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How to fix a black screen with an RDP session.

Jayce 0 Reputation points
2025-12-05T18:08:32.7233333+00:00

I am using my Surface Pro to log into my work PC and it will allow me to log in on the first attempt, but when I sign-out and then go back into the RDP session, all I get is a black screen. I have completed all the windows updates for both machines, I have updated the graphics driver on both machines, I have unchecked the bitmap caching box on the RDP session, I have made sure my work PC is not going to sleep or using a screen saver and my network connection is good. I am not sure what else I am missing that would cause this to happen every other log in. The only thing that seems to work is a full system reboot, but that can't be the permanent fix.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Remote desktop services and terminal services
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  1. Quinnie Quoc 7,400 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-06T00:23:14.15+00:00

    Hello Jayce,

    The issue you’re seeing, where the first RDP login works but subsequent logins show only a black screen, is often related to how the remote session handles display initialization after a sign‑out. Even with updated drivers, Windows can sometimes keep a “stuck” graphics session active in the background, which is why a full reboot temporarily resolves it.

    A few things you can try next:

    • On the work PC, open Task Manager → Users and verify that no disconnected RDP sessions remain after you sign out. If one appears, right‑click and choose Sign off.
    • In your RDP settings, under Display, try disabling “Use all my monitors” if it is enabled.
    • On the work PC, run gpupdate /force and ensure no group policies are forcing session timeouts or display redirection settings.
    • Check Event Viewer → Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → TerminalServices‑ClientActiveXCore for any display‑related errors.

    These steps usually resolve intermittent black‑screen behavior without requiring a reboot each time. If this guidance helps you move forward, please consider clicking “Accept the Answer” so others with the same issue can find the solution more easily.

    Best regards,

    QQ.

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