Tips to open RDP file

Can't open the RDP file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open RDP files as well as a list of programs that support RDP files.

RDP file extension

File Name Remote Desktop Configuration Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Settings Files

The RDP file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the RDP files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the RDP file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is RDP file?

The RDP file has been categorized as Settings Files. The creator of this file is Microsoft. Settings Files consists of 1305 similar files. Remote Desktop Configuration Format is most often found on 3 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. It is recommended to use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection to handle this file. This is a program created by Microsoft Corporation. This file type can also be opened by 3 other programs. Microsoft Windows, Terminal Server Client, Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client will apply when it is not possible to use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection.

How to open RDP file?

The most common problem when using Remote Desktop Configuration Format is that a specific RDP is not associated with the program. This causes the file RDP to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the RDP file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection

The first step is to check if the computer has the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection program installed. This can be achieved by typing Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support RDP files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection with RDP files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the RDP file still does not use the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection application as the default for handling the RDP file.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection to the latest version

If, however, after binding Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection with Remote Desktop Configuration Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the RDP file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the RDP file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our RDP file. Sometimes virus-infected RDP files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of RDP file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged RDP files. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file RDP except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the RDP file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the RDP file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.