203.0.113.10) and sign in as Administrator. On Linux, use Remmina with the RDP plugin, or run xfreerdp3 /v:203.0.113.10 /u:Administrator from a terminal. Add :port to the address if RDP uses a custom port.
Before you start
- Remote Desktop must be enabled on the server. On Windows itself you’d use
mstsc; see how to RDP to a Windows server. - Find your server IP on your VPS server page and have the Administrator password ready.
- Only install apps from the official stores or your distribution’s repositories.
Which app should I use?
Microsoft renamed the Microsoft Remote Desktop app for Mac and iOS to Windows App (Microsoft Learn). It connects to a normal Windows Server over RDP; you don’t need an Azure or Microsoft 365 subscription.
How to connect from a Mac
1
Install Windows App
Install Windows App from the Mac App Store and open it. It needs macOS 12 or later.
2
Add your server
Click + and choose Add PC. In PC name enter
203.0.113.10, or 203.0.113.10:3390 for a custom port.3
Save your sign-in (optional)
In the same dialog you can save the user name
Administrator and the password, and give the PC a friendly name such as Web server. Click Add.4
Connect
Double-click the PC tile, enter the password if you didn’t save it, and accept the certificate warning. A new server uses a self-signed certificate, so the warning is expected the first time.
How to connect from iPhone, iPad or Android
1
Install Windows App
Install Windows App from the App Store or Google Play.
2
Add a PC
Tap +, choose Add PC (or Add PC or server), and enter the server IP as PC name, for example
203.0.113.10.3
Sign in
Enter
Administrator and your password when you connect, or save them as a user account. Accept the certificate warning.How to connect from Linux
- Remmina (desktop app)
- FreeRDP (terminal)
Install Remmina and its RDP plugin:Open Remmina, select RDP in the protocol list next to the address bar, type
203.0.113.10 and press Enter. Enter Administrator and the password and accept the certificate. To save the connection, click + (new connection profile) instead and fill in Server, Username and Password.How to check it worked
The Windows Server desktop appears with Server Manager opening. If you only see a black screen for more than a minute, close the window and reconnect; the first sign-in on a new server takes longer.Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac still available?
Microsoft replaced it with Windows App. If you can’t find Microsoft Remote Desktop in the App Store, install Windows App.The app says it can’t connect. What should I check?
Check the IP and port, that Remote Desktop is enabled on the server, and that the Windows firewall allows it. Most causes are the same on every device: see Remote Desktop can’t connect.I get a CredSSP or “authentication error” message. What does it mean?
Your client and the server disagree about security updates or Network Level Authentication. See CredSSP encryption oracle remediation.Can I use VNC instead?
On a VPS, the VNC console in the control panel works in a browser and doesn’t depend on Remote Desktop. It is meant for emergencies, not daily work.Related guides
VPS and dedicated server guides
Every guide in this section.
RDP from Windows
Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc).
First steps on Windows Server
Secure your new server.
Remote Desktop can't connect
Troubleshooting checklist.
Change the RDP port
Then add :port to the address.
Checked against Microsoft Learn: Get started with Windows App and Microsoft Support: How to use Remote Desktop on 4 November 2026; the
freerdp3-x11, remmina and remmina-plugin-rdp packages and xfreerdp3 options were checked on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Connections from Mac, iOS and Android were not tested; app menus can change between versions.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
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- Email: support@freakhosting.com
Last Updated: November 2026