Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection

Microsoft now offers a modern Remote Desktop app (formerly "Microsoft Remote Desktop") in the Microsoft Store. While technically separate from the classic mstsc.exe, it can fully replace it.

To "reinstall" this version:

Note: The Store version is Microsoft’s forward-looking client and includes modern features like Azure Active Directory and touch support. For most users, this replaces the classic tool.

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.RemoteDesktop | Foreach  Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"

Get-AppxPackage *RemoteDesktop* | Select Name, InstallLocation

Run:

takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe
icacls C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe /grant Administrators:F

regsvr32 /u msrdc.ocx
regsvr32 msrdc.ocx

(Only for legacy RD Web setups.)

Best for: The "modern" Remote Desktop app downloaded from the Microsoft Store, or if the app opens but behaves erratically.

If you are using the modern Remote Desktop app (often found in the Start Menu as just "Remote Desktop") or the classic executable is acting up, resetting it is the fastest way to clear corrupted cache files.

Restart your computer and try launching the application again.

Often, the RDC client isn't "broken"—it is simply holding onto corrupted cached data. If the "Soft Reinstall" didn't work, clearing the registry entries for the client is the next logical step. reinstall remote desktop connection

Warning: Editing the Registry carries risks. Follow these steps carefully.

Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

When you open Remote Desktop Connection next, it will be a fresh, "like-new" instance.

Best for: The classic mstsc.exe program is missing or corrupted.

The classic Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) is a legacy Windows feature. If this specific component is broken, you can trick Windows into "reinstalling" it by disabling the feature, restarting, and re-enabling it. Microsoft now offers a modern Remote Desktop app

If you came here searching for a quick answer, follow this decision tree:

This guide reinstalls Microsoft Remote Desktop Client (Remote Desktop Connection / mstsc) on Windows 10/11 by repairing system components, re-registering the app, and reinstalling Remote Desktop client features.

Ensure alternate access: local console, out-of-band management, remote management tools, or a secondary admin account.

Notify stakeholders and schedule a maintenance window if the host is production.

Gather required installers and licenses: correct OS updates, Remote Desktop client versions, server role installers, and the necessary certificate files.