Windows 10: Remote Desktop LAN not working without Internet Connection.

At home I setup a new windows 10 machine installed all OS updates and a new router. I got all the settings down to use Microsoft Remote Desktop from my Macbook and it worked like a charm. I took the setup to the installation site and of course Remote Desktop could no longer find the PC to connect to.In both locations the PC is connected via an ethernet to the router. The Macbook is connected to the wirelessly to the router. The only difference is at home i forgot to test the setup without the router having an internet connection. I do not have an easy way to provide internet access to the ro

:)

 

Remote Desktop vs. Internet Remote Desktop (Internet and LAN)

Remote Desktop works in exactly the same way over the Internet as over an internal network. However, when working over the Internet, you must take some extra steps in order to establish a connection:

• The client must know the host's external IP address.
• You must create a tunnel for port 3389 on the host's router.
• The host must have a fixed internal IP address.
• The host's router must direct port 3389 packets to the host's internal IP address.
• The hosts's firewall must allow port 3389 packets.

BTW, "Host" is the machine that is being taken over, often a PC at the work place.

"Client" is your own machine, often the PC at your home.

 

Remote Desktop Connection problems


Have you tried Remote Desktop Connection, to connect from your Windows 10 laptop to your Windows 7 desktop? Try it first, post back and tell how it went.

Some additional help because you mentioned you are a remote newbie *Wink. The windows 7 related tutorials from our sister site the Seven Forums:

1. On Windows 7 desktop, set network location to either Home or Work (I recommend Work):
   • Network Location - Set as Home, Work, or Public Network - Windows 7 Help Forums
2. On Windows 7 desktop, allow incoming remote connections:
   • Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) - Network - Windows 7 Help Forums
3. On Windows 7 desktop, find out its IP address:
   • IP Address - Locate and Find for Your Computer - Windows 7 Help Forums
4. On Windows 10 laptop, start the Remote Desktop application and connect to the Windows 7 desktop using the IP address from step 3 above (see Part Three in the tutorial):
   • RDC - Connect Remotely to your Windows 10 PC - Windows 10 Forums
   • Notice that although the tutorial is written for Windows 10, it also applies to Windows 7

Try the above, post back how it went.

 

Remote Desktop vs. Internet Remote Desktop (Internet and LAN)

When I use Win 7 Remote Desktop over my LAN, it works perfectly but when I try to access it over the internet, I get the standard "fail" message ("Remote access to the server is not enabled," etc.) I'm running Norton Internet Security. Wanted to eliminate
that as a variable so I disabled the "Smart Firewall" and found the same result. Also, of course, checked for dumb mistakes like improper address.

I'd appreciate any thoughts people have. It's a perplexing problem. Thanks in advance.