How to Enable Remote Desktop Connection - Windows 10 Pro

Hi,

For many years I have been using Windows Remote Desktop with the same two machines.  Not much should have changed other than normal updates and downloading and installing Norton 360 yesterday.

Computer A - has Norton 360

Computer B - is my laptop and I use this with Microsoft Remote Desktop to log into Computer A.

When Computer B is inside the network (on the same network as Computer A) Windows Remote Desktop connection works.  

When Computer B is outside the network Windows Remote Desktop isn't working (prior to installing Norton I've used this configuration for many years - and it has worked fine).  

I connect using the IP address of Computer A (the IP address assigned by my ISP) along with a port number.

I am not using the default port for Windows Remote Login. 

I have configured Norton 360 which is installed on Computer A in the following way:

Settings>>Firewall>>General Settings Tab>>Public Network Exceptions>>Configure >> Enable (check) Remote Desktop Connection (under Public Network Exceptions.

I've recently installed Norton 360 and removed my previous antivirus - which had a fire wall and was configured to allow Computer B to log into Computer A.  

 

Disabling Norton Smart Firewall and/or Auto-Protect did not allow an outside Microsoft Remote Desktop connection.

This makes me believe there is something either with the Windows 10 Machine that needs configuring or the Router's port forwarding that needs adjusting.  I have been methodically checking all of these settings - and have found no anomaly as of yet.   And, as I have said, I've been using these two computers to connect when outside the network for years (usually, when I travel for business).

Anyway, the only thing I can think of is that maybe Norton needs to know the port I am using to connect - but, that doesn't really explain why I still cannot connect when I disable Norton's smart firewall.

-Y

My operating system (where Norton is installed) is Windows 10 Pro version 22H2

 

"That's not really true, there are windows updates etc. Happens many times that an error coincides with install of a program but its not the cause: To find the error I would delete Norton and see if the problem persists, if it does, its not Norton. If its solved it is Norton. Then take it from there."

Pretty much the reason why I use Apple Macs.  

Hoping you have your solution soon. 

SA

"nothing should have changed with regards to settings on Windows, my router, or laptop"

That's not really true, there are windows updates etc. Happens many times that an error coincides with install of a program but its not the cause: To find the error I would delete Norton and see if the problem persists, if it does, its not Norton. If its solved it is Norton. Then take it from there.

 

I doubt that.   

Hello Yttrium. On computer A. Download and run CCleaner. I have the suspicion some remnants of your removed former A/V software may be causing your issue.

https://www.ccleaner.com/

SA

Yes, I already did (I show that in my first post):

https://community.norton.com/en/comment/8521304#comment-8521304

This (link below) seems like a different case - This person is already able to log into his or her machine - but desires to narrow the scope of who can log in (limit access to one machine and one IP).  I can't log in at all from outside the network.

https://community.norton.com/en/forums/remote-desktop-allow-only-specific-computer-or-ip

 

I've been using Windows Remote Desktop for many, many, many years without much fuss - up until I installed Norton.

I've been repeatedly checking my Windows machine settings, my router settings, and my laptop settings - everything looks good.  And, really, since I have been connecting the same two machines together for years - nothing should have changed with regards to settings on Windows, my router, or laptop.  And, if I'm on the same network I can Remote desktop to the machine.  

I might try completely uninstalling Norton to see if it is really Norton or some other problem.  

and you already did =>
https://community.norton.com/en/comment/8521304#comment-8521304

Community search =>
Remote Desktop - Allow only a specific computer or IP
https://community.norton.com/en/forums/remote-desktop-allow-only-specific-computer-or-ip

Lets ask @SoulAsylum to chime in.  

That seems like it is for devices on the same network.  I'm outside of the network (sitting in a hotel room) using random IP address attempting to connect to my remote machine (Computer A).   For many, many, years I had zero issues connecting in this way - up until yesterday when I installed Norton. 

Does...Add a device to Device Trust &or Change the trust level of your networks and devices...help?  

Learn more about customizing Device Trust
To secure your device from other devices, you can specify an appropriate trust level to the devices that are connected to your network. The trust level of a device depends on the trust level of its network. When you change the trust level of a network, Norton assigns the same trust level to all the devices that are connected to that network. However, you can change the trust level of individual devices using the Device Trust option. You can use the Configure option to change the trust level of other devices on your network.

NEED MORE HELP?

 

https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/norton-360-deluxe/current/solutions/v98421813