What to do if Remote Desktop Connection for Mac is not working
The guide below describes solutions for error code: 0x204—an error code that can appear when Mac users attempt to establish a Remote Desktop Mac connection with a Windows PC.
Remote Desktop is a Microsoft program that allows two different operating systems to remotely share. Remote Desktop makes these modern, digital requirements for the work-from-home workforce quite easy, allowing a Mac user/administrator to access Windows and/or mobile devices/servers.
This remote desktop connection Mac tool opens the door for Mac users to transfer files to other machines that don’t share the same operating system, along with managing programs and apps with maximum fluidity.
While this flexibility is quite the asset, users may find themselves hindered by their Remote Desktop connection for Mac not working with “error code 0x204” on their Mac device (laptops, desktops, or otherwise.)
It should be noted that this issue most frequently appears while connecting Macs to PCs, and not PCs to PCs.
All in all, Microsoft Remote Desktop error 0x204 Mac issues have a variety of causes and may require lots of testing to uncover the root problem. The guide below will provide the steps to resolve many of these common causes.
How to fix Microsoft Remote Desktop error code 0x204
In the following section, we offer a series of easy methods to resolve the error code: 0x204 when attempting to establish a Remote Desktop Connection with a PC from a Mac device (like an iPhone, iPad or iOS.)
Solution 1: Ensure Remote Desktop is enabled on your PC
The most common cause for a Microsoft Remote Desktop not working on Mac (error code 0x204) is often quite simple: the Remote Desktop feature isn’t enabled on the PC computer users are attempting to access.
Establishing a remote desktop connection requires both devices to support the feature… so if one of the devices isn’t running Microsoft’s proprietary protocol, connection failure is a natural consequence.
Step 1: To open the Run window, hit the Win+R keys while operating the PC you want to connect with.
Step 2: Enter SystemPropertiesRemote.exe (as shown below) then hit Enter.
Step 3: Select the Remote tab to see if there’s a checkmark beside “Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer” (as shown below.)
Step 4: Hit the Apply button to save changes and exit.
Step 5: Check if error code: 0x204 is still showing on your Mac computer (if so, try the next solution.)
Solution 2: Allow Remote Desktop connections by configuring Windows Firewall
A likely cause for the adverse scenario may have to do with a firewall (be it 3rd-party or native to the operating system.) As a firewall defends your machine against malicious connections, it can simultaneously block remote interoperability as an added precaution.
Step 1: On your PC, open the Run dialog using the Win+R key combination.
Step 2: Enter “firewall.cpl” (shown below.)
Step 3: Hit Enter.
Step 4: Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” (located in the sidebar of the Windows Defender Firewall screen.)
Step 5: From inside the “Allowed apps and features” section, locate the items “Remote Assistance”, “Remote Desktop”, and “Remote Desktop (WebSocket)”.
Step 6: Ensure the “Private” and “Public” boxes are checked.
Step 7: Hit OK to save changes and exit.
Step 8: Check if error code: 0x204 is fixed ( if it persists, try the solution listed below.)
Solution 3: Create Windows Remote Assistance invitations
Step 1: Open the Run dialog box once again by hitting the Win+R keys on the PC.
Step 2: Enter “msra.exe”.
Step 3: Hit Enter.
Step 4: Choose “Invite someone you trust to help you” from the Windows Remote Assistant screen (shown below.)
Step 5: Hit “Save this invitation as a file” (as shown below.)
Step 6: Define the save path for the invitation.
Step 7: Click Save.
Note: Users should now see a unique password to be used when initiating a remote connection between computers.
Step 8: To attempt a new remote connection from a Mac to a PC (the error should now be gone—but if it persists, try the next solution.)
Solution 4: Temporarily shut off antivirus protection
In many cases, antivirus software is the cause of the 0x204 Remote Desktop Mac error code. This is especially likely if the antivirus software provides network monitoring configuration features.
Certain antivirus apps could interpret remote connection attempts as unauthorized users with malicious intentions. If that is the case, Microsoft Remote Desktop error code 0x204 is imminent and requires altering the program’s defenses to permit such connections.
If that is the case, disabling protection modules may help. Once disabled, check if error code 0x204 still appears.
Solution 5: Forward port 3389 of Remote Desktop
Double-check to make sure the 3389 port is open from both ends—especially on the Mac side of the connection (Network Utility > Port Scan > Only test ports between 3389 and 3389.)
Alternatively, users may need to configure the router to forward the remote desktop port 3389.
Solution 6: Remove Remote Desktop temp folder from the Mac
Step 1: Hit the Finder icon in the Dock on the Mac machine.
Step 2: Enter “group containers” into the search bar (see below.)
Step 3: Hit Enter (make sure “This Mac” is selected rather than a specific directory within the search settings area.)
Step 4: Find and open the Group Containers folder.
Step 5: Locate the “UBF8T346G9.com.microsoft.rdc” folder and right-click it.
Step 6: Choose “Move to Trash” from the context menu.
Step 7: Restart your Mac then see if the Remote Desktop error code 0x204 is resolved.
Final thoughts on (RDC) Remote Desktop Connection Mac command line error code: 0x204
If none of the solutions outlined above solve the error, then users should attempt to reinstall the Remote Desktop client on the Mac. Very likely, reinstalling the client won’t be required.
Usually, the hardest aspect of fixing error code: 0x204 on Mac has to do with an issue from the PC end of the connection. Be sure to test out the variety of methods shared above, which should (hopefully) allow you to enjoy the Remote Desktop feature between your Mac and PC.