Why is my Remote Desktop Connection poor?

“I have a 200 Mbps internet connection in my home, I get around 95 Mbps up and down (due to router bottleneck). I feel 100 Mbps is fairly good enough for a remote connection. There are always minor lags in any action on a remote desktop. When I type something fast, it takes like 500ms to reflect. The connection info always has one bar, and when I click on the connection info, it says: The connection quality to the remote computer is poor. How to fix this Remote Desktop slow connection and make Remote Desktop Connection faster?”

3 solutions to fix “The quality of the connection to the remote computer is poor”

Here in this part, we’ll introduce three solutions to fix “The quality of the connection to the remote computer is poor” to make Remote Desktop faster.

Solution 1. Put some modifications in the connection settings of RDP

Step 1. Search for Remote Desktop Connection in the Search box. And then open it.

Step 2. In the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, click Show Options.

Step 3. Go to the Display tab. Slide the Display Configuration to a smaller size. Under Colors, select High Color (16 bit).

Step 4. Then go to the Experience tab. Uncheck all of the settings to optimize performance. Or select Modem (56 kbps) from the dropdown menu.

Solution 2. Check the network connection

Remote desktop requires a high-quality, low-packet-loss connection rather than a high-bandwidth connection. When using WiFi, it is totally conceivable to have high bandwidth but with a high amount of packet retransmissions due to interference. Ethernet should be more reliable. To lessen the odds of interference, you may need to select a less congested WiFi channel, switch to 5GHz if available, or utilize an Ethernet cable connected to a more local wireless access point.

Solution 3. Disable third-party antivirus programs

Antivirus software can aid in the protection of your computer against viruses and other security risks. But sometimes, it may interfere with the Remote Desktop Connection. Therefore, you can disable any security program on your computer and check if it resolves the issue.

But we should note that most of the time, you should not disable your antivirus program as it protects the safety of your computer. If you need to disable it momentarily, you should re-enable it as soon as you’re finished.

Free remote desktop software with high performance: AnyViewer

When it comes to remote desktop software, performance is everything—and this is where AnyViewer truly shines. Unlike many free solutions that lag or freeze during critical moments, AnyViewer offers a smooth, low-latency experience even on slower networks. It uses advanced data compression and smart routing algorithms to minimize delay and maximize responsiveness.

Whether you're accessing graphic-intensive applications, transferring large files, or streaming video remotely, AnyViewer delivers consistently high frame rates up to 60 FPS and stable connections. This makes it a perfect tool not just for casual remote access, but also for demanding business environments where speed and reliability are non-negotiable.

AnyViewer also supports 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, which ensures crystal-clear text and visuals, especially on high-resolution displays. This is critical for professionals who need to read small fonts or work with detailed images remotely.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch AnyViewer on both computers.

Step 2. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you have already signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)

Step 3. Fill in the signup information.

Step 4. Then you can see that you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you've logged in to.

Step 5. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices, then click One-click control to achieve unattended remote access.

Bonus tips for a fast and stable remote connection

To further enhance your remote desktop experience and maintain a smooth, lag-free connection, here are some additional practical tips you can apply.

• Close unnecessary applications and processes: Running multiple programs, especially those consuming high bandwidth or CPU resources, can slow down your remote desktop experience. Make sure to close any apps you don’t need while using Remote Desktop.
• Keep your system updated: Ensure both your local and remote computers have the latest updates for their operating systems and Remote Desktop clients. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
• Use wired connections when possible: Ethernet connections typically provide a more stable and faster network compared to WiFi. If you experience frequent interruptions or lag on WiFi, try switching to a wired connection.
• Adjust firewall and router settings: Sometimes, firewalls or routers may block or throttle Remote Desktop traffic. Check your firewall settings to allow Remote Desktop connections and consider enabling Quality of Service (QoS) on your router to prioritize remote desktop traffic.
• Restart your network devices: Occasionally, routers or modems may become congested or suffer from temporary glitches. Restarting these devices can refresh the connection and improve performance.

Conclusion

If you encounter the message, “The quality of the connection to the remote computer is poor,” don’t panic. This guide has provided you with three effective solutions—optimizing RDP settings, improving your network connection, and disabling conflicting antivirus software—to enhance your Remote Desktop experience.

However, if these tips don’t fully resolve your issues or you want a hassle-free alternative, consider using AnyViewer. It is a free, high-performance remote desktop software that ensures smooth, stable, and fast remote access with advanced features and reliable technical support. Download AnyViewer today and enjoy seamless remote control without the frustrating lag.