & clear registry keys (Method 3) "Feature cannot be found" error Missing modern Windows packages Reinstall via Windows Optional Features (Method 1) Persistent OS-level RDP glitches Severe system-wide file decay