Fix RDP Freezes in Windows 11 24H2: 5 Proven Solutions

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is an essential tool for IT pros, system administrators, and remote workers alike, allowing seamless and secure access to Windows environments. But if you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11 24H2, you might have noticed that your RDP sessions are freezing or hanging—especially during login or reconnection attempts. Let’s dive into the causes and examine five proven fixes to restore smooth, reliable remote desktop experiences on your Windows 11 machine.

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The Issue in Detail​

With the release of Windows 11 24H2, several users have reported RDP sessions getting stuck. This problem can manifest as a frozen “Please Wait” screen, a top bar that refuses to update, or even a persistent black screen. But why does this happen?

• Network Detection Glitches: The new update includes advanced network quality detection that, while designed to improve connection stability, can sometimes result in sessions stalling while waiting for network feedback.
• Protocol Conflicts: RDP typically uses both TCP and UDP to optimize performance. In the 24H2 release, conflicts between these protocols may disrupt sessions.
• Resource Strains: High CPU or memory usage, whether on the client or the host, can also contribute to RDP freezes.
• Outdated Drivers: Drivers that haven’t been updated to mesh well with the latest OS changes can introduce compatibility issues, further compounding the problem.

Understanding these causes is key to choosing the right solution. With that in mind, let’s look at five detailed methods to troubleshoot and fix RDP freezes on Windows 11 24H2.

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1. Adjust Network Detection Settings in Group Policy​

One of the most frequently recommended fixes is to change how Windows 11 24H2 detects network quality during an RDP session. The default settings can overanalyze the network connection, especially when faced with fluctuations, thus causing it to stall.

How to Do It:​

• Open the Local Group Policy Editor:
  Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
• Navigate to the Correct Setting:
  Go to:
  Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
• Adjust the Network Detection:
  Double-click on Select network detection on the server.
  Set it to Enabled, then choose Turn off Connect Time Detect and Continuous Network Detect from the options presented.
  Click Apply and then OK.
• Update Group Policy Settings:
  Open Command Prompt by searching for cmd in the Start menu and run:
  gpupdate /force.
  This command applies your changes without requiring a reboot.

Why It Works:​

Disabling continuous network detection prevents the system from overanalyzing the connection during the RDP session, which is a common trigger for session freezes in the 24H2 update. By simplifying the network detection process, your session becomes more resilient to temporary network inconsistencies.
Summary: Adjusting network detection eliminates overzealous checks that can introduce delays, making this a highly recommended first step in resolving RDP freezes.

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2. Switch RDP to TCP-Only Mode​

RDP’s dual use of TCP and UDP is intended to improve performance under ideal conditions. However, in some cases—especially with the latest update—this dual protocol approach can cause instability, particularly during reconnection attempts.

How to Do It:​

• Using Group Policy Editor:
  Open gpedit.msc as described earlier.
  Navigate to:
  Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
• Change Protocol Settings:
  Find and double-click on Select RDP Transport Protocol.
  Choose Enabled and below that, select Use TCP only from the options.
  Click Apply and then OK.
• If Group Policy Is Unavailable:
  For Windows editions like Home, open Registry Editor (press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter).
  Navigate to:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services.
  Right-click, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it fClientDisableUDP, and set its value to 1.
• Finalize Changes:
  After adjusting the settings, run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt to ensure immediate application.

Why It Works:​

Switching to TCP-only mode sidesteps potential protocol conflicts inherent in the dual-stack approach. Since TCP provides a stable, connection-oriented framework, this change can notably reduce or eliminate the freezes that occur during the RDP session.
Summary: By forcing RDP to rely solely on TCP, you remove the instability caused by UDP conflicts, leading to a more stable remote desktop connection.

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3. Optimize RDP Connection Speed Settings​

Many users have found that tweaking the RDP client’s connection speed settings can address performance issues caused by flawed automatic quality detection. Manually configuring these settings ensures a more consistent user experience.

How to Do It:​

• Launch the RDP Connection App:
  Open Remote Desktop Connection (type mstsc in the Start menu search).
• Access Advanced Options:
  Click on Show Options, then navigate to the Experience tab.
• Set Connection Speed Manually:
  Change the selection from Detect connection quality automatically to LAN (10 Mbps or higher).
• Disable Resource-Heavy Options:
  If lag persists, uncheck settings such as Visual styles or Desktop background. These options can burden the session with unnecessary graphical processing.
• Test Your Changes:
  Click Connect and monitor if the freezing issues are resolved.

