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Troubleshooting VMware Horizon Client WiFi Issues: Proven Solutions

Updated: • 0 • 13 min read

Experiencing difficulties connecting to your remote machine via VMware Horizon Client when using WiFi can be frustrating. You might encounter scenarios where the connection gets stuck during loading, or error messages like VDPConnect Failure appear, while other times, no error is explicitly shown, and the connection simply fails to establish. Many users have observed that VMware Horizon Client functions correctly when connected via ethernet cable but falters on WiFi networks. This article addresses these WiFi-specific connection problems and provides effective solutions to get you back to work.

VDPCONNECT_CONNECT_TLS: The connection to the gateway or the remote computer could not be established because of a TLS error. This could be due to a TLS handshake failure, a certificate check failure or other related errors. If the issue persists, please contact your system administrator.

While the error message above is specifically mentioned, the solutions outlined in this guide are applicable to a broad range of VMware Horizon Client connection issues encountered over WiFi networks. It’s important to note that while this article focuses on WiFi connectivity problems, VMware Horizon Client users may also face different challenges such as the client crashing unexpectedly, freezing or becoming unresponsive during connection attempts, or even encountering difficulties during the initial installation process. However, our primary focus here is resolving issues specifically related to WiFi connectivity with VMware Horizon Client.

Fix VMware Horizon Client Not Working on WiFi

If your VMware Horizon Client is failing to connect or function properly when you are on a WiFi network, the following solutions can help you diagnose and resolve the issue. We will explore each of these methods in detail to ensure you can effectively troubleshoot your connection problems.

  1. Check if your WiFi is working in general
  2. Set up Cloudflare’s DNS
  3. Disable HTTP(s) Secure Tunnel
  4. Reset Network Protocols
  5. Check your organization’s VPN

Let’s delve into each of these solutions to understand how they can help resolve your VMware Horizon Client WiFi connectivity issues.

1] Check if your WiFi is working in general

Check if your WiFi is working in general

The most fundamental step is to verify the overall functionality of your WiFi connection. Before assuming the issue lies within the VMware Horizon Client itself, ensure that your internet connection is stable and working correctly. A simple way to check this is to open a web browser and try to access a website like Google or YouTube. If web pages are loading very slowly, or not at all, it indicates a general internet connectivity problem, not necessarily specific to VMware Horizon Client.

To further assess your internet connection, you can use a free online internet speed test. These tools will measure your download and upload speeds, as well as latency (ping). If the speed test reveals very low bandwidth or high latency, it’s likely that your WiFi connection itself is the bottleneck.

In such cases, a common first step is to reboot your network devices, specifically your WiFi router and modem. Unplug them from the power outlet, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug them back in. This process can often resolve temporary glitches in your network equipment. After rebooting, re-check your internet speed and try connecting with VMware Horizon Client again.

If the problem persists after rebooting your router and modem, and speed tests consistently show poor internet performance, the issue might be with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Contacting your ISP’s technical support is advisable to report the problem and seek their assistance in resolving any broader internet connectivity issues in your area.

2] Set up Cloudflare’s DNS

Set up Cloudflare’s DNS

Domain Name System (DNS) servers translate website names into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Sometimes, the default DNS servers provided by your ISP might be slow, unreliable, or experience issues that can affect your internet connectivity, including VMware Horizon Client connections.

Switching to a public and reliable DNS service like Cloudflare DNS can often improve connection stability and speed. Cloudflare DNS is known for its speed, security, and privacy. Some users have reported that they could connect to remote machines using mobile hotspots (which often use different DNS settings) but not through their regular WiFi. This suggests that the default DNS settings might be contributing to the problem.

Here’s how to set up Cloudflare DNS on your Windows machine:

  1. Open Control Panel. You can search for “Control Panel” in the Start Menu.
  2. In the Control Panel, change the View by option (located in the top-right corner) to Large icons or Small icons for easier navigation.
  3. Click on Network and Sharing Center.
  4. Click on Change adapter settings in the left-hand menu.
  5. Right-click on your WiFi adapter (it will likely be labeled “Wi-Fi” and show your current WiFi network name) and select Properties.
  6. In the WiFi adapter properties window, scroll down and locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Double-click on it.
  7. In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select the radio button Use the following DNS server addresses.
  8. Enter the following Cloudflare DNS server addresses:
    • Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
    • Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1
  9. If you also want to configure IPv6 DNS servers (recommended for future-proofing):
    • Select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) in the WiFi adapter properties and double-click it.
    • Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
    • Enter the following IPv6 Cloudflare DNS server addresses:
      • Preferred DNS server: 2606:4700:4700::1111
      • Alternate DNS server: 2606:4700:4700::1001
  10. Click OK in the IPv6 properties window (if you changed IPv6 settings).
  11. Click OK in the IPv4 properties window.
  12. Click Close in the WiFi adapter properties window.

