Hello,

On windows server 2012 R2, I have an issue that when I try to stop windows firewall service the remote desktop connection disconnects and the server does not respond to pings. I have seen in few forums that this service should not be stopped. I have stopped the service and disable the same on few servers which connects without any issue. I have to disable windows firewall service as part of server hardening. Any help on this is highly appreciated.

You should not stop the service but instead you can simply turn off the firewall for the desired profile.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc766337(v=ws.10).aspx