Troubleshoot RDP Files
Issues Opening RDP Files
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection is Not Installed
You attempt to load your RDP file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The RDP File Extension". If so, it typically means that you don't have Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection installed for %%os%%. Your operating system cannot associate your RDP with Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection, so double-clicking the file won't work.
Tip: If you don't have Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection installed, and you know of another program to open your RDP file, you can try opening it by selecting from the programs listed under "Show Apps".
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Requires Update
Your Remote Desktop Configuration File file is incompatible with Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection because you might have the wrong version installed. Visit the Microsoft Corporation website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection. Most of the time your Remote Desktop Configuration File file was created by a newer Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection than what you have installed.
Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your RDP file and clicking "Properties".
Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening RDP files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.
More Causes of Problems Opening RDPs
You can still experience errors opening RDP files even with the latest version of Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection installed on your PC. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening RDPs. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):
- RDP file type Registry entries are wrong
- Accidental deletion of the description of the RDP file in the Windows registry
- Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection or another RDP application experienced a flawed installation
- File corruption affecting your RDP file
- Your RDP has adversely impacted by malware
- Hardware associated with RDP has outdated drivers
- Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Remote Desktop Configuration File file successfully
Poll: What file extension do you use the most often?