How to Disable Remote Desktop (RDP) in Windows 11 & 10

The Remote Desktop (RDP) feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 allows you to connect to your computer from other devices over a network. While enabling Remote Desktop is simple and straightforward, it’s important to disable it if you’re not using it. This will prevent unauthorized access to your computer. In this tutorial, I’ll show you three methods to disable Remote Desktop in Windows 10 and Windows 11. We will cover disabling it through the Settings app, the Registry Editor, and the Command Prompt. Let’s get started.

Before You Start

• You need administrative privileges to disable remote desktop in Windows 10 & Windows 11.
• Remote desktop is only available in Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Disable Remote Desktop Using Settings

On Windows 10

1. Use the Windows key + I shortcut to open the Windows 10 Settings.
2. Click the System option in the main window.
3. Select the Remote Desktop tab on the sidebar of the System page.
4. Turn “OFF” the Enable Remote Desktop option.
5. Close the Settings app.
6. Restart your computer.

disabling remote desktop in Windows 10

On Windows 11

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to the System tab on the sidebar.
3. Scroll down and click on the Remote Desktop option.
4. Turn “OFF” the Remote Desktop toggle.
5. With that, Remote Desktop is disabled in Windows 11.

Disable Remote Desktop Using Registry Editor

As an alternative, you can also turn off Remote Desktop using the Registry Editor. However, editing the registry, while easy, can be dangerous. So, back up the registry before following the steps below.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit in the Run dialog box and click OK.
3. Navigate to the following folder in the Registry Editor:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\
4. Double-click on the fDenyTSConnections value.
5. Change the “Value Data” to 1.
6. Click OK.
7. Close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart your computer.

After restarting, Remote Desktop is fully disabled on your computer.

Disable Remote Desktop Using Command Prompt

If you prefer a command-line approach, you can use the Command Prompt to disable Remote Desktop. This method is useful if you are creating scripts or scheduled tasks.

1. Open the Start menu.Search for Command Prompt.
2. Select the Run as Administrator option to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
3. Run the following command in the Command Prompt window.
   Reg add “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurRentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server” /v fDenyTSConnections /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
4. Close the Command Prompt window.
5. Restart your computer.

With that, you’ve disabled remote desktop in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Wrapping Up — Turn Off Remote Desktop Feature in Windows

As you can see, whichever method you follow, disabling Remote Desktop is fairly easy. If you are looking for a simple method, use the Settings app. If that doesn’t work, try the Registry method. On the other hand, if you prefer a command-line approach or you are creating a scheduled task or script to automatically enable or disable Remote Desktop, follow the Command Prompt method.

If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist. Also, if you use Remote Desktop regularly, learn these remote desktop keyboard shortcuts to make your life easier.

The tutorial update to include steps for Windows 11, make steps clearer, add ‘Before You Start’ notice, add screenshots, and correct errors.