> ## 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 RDP to a Windows Server (Remote Desktop Connection)

> How to RDP to a Windows server: open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc), enter the server IP, sign in as Administrator and accept the certificate prompt.

To RDP to a Windows server, press **Windows+R** on your PC, type `mstsc` and press **Enter**. In **Remote Desktop Connection**, enter the server IP (for example `203.0.113.10`), click **Connect**, sign in as `Administrator` with your password, and accept the certificate warning. If Remote Desktop listens on a custom port, add it after a colon: `203.0.113.10:3390`.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Windows Server 2019 / 2022 / 2025 (server); Windows 10 / 11 (your PC) | Server IP, Administrator password |

## Before you start

* Find your server IP and Administrator password. On a VPS the IP is on your [server page](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/a-tour-of-your-server-page.md); if the password doesn't work, use the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md) to sign in and change it.
* Wait until Windows has finished installing and has restarted. A new Windows VPS needs several minutes longer than a Linux one.
* Connecting from a Mac, Linux, iPhone or Android? See [Remote Desktop from Mac, Linux and mobile](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-remote-desktop-from-mac-linux-and-mobile.md).

## How to connect with Remote Desktop Connection

**1. Open Remote Desktop Connection**

Press **Windows+R**, type `mstsc` and press **Enter**. Or open **Start**, type **Remote Desktop Connection** and open the app.

**2. Enter the server address**

Type the IP address in **Computer**, for example `203.0.113.10`. For a custom port, add it after a colon, for example `203.0.113.10:3390`.

**3. Save the user name (optional)**

Click **Show Options** and enter `Administrator` in **User name**. Click **Save As** to store an `.rdp` file you can double-click next time.

**4. Connect and sign in**

Click **Connect**. Enter the password. If Windows offers your PC's account, choose **More choices > Use a different account** and type `Administrator`.

**5. Accept the certificate**

A new server uses a self-signed certificate, so Windows warns that **The identity of the remote computer cannot be verified**. Tick **Don't ask me again for connections to this computer** and click **Yes**.

## How to enable Remote Desktop on the server

If Remote Desktop is turned off, you can't connect with `mstsc`. Sign in through the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md) and switch it on with one of these methods.

> [tab] Settings
>
> Open **Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop**, set **Remote Desktop** to **On** and click **Confirm**.

> [tab] Server Manager
>
> Open **Server Manager > Local Server** and click the value next to **Remote Desktop**. Select **Allow remote connections to this computer**, keep **Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)** ticked, and click **OK**.

> [tab] SConfig
>
> Open PowerShell as Administrator and run `SConfig`. Choose option **7** (**Remote desktop**), then **E** to enable and **1** to allow only clients with Network Level Authentication.

Remote Desktop connections must also be allowed through Windows Defender Firewall. If you still can't connect, open **Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security > Inbound Rules** and check that the **Remote Desktop** rules are enabled. See [open a port in Windows Firewall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-open-a-port-in-windows-firewall.md).

> [!WARNING]
>
> Remote Desktop on the default port is a constant target for password-guessing bots. Use a long, unique Administrator password, keep Network Level Authentication (NLA) on, and read [how to protect RDP from brute-force attacks](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-protect-rdp-from-brute-force-attacks.md).

## How to check it worked

You see the Windows Server desktop with **Server Manager** opening. To confirm you are on the right server, open PowerShell and run:

```powershell theme={null}
hostname
(Get-CimInstance Win32_OperatingSystem).Caption
```

```text theme={null}
WIN-WEB01
Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Standard
```

## How to disconnect or sign out

* **Disconnect:** close the Remote Desktop window. Your programs keep running on the server.
* **Sign out:** in the server's **Start** menu, click your user icon and choose **Sign out**. Programs you started are closed.
* **Ctrl+Alt+Del on the server:** press **Ctrl+Alt+End** inside the Remote Desktop window, for example to change the password.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which port does Remote Desktop use?

TCP port `3389` by default. If it was changed, add the port to the address, for example `203.0.113.10:3390`. See [change the RDP port](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-rdp-port-on-windows-server.md).

### I get "Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer". What now?

Check the IP, that the server has finished booting, and that Remote Desktop and its firewall rule are enabled. Step-by-step checks are in [Remote Desktop can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-remote-desktop-cant-connect.md).

### Can I use Remote Desktop to manage Windows without the desktop?

Yes. In the session, open PowerShell as Administrator. Many tasks, such as updates and network settings, are quicker in `SConfig`, which Microsoft includes in Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025.

### Can I copy files over Remote Desktop?

Yes. Copy a file on your PC and paste it into a folder on the server. For larger files, share a local drive under **Show Options > Local Resources > More**.

## 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] [First steps on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md)
>
> What to do after your first login.

> [card] [RDP from Mac, Linux and mobile](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-remote-desktop-from-mac-linux-and-mobile.md)
>
> Windows App, Remmina and FreeRDP.

> [card] [Protect RDP from brute force](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-protect-rdp-from-brute-force-attacks.md)
>
> Lock down port 3389.

> [card] [Remote Desktop can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-remote-desktop-cant-connect.md)
>
> Troubleshooting checklist.

> [card] [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md)
>
> Sign in when RDP doesn't work.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against [Microsoft Learn: Enable Remote Desktop](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/remote-desktop-allow-access), [SConfig](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-core/server-core-sconfig) and [Change the listening port](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/change-listening-port)** on 4 November 2026. Steps were not tested on a live Windows server for this page; menu names can differ slightly between Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025.

> [!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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