> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Add a Remote Desktop User on Windows Server

> Add a Remote Desktop user on Windows Server: create a local account, then add it to the Remote Desktop Users group with System Properties or Add-LocalGroupMember.

To add a Remote Desktop user on Windows Server, create a local account with `New-LocalUser`, then add it to the **Remote Desktop Users** group with `Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Remote Desktop Users" -Member "alex"`, or in **Server Manager > Local Server > Remote Desktop > Select Users**. Members of **Administrators** can already connect. Without the Remote Desktop Services role, Windows Server allows two sessions at the same time.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Windows Server 2019 / 2022 / 2025 | An administrator account |

## Before you start

* Sign in as an administrator with [Remote Desktop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md).
* Make sure Remote Desktop is turned on: **Server Manager > Local Server** shows **Remote Desktop: Enabled**, or **SConfig** option **7** shows it as enabled.
* Decide whether the person needs to manage the server (add them to **Administrators**) or only use it (add them to **Remote Desktop Users**).

## Who can sign in with Remote Desktop by default?

On a stand-alone Windows Server, the **Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services** user right is given to two groups by default: **Administrators** and **Remote Desktop Users** ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services)). So any account in either group can connect. A normal user account that is in neither group is refused.

## How to create the user and allow Remote Desktop (PowerShell)

Open PowerShell as administrator: select **Start**, type `PowerShell`, right-click **Windows PowerShell** and choose **Run as administrator**.

**1. Create the account**

```powershell theme={null}
$Password = Read-Host -AsSecureString
New-LocalUser -Name "alex" -Password $Password -FullName "Alex" -Description "Remote Desktop user"
```

Type a strong password when the cursor waits. It isn't shown on screen.

**2. Add it to Remote Desktop Users**

```powershell theme={null}
Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Remote Desktop Users" -Member "alex"
```

To give full admin rights instead, use `-Group "Administrators"`.

**3. Check the group**

```powershell theme={null}
Get-LocalGroupMember -Group "Remote Desktop Users"
```

The output lists `WIN-SERVER\alex` (your computer name before the backslash).

## How to add a Remote Desktop user in Server Manager

**1. Create the account (if it doesn't exist yet)**

Run `lusrmgr.msc`, open **Users**, right-click and choose **New User**. Enter the user name and password, clear **User must change password at next logon** if you are setting the final password yourself, and select **Create**.

**2. Open the Remote tab**

In **Server Manager**, select **Local Server**, then click the blue **Enabled** link next to **Remote Desktop**. The **Remote** tab of **System Properties** opens ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-manager/manage-the-local-server-and-the-server-manager-console)).

**3. Select Users**

Select **Select Users**, then **Add**.

**4. Add the account**

Type the user name, for example `alex`, select **Check Names**, then **OK** and **OK** again.

## How to check it worked

From your own computer, open a new Remote Desktop connection to the server and sign in as `alex` (or `WIN-SERVER\alex`). If the sign-in is refused with a message that the account isn't authorised for remote sign-in, it isn't in either group yet. See [fix Remote Desktop can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-remote-desktop-cant-connect.md) for other errors.

## How many users can use Remote Desktop at the same time?

Microsoft documents that Remote Desktop supports **two concurrent connections** for administration, with no Remote Desktop Services client access licences (RDS CALs) needed. For more than two administrative connections, or for several users working on the server at once, you must install the **Remote Desktop Session Host** role and have the right RDS CALs ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/remote/troubleshoot-remote-desktop-disconnected-errors)).

> [!NOTE]
>
> Every user and device that connects to a Remote Desktop Session Host needs an RDS CAL, and the CAL version must match or be newer than your Windows Server version ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-client-access-license)). If you need multi-user Remote Desktop, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) before you install the role.

## How to remove Remote Desktop access

```powershell theme={null}
Remove-LocalGroupMember -Group "Remote Desktop Users" -Member "alex"
```

To block the account completely, disable it:

```powershell theme={null}
Disable-LocalUser -Name "alex"
```

## Frequently asked questions

### Why can't my new user sign in, even though the password is right?

Most often the account isn't in **Remote Desktop Users** or **Administrators**. Check with `Get-LocalGroupMember` as shown above. Group changes apply at the user's next sign-in.

### Do I need to add administrators to Remote Desktop Users?

No. Members of **Administrators** can already sign in with Remote Desktop.

### A third person can't connect. Why?

Without the Remote Desktop Session Host role, two sessions can be active at once. A third person has to wait until one of the others signs out. Sign out properly instead of just closing the Remote Desktop window, so your session doesn't stay open on the server.

### Should each person have their own account?

Yes. Separate accounts let you see who did what in the event log and remove one person's access without changing everyone's password.

## Related guides

> [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md)
>
> Every guide in this section.

> [card] [Connect with Remote Desktop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md)
>
> Sign in from Windows, macOS or Linux.

> [card] [Change the Administrator password](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-administrator-password-on-windows-server.md)
>
> Set a strong password.

> [card] [Change the RDP port](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-rdp-port-on-windows-server.md)
>
> Move RDP off port 3389.

> [card] [Fix the RDP licensing grace period error](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-the-rdp-licensing-grace-period-error.md)
>
> When RDS licensing stops sign-in.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against Microsoft Learn: [Enable Remote Desktop](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/remotepc/remote-desktop-allow-access), [Add-LocalGroupMember](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.localaccounts/add-localgroupmember), [New-LocalUser](https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.localaccounts/new-localuser), [Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/allow-log-on-through-remote-desktop-services) and [RDS CALs](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-client-access-license)** on 4 November 2026. Not tested on a live Windows server for this page.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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