After setting up Cloudflare DNS, restart your computer for the changes to fully take effect. Then, try connecting to VMware Horizon Client over WiFi again.

Alternatively to Cloudflare DNS, you can also consider using Google Public DNS with servers 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (for IPv4) or 2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844 (for IPv6), following the same steps as above to configure them.

3] Disable HTTP(s) Secure Tunnel

Disable HTTP(s) Secure Tunnel

An HTTP(S) Secure Tunnel provides an encrypted connection for VMware Horizon Client traffic, enhancing security by encapsulating the View protocol within HTTPS. While beneficial for security in many scenarios, it can sometimes interfere with connections, particularly over certain WiFi networks or due to specific organizational security policies. If the secure tunnel implementation is not fully compatible with your network setup, it can lead to connection failures.

Disabling the HTTP(s) Secure Tunnel can sometimes resolve WiFi connectivity issues with VMware Horizon Client. This setting is typically configured on the VMware Horizon Connection Server. You will need administrative access to the Horizon Connection Server to modify this setting.

Here are the general steps to disable HTTP(s) Secure Tunnel:

  1. Open a web browser and navigate to the VMware Horizon Administrator Console for your organization’s Horizon environment. The URL will usually be provided by your IT administrator.
  2. Log in to the Horizon Administrator Console using your administrative credentials.
  3. Navigate to Settings. The exact menu location might vary slightly depending on your Horizon version, but it’s usually within the main configuration sections.
  4. Look for Servers and then select Connection Servers.
  5. Select the specific Connection Server that is managing the connections for your users.
  6. Find the option to Edit Connection Server Settings. This might be a button or a link, depending on the interface.
  7. In the Connection Server settings, look for an option related to Secure Tunnel or HTTP(S) Secure Tunnel. It might be labeled as “Use Secure Tunnel connection to machine” or similar.
  8. Uncheck or disable the option to “Use Secure Tunnel connection to machine” to disable the HTTP(s) Secure Tunnel.
  9. Click OK or Save to apply the changes.
  10. You might need to restart the VMware Horizon Connection Server service for the changes to fully take effect. Consult your VMware Horizon documentation for the correct way to restart the Connection Server service in your environment.

After disabling the HTTP(s) Secure Tunnel, test your VMware Horizon Client connection over WiFi again to see if the issue is resolved. Keep in mind that disabling secure tunnel might reduce the security of your connection in some environments, so it is recommended to consult with your IT department before making this change, especially in a corporate setting. If disabling the secure tunnel resolves the issue, you may want to discuss with your IT team if there are specific network configurations or policies that are interfering with the secure tunnel functionality.

4] Reset Network Protocols

Reset Network Protocols

Sometimes, corrupted or misconfigured network protocols on your operating system can cause various network connectivity problems, including issues with VMware Horizon Client over WiFi. Resetting network protocols to their default state can resolve these underlying problems. The key protocols to reset are TCP/IP, DNS cache, and Winsock.

Here’s what each of these resets does:

  • Reset TCP/IP: TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the fundamental communication protocol suite for the internet. Resetting it can resolve issues caused by incorrect TCP/IP configurations or corruption.
  • Flush DNS: The DNS cache stores previously resolved DNS lookups to speed up future access to the same websites. Flushing the DNS cache clears out this stored information, which can be helpful if there are outdated or corrupted DNS entries causing problems.
  • Reset Winsock: Winsock (Windows Socket) is the API that Windows uses to handle network requests. Resetting Winsock can repair corruption or misconfigurations within the Winsock catalog, which can affect network applications.

You can reset these network protocols using command-line tools in Windows. It’s recommended to run these commands with administrator privileges.

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for “cmd” in the Start Menu, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”

  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:

    • To reset TCP/IP: netsh int ip reset
    • To flush DNS cache: ipconfig /flushdns
    • To reset Winsock: netsh winsock reset

  3. After running all three commands, restart your computer. A reboot is essential for the changes to fully take effect.

After your computer restarts, test your VMware Horizon Client connection over WiFi. Resetting these network protocols often resolves a range of network-related issues and might fix your WiFi connectivity problem with Horizon Client.

Related: loading

For convenience, you can create a batch file (.bat) to execute these commands with a single click. Open Notepad, copy and paste the following lines:

@echo off
echo Resetting TCP/IP...
netsh int ip reset
echo Flushing DNS cache...
ipconfig /flushdns
echo Resetting Winsock...
netsh winsock reset
pause

Save the file as reset_network.bat (make sure to select “All Files” as the “Save as type” in Notepad to avoid saving it as a .txt file). To run the batch file, right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.”

5] Check your organization’s VPN

Check your organization’s VPN

Many organizations require employees to connect through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access internal resources, including remote desktops accessed via VMware Horizon Client. If you are supposed to be using a VPN to connect to your organization’s network, ensure that you are properly connected to the VPN before launching VMware Horizon Client.

