Fit It Now: Remote Desktop Very Slow on Windows 11

Using Remote Desktop on Windows 11 can sometimes result in frustratingly slow performance, affecting your ability to work efficiently. This guide will provide you with practical solutions to enhance your Remote Desktop experience and resolve any latency issues.

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How to fix slow Remote Desktop on Windows 11?​

1. Check your network connection​

1. Test Connection Speed:
   • Use an online speed test tool to check your network speed. Ensure you have a stable and high-speed internet connection.
2. Switch Networks:
   • If possible, switch to a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection.
3. Reduce Network Load:
   • Close any unnecessary applications or devices that might be using bandwidth on your network.

2. Change Remote Desktop settings​

1. Click on Start and search for Remote Desktop Connection.
2. Select Remote Desktop Connection from the results.
3. Click Show Options in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
   
   
4. Go to the Display tab, reduce the size of the remote desktop and in the Colors column, choose a High Color (16-bit).
5. Go to the Experience tab and change the connection speed into Modem (56 kbps).
6. Uncheck Persistence bitmap caching and click on Connect

3. Update system and drivers​

1. Windows Update:
   • Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
   • Go to Update & Security and click Check for updates.
2. Update Drivers:
   • Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
   • Update network adapters and graphics drivers by right-clicking and choosing Update driver.

4. Use Group Policy Editor to optimize Remote Desktop​

1. Open Group Policy Editor:
   • Press the Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Remote Desktop Settings:
   • Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Remote Session Environment.
3. Optimize Performance:
   • Enable Optimize visual experience when using RemoteFX and set the value to Use hardware default graphics adapter for all Remote Desktop Services sessions.

Troubleshooting common issues with Remote Desktop on Windows 11​

1. Remote Desktop disconnects frequently​

1. Stable Network:
   • Ensure your network connection is stable and consider using a wired connection.
2. Keep Alive Settings:
   • Open Group Policy Editor and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
   • Enable Configure keep-alive connection interval and set an appropriate interval.

2. High latency during Remote Desktop sessions​

1. Quality of Service (QoS):
   • Configure QoS settings on your router to prioritize Remote Desktop traffic.
2. Optimize Bandwidth:
   • In the Remote Desktop Connection settings, go to the Experience tab and select a lower connection speed.

Additional tips for a smooth Remote Desktop experience on Windows 11​

• Regular Maintenance: Regularly update your operating system and drivers to ensure optimal performance.
• Use VPN Wisely: If using a VPN, ensure it doesn’t overly restrict your connection speed.
• Monitor Resource Usage: Use Task Manager to monitor and manage CPU and memory usage on both the host and client machines.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve the performance of Remote Desktop on your Windows 11 system, ensuring a smoother and more efficient remote working experience.