Server 2019 Hyper-V Guest Remote Desktop Connection Unstable

[ARMITGuy4839]

Scenario: 

Windows 10 Pro Laptop, Version 1909, OS build 1863.959 attempting to connect via RDP to Windows Server 2019 Standard (Hyper-V VM), Version 1809, OS build 17763.1282.

Observations: 1) Remote connection is allowed. 2) Remote session, once connected, will freeze almost immediately and becomes unresponsive to ALL input (mouse, keyboard, etc.). 3) Remote session must be disconnected forcibly. 4) Connection attempts to the PHYSICAL server, also running Windows Server 2019, works fine. 5) Likely unrelated but worth noting, the 2019 server hosting the RDS session host deployment has started randomly stopping the Remote Desktop Connection Broker service which has to be manually restarted. I am supporting a 100% remote workforce due to COVID-19 and this has to work! Any help appreciated.

[#2]

@ARMITGuy4839 

We are experiencing similar issues.

Specifically

Host must be 2019 1809 (fully patched), Guest must be 2019 1809 (fully patched).  RDP connection from the same network segment is OK.

If we come from another network (across WAN or VPN), then RDP sticks at "Securing Remote Connection".

Interestingly, on the guest, if logged in locally on the console, you will be locked out when RDP commences. (i.e. RDP session is starting).

If we use an invalid user, or user without permission, we get the expected error. (so authentication and permission evaluation is working).

If we run a 2016 guest on the same host, it's fine.

If we move the 2019 guest to a 2016 host in the same VLAN and physical switch, it's fine.

Wireshark shows the bidirectional conversation happening, but no clue to why it's failing.

Nothing in event log either side.  We've turned off Windows firewall for testing. 

Other network services are fine, for example, SMB.  So file shares on the guest are fine. It's specifically RDP, on a 2019 guest, on a 2019 host, when coming from a different network.

We've escalated to Microsoft using up some Software Assurance benefits.  Never had to do this before, but it's got us flummoxed.  We've had our best networking consultant on it, and he has no idea either. It does seem to be Windows itself with the issue, as we've proven the fundamental networking is OK.

My gut feel, is it's a software bug in the VSwitch.  So a fix may be far away.

[#3]

@Richard_Griffiths  We have the same issue in our environment. Did you manage to resolve the issue?

[#4]

@ARMITGuy4839 

Hey, actually I find same problem some days ago and I found some solutions on internet and from my own experience, check following if these helps you in any way.

The unstable Remote Desktop Connection to your Windows Server 2019 Hyper-V guest may have multiple causes. Consider the following steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Network Issues: Check for network stability between the Windows 10 laptop and the Hyper-V VM. Ensure a reliable and low-latency connection, and test with different network configurations.

2. Update Graphics Drivers: On the Windows 10 laptop, update graphics drivers to the latest version. Graphics-related issues can sometimes cause RDP instability.

3. Check Windows Updates: Ensure that both the Windows 10 laptop and the Windows Server 2019 VM have all the latest Windows updates installed.

4. Virtual Machine Configuration: In Hyper-V Manager, review the VM settings. Ensure that the VM has adequate resources (CPU, RAM) and is not running out of resources during the RDP session.

5. Remote Desktop Settings: On the Windows Server 2019 VM, check Remote Desktop settings. Adjust settings like resolution and color depth to see if it affects stability.

6. Firewall and Antivirus: Temporarily disable firewalls and antivirus on both the Windows 10 laptop and the Windows Server 2019 VM. Check if this resolves the instability issue.

7. Event Viewer: Examine the Event Viewer on both the laptop and VM for any relevant error messages or warnings that might provide insights into the issue.

8. Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Issues: Investigate the issues with the Remote Desktop Connection Broker service on the 2019 server. Ensure it's running, and check for any error messages in the event logs.

9. Group Policy Settings: Check Group Policy settings on both systems. Some policies might impact RDP performance and stability.

10. Network Drive Mapping: If there are network drives mapped in the RDP session, try connecting without mapping drives initially to check if it affects stability.

11. Test with Another RDP Client: Try connecting from a different device or RDP client to see if the issue is specific to the Windows 10 laptop.

Remember to document any error messages or patterns you observe during troubleshooting. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or relevant forums for further assistance.