How To Restart Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop

When it comes to managing a Windows Server 2012 remote desktop, restarting it can sometimes be a daunting task. However, with the right knowledge and a few simple steps, restarting the remote desktop can be a breeze.

To restart Windows Server 2012 remote desktop, you first need to open the "Server Manager" tool. Once opened, navigate to the "Remote Desktop Services" section and click on the server that you want to restart. From there, you can simply right-click on the server and select the "Restart" option. This will initiate the restart process and allow you to regain control of your remote desktop.

Understanding Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012

Remote Desktop is a powerful feature in Windows Server 2012 that allows you to access and manage your server remotely from any location. It provides a graphical interface to control your server, making it easier to perform various tasks. However, there may be times when you encounter issues with your Remote Desktop connection and need to restart it. In this article, we will explore the process of restarting Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012, ensuring uninterrupted access to your server.

1. Checking Remote Desktop Services

The first step in restarting Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012 is to check the status of the Remote Desktop Services. These services are responsible for managing Remote Desktop connections and should be running properly for Remote Desktop to function correctly.

To check the status of the Remote Desktop Services, follow these steps:

• Open the Server Manager by clicking on the server icon in the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.
• In the Server Manager window, click on "Tools" in the top right corner and select "Services" from the drop-down menu.
• A list of services will appear. Scroll down and look for the following services:
  • Remote Desktop Configuration
  • Remote Desktop Services
  • Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector
• Check the "Status" column for each service. If any of the services are not running, right-click on the service and select "Start" from the context menu to start it.

After starting all the necessary Remote Desktop Services, try connecting to your server using Remote Desktop. If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

2. Restarting Remote Desktop Services

If checking the status of the Remote Desktop Services did not resolve the issue, the next step is to restart these services. Restarting the services can help in refreshing the connection and resolving any underlying issues.

To restart the Remote Desktop Services, follow these steps:

• Open the Services window by following the steps mentioned in the previous section.
• Locate the Remote Desktop Services, Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector, and Remote Desktop Configuration services.
• Right-click on each service and select "Restart" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can select "Stop" and then "Start" to restart the service.
• Once all the services are restarted, try connecting to your server using Remote Desktop again.

If the issue still persists, move on to the next step.

3. Checking Firewall Settings

The firewall on your Windows Server 2012 may be blocking the Remote Desktop connection, preventing you from accessing the server remotely. It is essential to ensure that the necessary Firewall rules are in place to allow Remote Desktop connections.

To check the firewall settings and allow Remote Desktop connections, follow these steps:

• Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
• Click on "System and Security," and then click on "Windows Defender Firewall."
• In the Windows Defender Firewall window, click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall" on the left side.
• A list of allowed apps and features will appear. Scroll down and look for "Remote Desktop."
• Make sure that both "Private" and "Public" checkboxes are selected for Remote Desktop. If the checkboxes are not selected, click on "Change settings" and check the boxes.
• Click on "OK" to save the changes.

Once the Firewall settings are updated, try connecting to your server using Remote Desktop. If the issue still persists, proceed to the next step.

4. Checking Remote Desktop Port Settings

In some cases, the Remote Desktop connection may not work due to incorrect port settings. By default, Remote Desktop uses port 3389 for communication. Checking the port settings and ensuring that the correct port is being used can help resolve the issue.

To check and update the Remote Desktop port settings, follow these steps:

• Open the Registry Editor by searching for "regedit" in the Start menu.
• Navigate to the following registry key:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp

• In the right-hand pane, look for the "PortNumber" entry. This entry specifies the port used for Remote Desktop connections.
• Double-click on "PortNumber" to modify its value.
• Enter the desired port number. The default port is 3389.
• Click on "OK" to save the changes.
• Restart the Remote Desktop Services as mentioned in the previous section.

After updating the port settings and restarting the services, try connecting to your server using Remote Desktop. If the issue persists, proceed to the final step.

5. Verifying Network Connectivity

If none of the previous steps resolved the issue, it is essential to ensure that there are no network connectivity problems between your remote device and the Windows Server 2012.

To verify network connectivity, follow these steps:

• Check if other devices can access the server remotely. If other devices can connect successfully, the issue may be specific to your remote device.
• Ensure that the network connection on your remote device is stable and not experiencing any disruptions.
• If you are connecting over the internet, check if you can access other websites and services without any issues. If not, there may be a problem with your internet connection.
• If possible, try connecting to the server from a different remote device to isolate the issue.

If you are still unable to establish a Remote Desktop connection after verifying network connectivity, it is recommended to consult with a network administrator or IT professional for further assistance.

Exploring Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If you have followed the previous steps and are still unable to restart Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012 successfully, here are some additional troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Testing with a Different User Account

Try connecting to the server using a different user account or administrator account. This can help identify if the issue is specific to your user account or applies to all accounts.

If you can establish a Remote Desktop connection using a different user account, the issue may be related to your user account's permissions or settings. In such cases, consult with your system administrator to resolve the issue.

If you are still unable to connect using any user account, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

2. Checking Event Viewer

The Event Viewer is a tool that logs various events and errors on your Windows Server 2012. Checking the Event Viewer can provide more detailed information about the error or issue preventing Remote Desktop from functioning correctly.

