How to Fix Microsoft Remote Desktop Error 0x204 on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to establish a remote connection to a Windows PC using Microsoft Remote Desktop on a Mac, encountering Error code 0x204.
- Product
- Microsoft Remote Desktop
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to remotely access a Windows computer from a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to connect, displays error code 0x204, and frequently shows prompts indicating that the application needs to be updated.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a stable network, and verify that the target Windows PC is powered on, connected to the internet, and configured to allow remote desktop connections.
Disable System Proxies and Hardware Acceleration
Adjusting the Remote Desktop preferences on your Mac resolves common proxy conflicts and graphical rendering issues that trigger Error 0x204.
Network configurations or graphical incompatibilities on the Mac can prevent the Remote Desktop application from successfully communicating with the target Windows machine. Disabling these options usually bypasses the connection block.
Launch Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac. Click on 'Microsoft Remote Desktop' in the top Apple menu bar and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences window, click on the 'General' tab.
Find and uncheck the boxes next to 'Use system proxy configurations' and 'Use hardware acceleration'.
Close the preferences window. Open the Mac App Store, navigate to 'Updates', and ensure you install the latest version of Microsoft Remote Desktop to fix any residual connection bugs.
Verify Target Windows PC Settings
Confirming the remote access settings on the host Windows machine ensures it is ready to accept incoming connections from your Mac.
Avoid Remote Desktop Hassles with WPS Office for Mac
If you are using Microsoft Remote Desktop solely to access Windows-based Microsoft Office applications, consider switching to WPS Office. It runs natively on your Mac, completely eliminating the need for complex network configurations, remote desktop lags, and connection errors.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS installation package.
- 2. Install on Mac: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon directly into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Office Files Directly: Launch WPS Office and start editing your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations natively on your Mac without remote connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Error code 0x204 mean in Microsoft Remote Desktop?
Error 0x204 typically means there is a network connectivity issue preventing the Mac from reaching the host PC. This can be due to incorrect IP settings, firewall blockages, proxy configuration conflicts, or the host PC being turned off.
Do I need a specific macOS version to run Microsoft Remote Desktop?
Yes, Microsoft Remote Desktop generally requires a supported version of macOS (usually macOS 10.14 Mojave or newer). You should always check the exact compatibility requirements on the Mac App Store to avoid app crashes and version issues.
Why does Microsoft Remote Desktop keep asking me to update?
The application may continually prompt for updates if the target Windows machine is using a newer remote protocol or if your current Mac client version has known security or connection bugs. Updating via the Mac App Store resolves most of these sync issues.
Can I use Microsoft Remote Desktop without hardware acceleration?
Yes. Disabling hardware acceleration shifts the graphical processing load from your Mac's GPU to its CPU. While it may slightly affect performance on slower machines, it is a highly effective workaround for graphical glitches that prevent connections.
