The error message "Could not start session, missing screen capture" or "Could not start session, missing screen capture. AnyDesk error" typically indicates that AnyDesk is unable to access or utilize the necessary components for screen capturing on the remote computer. This is a fundamental requirement for AnyDesk to function, as it needs to display the remote screen to you.
Here’s a breakdown of common causes and solutions:
Common Causes:
Driver Issues: The most frequent culprit. AnyDesk relies on a display driver (often a virtual or specialized one) to efficiently capture the screen. If this driver is not installed, corrupted, or blocked, AnyDesk can’t function. Conflicting Software: Other screen-sharing applications, remote desktop software, or even some security software (antivirus/firewall) can conflict with AnyDesk’s ability to capture the screen. Permissions/System Restrictions: In some cases, Windows security settings, User Account Control (UAC), or Group Policy settings might prevent AnyDesk from accessing screen capture functionalities. Display Mode/Hardware Issues (Less Common): Very rarely, specific display modes, multiple monitors with unusual configurations, or certain graphics card drivers might cause issues. Corrupted AnyDesk Installation: The AnyDesk client itself might be corrupted. Outdated AnyDesk Version: An older version of AnyDesk might have compatibility issues with the operating system or graphics drivers.
How to Fix "Could not start session, missing screen capture":
Try these solutions systematically, starting with the most common ones:
1. Reinstall AnyDesk’s Display Driver (Most Common Solution)
This is usually the most effective fix.
On the remote computer (the one you’re trying to connect to):
Open AnyDesk. Go to Settings (usually represented by a gear icon). Navigate to the "Display" or "Display Driver" section. Look for an option to "Install Display Driver" or "Update Display Driver." Click it. AnyDesk will prompt you to install a new driver. Confirm and let it install. You might need administrator privileges. After installation, Restart the remote computer.
2. Ensure AnyDesk is up to Date
Outdated versions can have bugs or compatibility issues.
On both the local (your) and remote computers:
Open AnyDesk. Check for updates. There’s usually a notification or an option in the menu (e. g., "About AnyDesk" or "Check for Updates"). Download and install any available updates.
3. Restart AnyDesk Service / Remote Computer
A simple restart can often clear temporary glitches.
On the remote computer:
Close AnyDesk completely (make sure it’s not running in the system tray). Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the "Services" tab, find "AnyDesk Service" (or similar), right-click, and restart it. Even better: Restart the entire remote computer. This often resolves many underlying issues.
4. Check for Conflicting Software
Other remote desktop tools can interfere.
On the remote computer:
Temporarily disable or uninstall any other remote desktop software (TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, RDP clients) that might be running. Test AnyDesk again. If it works, you’ve found the conflict. You’ll need to choose which software to use or configure them to not run simultaneously.
5. Adjust Antivirus/Firewall Settings
Security software might be blocking AnyDesk’s driver or network access.
On the remote computer:
Temporarily disable your antivirus and Windows Defender Firewall. Try to connect with AnyDesk. If it works: Re-enable your security software and Add AnyDesk to its exceptions/whitelist. You may need to add the AnyDesk executable and allow its network communication. Remember to re-enable your security software immediately after testing.
6. Run AnyDesk as Administrator
Permissions issues can sometimes cause this.
On the remote computer:
Right-click on the AnyDesk shortcut or executable. Select "Run as administrator." Try to connect. If this resolves the issue, you can configure the AnyDesk executable to always run as administrator in its properties.
7. Reinstall AnyDesk Completely
If the installation is corrupted.
On the remote computer:
Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Settings > Apps > Apps & features). Uninstall AnyDesk completely. Restart the computer. Download the latest version of AnyDesk from the official website (Anydesk. com) and reinstall it. During reinstallation, pay attention to any prompts about installing the display driver.
8. Check Display/Graphics Drivers
Less common, but worth checking.
On the remote computer:
Ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date. Go to the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific GPU. Also, try to update the "Microsoft Basic Display Adapter" if it’s showing in Device Manager under Display Adapters.
If none of these solutions work, the problem might be more complex, possibly related to specific system configurations, damaged Windows components, or unique hardware setups. In such cases, contacting AnyDesk Support with details about the remote system’s operating system, graphics card, and any other relevant software might be necessary.