To check the Event Viewer for Remote Desktop-related events, follow these steps:

• Open the Event Viewer by searching for it in the Start menu.
• In the Event Viewer window, navigate to "Windows Logs" and click on "System."
• Look for any events related to Remote Desktop, such as error codes or warnings.
• Double-click on an event to view more details and possible solutions.

The information in the Event Viewer can help diagnose the underlying issue and guide you towards the appropriate solution. If you are unsure about the event details or need further assistance, consult with a system administrator or IT professional.

3. Updating Remote Desktop Software

Ensure that you are using the latest version of the Remote Desktop software on your remote device. Outdated software versions may have compatibility issues with Windows Server 2012, leading to connection problems.

Visit the official Microsoft website or the app store on your remote device to check for updates. Download and install any available updates for the Remote Desktop software.

After updating the software, try connecting to your server using Remote Desktop. If the issue still persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

4. Consult with Technical Support

If none of the previous troubleshooting steps resolved the issue and you are still unable to restart Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012, it is recommended to contact technical support or consult with a qualified IT professional.

Technical support can provide more specific guidance based on your server's configuration and the nature of the problem you are experiencing. They may also be able to remotely access your server and diagnose the issue more effectively.

5. Preventing Future Remote Desktop Issues

To prevent future issues with Remote Desktop on your Windows Server 2012, it is essential to follow these best practices:

• Regularly update and patch your Windows Server 2012 to ensure you have the latest security updates and bug fixes.
• Configure proper firewall rules and network security measures to protect your server from unauthorized access.
• Regularly monitor the Event Viewer for any errors or warnings related to Remote Desktop and take appropriate actions to resolve them.
• Ensure that your Remote Desktop software and remote devices are using compatible versions and configurations.
• Consult with a qualified IT professional or network administrator to ensure proper server configuration and security settings.

By following these best practices, you can minimize the chances of encountering Remote Desktop issues and maintain a secure and reliable remote connection to your Windows Server 2012.

In conclusion, restarting Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012 can be accomplished by checking the status of Remote Desktop Services, restarting the services if necessary, ensuring proper firewall settings and port configurations, verifying network connectivity, and exploring additional troubleshooting steps if needed. By following these steps, you can resolve any connection issues and maintain uninterrupted access to your server remotely.

Restarting Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop

Restarting the Remote Desktop service on a Windows Server 2012 is a straightforward process. There are two common methods to accomplish this task, both of which are explained below: Method 1: Using the Command Prompt 1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "cmd," and clicking Enter. 2. In the Command Prompt window, type "net stop TermService" and press Enter. 3. Wait for the service to stop. 4. Type "net start TermService" and press Enter to restart the Remote Desktop service. 5. Verify that the service has restarted successfully. Method 2: Using Task Manager 1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. 2. In the Processes tab, locate "rdpclip.exe" and right-click on it. 3. Click "End task" to stop the Remote Desktop service. 4. In the File menu of Task Manager, click on "Run new task." 5. Type "rdpclip.exe" and press Enter to restart the service. 6. Verify that the service has restarted successfully. Restarting the Remote Desktop service may prove useful in resolving connection issues and improving overall system performance. Remember, always update and secure your server before attempting any service restarts or modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to restarting Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop, there may be questions and concerns that arise. Below, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions to help you navigate the process smoothly.

1. How can I restart Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop?

To restart Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop, you can follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Windows Server 2012.

2. Open the Start menu and click on "Power."

3. From the drop-down menu, select "Restart."

4. Wait for the server to restart, and then try to connect to the Remote Desktop again.

This process will reset the Remote Desktop connection and allow you to establish a new connection.

2. Can I restart Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop remotely?

Yes, you can restart Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop remotely by following these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt on your local computer.

2. Type the following command: shutdown /m \\ServerName /r

Note: Replace "ServerName" with the actual name of the server you want to restart.

3. Press Enter to execute the command.

This will send a restart command to the remote server, and it will initiate the restart process for the Remote Desktop.

3. Are there any alternative ways to restart Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop?

Yes, apart from the traditional methods, you can also restart Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop using the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Manager. Here's how:

1. Open the RDS Manager on your Windows Server 2012.

2. Navigate to the "Connections" section.

3. Right-click on the remote desktop session that you want to restart.

4. Select "Restart" from the context menu.

This method provides a more streamlined approach for restarting a specific remote desktop session without affecting other sessions.

4. What should I do if I still cannot restart Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop?

If you are unable to restart Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop using the methods mentioned above, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Ensure that you have the necessary administrative privileges to restart the server.

2. Check your network connection to ensure that you have a stable and reliable connection to the server.

3. Verify that the Remote Desktop service is running on the server.

4. Restart your local computer and try again.

If the issue persists, it may be worth seeking further assistance from a qualified IT professional.

5. Will restarting Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop affect any other services or applications?

Restarting Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop will not impact other services or applications running on the server. However, it will temporarily disrupt any active Remote Desktop sessions. Users will need to reconnect to the server once it is restarted.

In conclusion, restarting the remote desktop on Windows Server 2012 is a straightforward process.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily restart the remote desktop and resolve any issues you may be experiencing. Remember to always save your work and close any open programs before restarting the remote desktop to avoid data loss. With these simple steps, you can ensure smooth operation and optimal performance of your Windows Server 2012 remote desktop.