Remote Desktop (RDP) lets you connect to a Windows server far away and see and use its desktop as if you were sitting right in front of it. You don’t need to install any extra software to connect: the Remote Desktop Connection tool comes built into Windows.
What you need before connecting
When your server is delivered, your panel shows three pieces of information:
- IP address — the address of the server you’ll connect to
- Username — usually
Administrator - Password
These three are all you need to connect.
Connecting to remote desktop on Windows, step by step
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard, type
mstscinto the box that opens and press Enter. (Alternatively, search for “Remote Desktop Connection” in the Start menu.) - Type your server’s IP address into the Computer field and click Connect.
- Enter your username and password in the window that appears.
- If a security/certificate warning shows up, click Yes to continue.
Within a few seconds the server’s desktop opens on your screen. You can now use the remote server just like your own computer.
Connecting from a phone, tablet or Mac
You can connect from devices other than Windows too. On phones and tablets install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app; on a Mac install the Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop) from the App Store. Enter the same three details (IP, username, password) and you’re in.
If you can’t connect
- Make sure the IP address, username and password are typed correctly.
- Check that your server is powered on.
- If you changed the standard 3389 port, enter the address as
server-ip:port.
Looking for a Windows server to connect to over RDP? Take a look at our virtual server plans.