With remote desktops becoming more and more popular, it’s no wonder that Microsoft Azure is a popular platform for hosting them. However, like any technology, there are always problems that can arise. Fortunately, many of the most common remote desktop problems in Azure can be solved quickly and easily.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common issues and provide tips and solutions for fixing them. We’ll also provide guidance on how to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. With these tips, you can ensure that your remote desktop remains operational and secure for your users.
What is Azure?
Azure is a cloud-based platform that allows organizations to build and manage a wide variety of applications and services. With Azure, organizations can significantly reduce their costs and achieve greater scalability, flexibility, and security compared with hosting applications and services on-premises.
Many organizations use Azure for hosting their remote desktops. This allows users to connect to their desktops from any device via a browser or mobile app. They can access their apps and data remotely, allowing them to work flexibly and efficiently.
Remote desktops hosted in Azure can also integrate with other services, such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Office 365, providing an integrated and cohesive experience.
Network failure
Failure to establish a working communications path may prevent a client from connecting to a remote desktop session. By going through the process of elimination, you can usually diagnose this problem.
Attempt to connect from an client that has previously been able to connect successfully. Is the problem specific to an individual client, the network, a Windows server, or is there a issue with the connection?
If you believe the network may be responsible for the issue, try to pinpoint its source to narrow down the scope of the problem. In this way, you may find that wireless connections are affected but not wired ones, or that the problem is specific to VPN traffic or a specific subnet.
Firewall issues
Firewalls are the most common cause of remote desktop connection issues, so make sure that port 3389, which is used by remote desktop protocol (RDP) tools, is open on any firewalls that reside between client computers and the servers they connect to.
You may have to set up multiple firewalls. For instance, the client and server might both be running Windows Defender Firewall, and there will probably be one or more hardware firewalls between the two systems.
Using RDP to access a home computer while at work may also be hindered by firewall services. Some corporate firewalls block outbound RDP traffic to prevent remote access, consequently preventing RDP access.
Ensure that the Windows Defender Firewall service allows RDP traffic by:
- Open the Control Panel by entering “Control” at the Windows Run Prompt
- Select System and Security
- Select Windows Defender Firewall
- Select Allow an App, or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall
- Select the Remote Desktop option, and then OK
Permission is denied
Many VDI products utilize Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption to secure remote desktop sessions for users outside the network perimeter. There are two issues that can cause a remote desktop to not function due to the use of certificates.
The main issue is that client computers must trust the certificate authority that issued the certificate if remote desktops are to function properly. This is not usually a problem for organisations that purchase certificates from large, reputable authorities, but clients might not trust those that are issued in-house. To ensure remote desktop connectivity, ensure that clients trust the certificate authority.
When you’re working with a certificate from a large certificate authority, you should be aware that network clients do not automatically trust the certificate. The certificate authority’s root certificate must be obtained and installed on the client in a way that allows it to trust the certificate authority.
The client must also be able to verify the certificate the server is using. If the certificate has expired or if the name on the certificate does not match the name of the server using it, the verification process will fail.
Verify whether your network endpoints trust your certificate authority and import any required certificates by completing these steps:
- Enter the MMC command at the Windows Run prompt
- Select the Add / Remove Snap-In command in the File menu
- Select Certificates from the list and click Add
- When prompted, select the Computer Account option, and click Next
- Select the Local Computer option, and click Finish, then OK
- Navigate through the console tree to Certificates > Trusted Root Certification Authorities > Certificates
- In the list of certification authorities, check that your certificate authority is listed
If your certificate authority is not listed here, follow these steps:
- Right-click on Certificates and select All Tasks > Import
- Verify and/or import the root certificate you need
- Navigate again through the console tree to Certificates (Local Computer) > Personal > Certificates
- If your SSL certificate has expired or is not there, right-click on Certificates again and select All Tasks > Import
- Follow the prompts that appear to import the certificate you need
Solve your Azure remote desktop issues with expert assistance
If you’re still experiencing issues with the remote desktop connection on your computer, contact the Azure specialists at Technology Solutions. Their technicians will troubleshoot your problems and remedy them in no time.
