Windows cannot find 'C:\WINDOWS\system32\mstsc.exe'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.

This Knowledge Base article explains how to uninstall and reinstall the built-in Remote Desktop Connection app (mstsc.exe) on supported Windows client and server operating systems.

Starting with Windows 11 version 23H2, Microsoft allows administrators to remove and later reinstall the Remote Desktop Connection client as a built-in app. This article provides GUI and command-line procedures, prerequisites, limitations, and best practices.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Built-In Remote Desktop Connection App in Windows (mstsc.exe) 

Error Code : C:\WINDOWS\system32\mstsc.exe
Windows cannot find 'C:\WINDOWS\system32\mstsc.exe'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.

Applies To 
✅ Windows Server 2025 ✅ Windows Server 2022 ✅ Windows Server 2019 ✅ Windows Server 2016
✅ Windows 11 (23H2 and later) ✅ Windows 10 (supported builds) 

Product / Feature Overview

Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe)

• Built-in Windows RDP client

• Allows outbound Remote Desktop (RDP) connections

• Supports .rdp and .connect files

• Required for:

  • RemoteApp

  • Remote Desktop Services

  • VDI access

  • Windows Server administration

⚠️ Note
Uninstalling Remote Desktop Connection also disables:

• RemoteApp and Desktop Connections Control Panel

Prerequisites

Before uninstalling or reinstalling Remote Desktop Connection:

• Windows version 11 23H2 or later

• Local Administrator privileges

• System restart capability

• Internet access (for reinstallation package)

Uninstall Remote Desktop Connection

Method 1: GUI (Recommended)

1. Open Start

2. Search for Installed apps

3. Locate Remote Desktop Connection

4. Click the three dots (⋮) → Uninstall

5. Confirm Uninstall

6. Restart the system when prompted

Method 2: Command Prompt (Admin)

winget uninstall "Remote Desktop Connection"

Restart the system after completion.

Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection

After uninstalling, the app must be reinstalled manually.

Method 1: GUI Installer (Microsoft-Supported)

1. Download the installer matching your system architecture:

   • Windows 64-bit (x64) Link: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2247659

   • Windows 32-bit (x86) Link : https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2247660

   • Windows ARM64 Link : https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2247577

2. Run the downloaded installer:

   • No user interaction required

   • Silent installation

3. Confirmation message:

   Remote Desktop Connection was successfully installed
   

4. Launch from Start Menu → Remote Desktop Connection

Method 2: Command Line Installation

RemoteDesktopConnection.exe /install

(Executable name may vary based on downloaded package)

Verification Steps

Confirm the client is restored:

C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe

Launch test:

mstsc

Expected result:

• Remote Desktop Connection UI opens successfully

Common Errors, Root Causes, and Fixes

Security Considerations and Risks

• Do not download mstsc.exe from third-party sites

• Avoid copying binaries from other systems

• Ensure outbound RDP (TCP 3389) is permitted by firewall policy

• Windows Home editions:

  • ❌ Cannot host RDP

  • ✅ Can initiate RDP connections

Best Practices and Recommendations

• Use Microsoft-provided installers only

• Avoid debloating tools that remove system apps

• Create restore points before feature removal

• Standardize Windows build versions in managed environments

• Document Windows 11 23H2+ behavioral changes for helpdesk teams

Limitations

• Windows Home editions:

  • No inbound RDP hosting

  • No Group Policy RDP controls

• Reinstallation requires manual package download

• Store-based Remote Desktop app is deprecated

Conclusion

From Windows 11 version 23H2 onward, Remote Desktop Connection is a removable built-in app. If removed—intentionally or accidentally—the only supported recovery method is to reinstall it using Microsoft’s official installer.

This approach restores:

• mstsc.exe

• RDP protocol handlers

• .rdp and .connect file support

• RemoteApp functionality

Avoid unsupported workarounds such as manual file copying or deprecated DISM capabilities.

Refer : https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/remotepc/uninstall-remote-desktop-connection?tabs=gui#reinstall-remote-desktop-connection

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