Fix Remote Desktop Stuck on ‘Please Wait’ Issue in Windows 11/10

Key Notes

  • Terminate any stuck Remote Desktop sessions via Command Prompt.
  • Reset RDP sessions using Windows PowerShell for persistent issues.
  • Review Group Policy and Registry settings to ensure proper configurations.

Resolving the “Please Wait” Screen in Remote Desktop on Windows 10/11

If you’re facing the “Please wait” screen while using Remote Desktop on Windows 10 or 11, this guide provides comprehensive troubleshooting steps to help you regain access.

Troubleshooting Remote Desktop Issues

When Remote Desktop is stuck on the “Please wait” screen, follow these effective solutions:

Step 1: Terminate the RDP Client

Begin by terminating the Remote Desktop Client, which can be done via Command Prompt. To do this, first open Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the following command:

taskkill /f /im msrdc.exe

Pro Tip: If you are unsure about your commands, ensure to double-check for any typos before executing them.

Step 2: Reset RDP Session

If the problem persists, consider resetting the Remote Desktop session. Open an elevated Windows PowerShell window and input the following command to display the session ID:

query user /server:[your-server-name]

Then, reset the session using:

reset session [session-id] /server:[your-server-name]

After this, close the window, restart your computer, and try to reconnect.

Step 3: Check Group Policy Settings

Another important step is reviewing your Group Policy settings. To do this:

  • Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  • Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
  • Double-click on Restrict Remote Desktop Services users to a single Remote Desktop Services session.
  • Select the Not Configured option and click OK.

After adjustments, be sure to restart your PC.

Step 4: Verify Registry Settings

Finally, check your Registry settings. Access Registry Editor as follows:

  • Open Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services.
  • Right-click on the fSingleSessionPerUser REG_DWORD value and select Delete.

Close all open windows and restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Additional Tips

  • Double-check firewall settings to ensure RDP is allowed.
  • Ensure your network connection is stable and reliable.
  • Try logging in from a different device to rule out local issues.

Summary

In this guide, we’ve covered effective methods to resolve the “Please wait” screen issue in Remote Desktop on Windows 10/11. Steps include terminating RDP clients, resetting sessions, and verifying settings in both Group Policy and Registry Editor.

Conclusion

Implement these strategies to troubleshoot your Remote Desktop connection issues. By proactively addressing these settings and techniques, you can improve your overall remote working experience.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why is Remote Desktop not connecting in Windows 11?

Remote Desktop may not connect due to various reasons like firewall settings, incorrect configurations, or network issues.

What should I do if Remote Desktop is stuck?

Start by terminating the Remote Desktop process, reset the session if necessary, and check your Group Policy and Registry settings.