Troubleshooting RDP "Internal Error has occurred"

If your Remote Desktop Connection fails with the message "An internal error has occurred", it usually indicates a synchronization issue between the client and server, a stalled RDP service, or a security protocol mismatch.

Since you cannot connect via RDP to fix this, you must perform these steps using the Web Console in the control panel.

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Method 1: Restart Remote Desktop Services (Recommended)

In most cases, the RDP service on the server has simply stalled or entered a bad state. Restarting the service resolves the issue instantly.

1. Log in to the control panel, navigate to your server, and open the Web Console.
2. Log in to Windows.
3. Press Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
4. Locate the service named Remote Desktop Services.
5. Right-click it and select Restart.
6. Try connecting from your local computer again.

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Method 2: Disable Network Level Authentication (NLA)

If restarting the service does not help, there may be an encryption or authentication mismatch between your computer and the server (common after Windows Updates).

1. In the Web Console, open File Explorer.
2. Right-click on This PC (or "Computer") and select Properties.
3. Click on Remote settings (usually on the left side).
4. Under the "Remote Desktop" section, uncheck the box: "Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)".
5. Click Apply and OK.
6. Try connecting again.

Security Warning: Disabling NLA reduces the security of the connection slightly, as the server establishes a session before verifying the user's identity. This makes the server more visible to brute-force attacks. We recommend using a strong password.

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Method 3: Client-Side Troubleshooting

Sometimes the issue is on your local computer, not the server.

• Reconnect: Sometimes simply attempting the connection 3-4 times in a row clears the error.
• Change RDP Client: If you are using the default Windows Remote Desktop tool (mstsc.exe), try downloading the "Microsoft Remote Desktop" app from the Microsoft Store, which handles newer protocols better.

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Method 4: Re-imaging (Last Resort)

If none of the above works and you cannot fix the OS configuration via the Web Console, the operating system may be corrupted. You may consider backing up your data and performing a Re-image from the Recovery tab.