Why It Works:​

By manually selecting connection quality, you override the auto-detection feature that might misjudge the network’s capabilities. This simpler configuration minimizes the load on your client system and avoids unnecessary graphical processing during the session.
Summary: Optimizing speed settings forces RDP to work with stable, controlled parameters rather than relying on potentially unreliable auto-detection, leading to smoother performance.

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4. Update System Files and Device Drivers​

Outdated system files or drivers are a common culprit behind compatibility issues with new operating system updates. When Windows 11 24H2 introduces changes that affect RDP, it’s crucial to ensure that your system is fully updated.

How to Do It:​

• Check for Windows Updates:
  Open Settings (press Win + I), head to Windows Update, and click Check for updates.
  Install any available patches, particularly those addressing RDP or system stability (sometimes beyond just KB5051987).
• Update Device Drivers:
  Access Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it.
  Under Display adapters and Network adapters, right-click each device and choose Update driver > Search automatically to obtain the latest updates.
• Restart and Test:
  After updating, restart your PC to ensure that all changes take effect, and then test the RDP session again.
• Consider a Rollback:
  If issues persist even after updating, and if the problematic behavior started after updating to 24H2, you might explore rolling back to version 23H2 via Settings > System > Recovery > Go back (note: available within 10 days of upgrading).

Why It Works:​

Keeping your system updated means that any incompatibilities or glitches introduced by the new OS are minimized. Updated drivers and patches ensure that all system components work together correctly, thus reducing the potential causes of RDP freezes.
Summary: A simple yet often overlooked step, ensuring your system files and device drivers are current resolves many conflicts that lead to RDP issues on Windows 11.

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5. Check Network Stability and System Resources​

Sometimes, RDP freezes aren’t entirely due to software misconfigurations but stem from underlying network or resource issues on your machine. A fault in bandwidth or a system under heavy load can lead to connectivity hiccups.

How to Do It:​

• Perform a Network Test:
  Run an online speed test to verify that your network has low latency and sufficient bandwidth (aim for at least 5 Mbps for smooth RDP performance).
  If possible, switch to a wired Ethernet connection rather than using Wi-Fi to reduce interference.
• Monitor System Resources:
  Open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and keep an eye on CPU and memory usage during an RDP session.
  Identify any resource-heavy applications running in the background and close those that aren’t necessary.
• Handle Stuck Sessions:
  If a session hangs during reconnect attempts, consider logging in with another user account. This can force a termination of the stuck session and let you re-establish a fresh connection.

Why It Works:​

Even the best configurations can falter on a shaky network or overloaded machine. Ensuring your network is stable and your system resources are allocated efficiently can solve many intermittent issues leading to RDP freezes.
Summary: A thorough check of your network and resources isn’t just a troubleshooting formality—it often uncovers hidden performance bottlenecks that, when addressed, lead to a markedly improved RDP experience.

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Bonus Tips for a Flawless RDP Experience​

While the five methods above address the primary causes of RDP freezes on Windows 11 24H2, consider these additional tips for an even smoother remote desktop experience:

• Change the RDP Port:
  If port conflicts occur (the default RDP port is 3389), switch to a custom port via the Registry Editor at:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp > PortNumber.
  This can avoid interference from other applications or network policies.
• Try an Alternative Client:
  If issues persist, consider using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app available from the Windows Store as an alternative to the built-in client.
• Stay Alert to Official Fixes:
  Keep an eye on updates from Microsoft—often, community-driven workarounds while effective, can be superseded by official patches soon after users report issues.

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Concluding Thoughts​

RDP freezes on Windows 11 24H2 can disrupt your workflow and reduce productivity, but with these five methods, you can regain control of your remote sessions. Whether it’s fine-tuning your group policy settings, forcing TCP-only connections, manually optimizing connection speeds, updating your system, or checking your network and resources, each step offers a practical solution to tackle this pressing issue.
As always, begin with the simplest fix—adjusting the network detection settings—and proceed through the checklist until your RDP session is as responsive as ever. What tweaks have worked best for your setup? Share your experiences and solutions on our forum, and join fellow Windows users in perfecting the art of remote connectivity.
By staying proactive and informed, you can overcome these challenges and ensure that your Windows environments remain accessible, productive, and efficient. Happy troubleshooting!

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This comprehensive guide not only addresses the immediate problem of RDP freezes but also provides insights into broader network and system optimization strategies. For more in-depth Windows troubleshooting tips, explore our Windows Tips section and join the discussion with other IT enthusiasts on our forum.

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Source: TechDator RDP freezes or hangs on Windows 11 24H2? - 5 Ways to Fix