If you are not connected to the VPN, you might not be able to reach the necessary servers for Horizon Client to function correctly, especially when working remotely over WiFi outside of the company network.

Here are steps to check and troubleshoot your VPN connection:

  1. Verify VPN Connection: Look for the VPN client application on your computer (e.g., Cisco AnyConnect, FortiClient, Pulse Secure, etc.). Check if it shows a “Connected” or “Established” status. If it’s not connected, try connecting to your organization’s VPN.
  2. VPN Credentials: Ensure you are using the correct username and password for your VPN account. If you are unsure, contact your IT support to verify your credentials.
  3. VPN Server Selection: In some VPN clients, you might need to select a specific VPN server location. Ensure you are connecting to the correct server as instructed by your IT department.
  4. Contact IT Support: If you are connected to the VPN and still experiencing issues, or if you are having trouble connecting to the VPN in the first place, reach out to your organization’s IT support or help desk. They can assist you in troubleshooting VPN connectivity problems, verify if there are any known VPN outages, or if there are specific VPN configurations required for VMware Horizon Client access.
  5. Company-Wide Issue: Inquire with colleagues to see if they are also experiencing similar VMware Horizon Client issues over WiFi, especially when connected via VPN. If it’s a widespread problem, it might indicate a larger network outage or a problem with the company’s VPN infrastructure, which only the IT department can resolve.

If VPN connectivity is indeed the issue, resolving the VPN problem should also resolve your VMware Horizon Client WiFi connection problems. Always ensure your VPN is correctly connected and functioning as intended when accessing company resources remotely.

Hopefully, by systematically working through these solutions, you will be able to identify and resolve the issue preventing your VMware Horizon Client from working correctly over WiFi.

Read: How to install Windows Server on VMware Workstation

Does VMware work on hotspot?

Does VMware work on hotspot?

Yes, VMware Horizon Client can work on a mobile hotspot. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind:

  • Internet Stability and Strength: A reliable and strong internet connection is crucial for VMware Horizon Client to function smoothly. Hotspot connections can sometimes be less stable than wired or dedicated WiFi networks, especially if the mobile signal is weak or fluctuating.
  • Performance: While it can work, the performance over a hotspot might not be as robust as on a wired network. Hotspot connections can have higher latency and potentially less consistent bandwidth, which can affect the responsiveness and fluidity of your remote desktop session. Running virtual machines over a hotspot might be slower and less efficient.
  • Data Usage: Be mindful of data usage when using a hotspot, especially if you have a limited data plan. Remote desktop sessions, particularly those involving multimedia or heavy application use, can consume a significant amount of data.
  • Security: Using a public or less secure hotspot can pose security risks. It’s highly recommended to use a VPN when connecting to VMware Horizon Client over a hotspot to encrypt your connection and protect your data, especially if you are accessing sensitive company information. Keep your VMware Horizon Client and operating system software updated with the latest security patches.

In summary, while VMware Horizon Client can function over a hotspot, it’s best suited for situations where a more stable and reliable network connection is not available. For regular, performance-critical work with VMware Horizon Client, a wired or stable WiFi connection is generally preferable.

How to repair VMware Horizon Client?

How to repair VMware Horizon Client?

If you suspect that your VMware Horizon Client installation might be corrupted or malfunctioning, the repair function can often resolve these issues without requiring a complete uninstall and reinstall.

Here’s how to repair VMware Horizon Client:

  1. Close VMware Horizon Client: Ensure that the VMware Horizon Client application is completely closed and not running in the background.
  2. Locate the Installer: You will need access to the original VMware Horizon Client installer file. This might be the .exe file you downloaded initially or the installation package provided by your organization.
  3. Run the Installer: Double-click on the VMware Horizon Client installer file to run it.
  4. Detection of Existing Installation: The installer will detect that VMware Horizon Client is already installed on your system.
  5. Repair Option: Instead of offering installation options, the installer will typically present you with options to “Repair,” “Modify,” or “Remove” the existing installation.
  6. Select Repair: Choose the Repair option.
  7. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the repair process. This usually involves verifying and replacing potentially corrupted or missing files.
  8. Complete Repair: Wait for the repair process to complete. This might take a few minutes.
  9. Restart if Prompted: If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the repair process.
  10. Test VMware Horizon Client: After the repair is complete, launch VMware Horizon Client and check if the issues you were experiencing are resolved.

Repairing VMware Horizon Client can fix various problems related to application files, settings, or components that might have become corrupted. If repairing doesn’t resolve the issue, you might consider uninstalling and then reinstalling VMware Horizon Client as a more thorough troubleshooting step.

Do you have any other tips or solutions for resolving VMware Horizon Client WiFi issues? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below!

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