Remote Desktop is a useful feature in Windows that allows users to access their computer remotely from another device. However, there may be situations where you want to permanently disable Remote Desktop for security reasons or to prevent unauthorized access. In this article, we will show you how to permanently disable Remote Desktop on Windows to protect your computer from unauthorized access.
What is Remote Desktop?
Remote Desktop is an exciting Windows feature that lets you effortlessly access and control your computer from anywhere! It uses the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to establish a connection between the remote computer and the local computer. This allows users to access their computer from anywhere, making it a useful tool for remote work, tech support, and other purposes.
Also Read: How to Use a Closed Laptop with an External Monitor in Windows
Why Disable Remote Desktop?
While Remote Desktop can be a useful tool, it can also be a security risk. If not properly configured, Remote Desktop can allow unauthorized users to access and control your computer, potentially leading to data breaches, malware infections, and other security issues. Additionally, Remote Desktop can also be used by hackers to gain access to your computer and use it for malicious purposes.
How to Disable Remote Desktop on Windows
Disabling Remote Desktop on Windows is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. Here’s how:
Method 1: Disable Remote Desktop using the Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel on your Windows computer. To access the Control Panel, simply type “Control Panel” into the search bar next to the Start menu and click on the Control Panel app in the results.
- In the Control Panel, select the “System and Security” category to continue.
- In the System and Security category, click on the “System” link.
- On the System settings page, click the “Remote settings” link in the left sidebar.
- In the System Properties window, navigate to the “Remote” tab.
- In the Remote tab, uncheck the box next to “Allow remote connections to this computer”.
- Click “Apply” and then hit “OK” to save your changes and make them take effect!
Also Read: How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows [Step-by-Step]
Method 2: Disable Remote Desktop using the Settings App
- Open the Settings app on your Windows computer. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu and clicking on the Settings icon.
- In the Settings app, tap on the “System” category to proceed.
- In the System category, click on the “Remote Desktop” tab.
- In the Remote Desktop tab, toggle the switch next to “Enable Remote Desktop” to the “Off” position.
- Click “Save” to save the changes.
Method 3: Disable Remote Desktop using the Registry
- Open the Registry Editor on your Windows computer. You can do this by typing “regedit” in the search bar next to the Start menu and clicking on the Registry Editor app.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server
- In the Terminal Server key, find the “fDenyTSConnections” value and set it to 1.
- Close the Registry Editor and reboot your computer to ensure your changes take effect!
How to Verify that Remote Desktop is Disabled
To verify that Remote Desktop is disabled, you can follow these steps:
- Open the System Properties window by typing “sysdm.cpl” in the search bar next to the Start menu and clicking on the System Properties app.
- In the System Properties window, select the “Remote” tab to continue.
- In the Remote tab, verify that the box next to “Allow remote connections to this computer” is unchecked.
Tips for Securing Your Windows Computer
In addition to disabling Remote Desktop, there are several other steps you can take to secure your Windows computer. Here are a few tips:
- Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts on your computer.
- Enable the firewall: Activate the firewall on your computer to prevent unauthorized access.
- Install antivirus software: Install antivirus software on your computer to protect against malware infections.
- Keep your computer up to date: Keep your computer up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
Conclusion
Disabling Remote Desktop on Windows is a straightforward process that can help protect your computer from unauthorized access. By following the steps in this article, you can permanently disable Remote Desktop on your Windows computer and take an important step towards securing your computer. Remember to also follow the tips in this article to further secure your computer and protect against security threats.