> ## 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 From Mac, Linux, iPhone or Android to Windows Server > RDP from Mac, iPhone or Android with Microsoft's Windows App, or from Linux with Remmina or xfreerdp3: add the server IP as a PC, sign in as Administrator. To use Remote Desktop from a Mac, iPhone, iPad or Android device, install Microsoft's **Windows App** (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop), add a PC with your server IP (for example `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. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 5 to 10 minutes | Windows Server 2019 / 2022 / 2025 (server); macOS 12 or later, iOS / iPadOS, Android, Ubuntu / Debian (your device) | Server IP, Administrator password, Remote Desktop enabled | ## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md). * Find your server IP on your [VPS server page](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/a-tour-of-your-server-page.md) and have the Administrator password ready. * Only install apps from the official stores or your distribution's repositories. ## Which app should I use? | Your device | App | Where to get it | | - | - | - | | Mac | Windows App | [Mac App Store](https://aka.ms/macOSWindowsApp) | | iPhone / iPad | Windows App | App Store | | Android / ChromeOS | Windows App (on some devices still listed as Remote Desktop) | Google Play | | Linux desktop | Remmina | `sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp` | | Linux terminal | FreeRDP (`xfreerdp3`) | `sudo apt install freerdp3-x11` | Microsoft renamed the Microsoft Remote Desktop app for Mac and iOS to **Windows App** ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-app/get-started-connect-devices-desktops-apps)). 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. Menu names on phones change more often than on desktops. If a label differs, look for the **+** button and an option to add a PC by name or address. ## How to connect from Linux > [tab] Remmina (desktop app) > > Install Remmina and its RDP plugin: > > ```bash theme={null} > sudo apt update > sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp > ``` > > 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**. > [tab] FreeRDP (terminal) > > On Ubuntu 24.04 and later, FreeRDP 3 provides the `xfreerdp3` command: > > ```bash theme={null} > sudo apt update > sudo apt install freerdp3-x11 > xfreerdp3 /v:203.0.113.10 /u:Administrator +dynamic-resolution > ``` > > It asks for the password and, on the first connection, whether to trust the certificate. For a custom port, use `/v:203.0.113.10:3390`. To share a local folder with the server, add `/drive:home,/home/alex`. ## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-remote-desktop-cant-connect.md). ### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-credssp-encryption-oracle-remediation-error.md). ### Can I use VNC instead? On a VPS, the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md) 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 > [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md) > > Every guide in this section. > [card] [RDP from Windows](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md) > > Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc). > [card] [First steps on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md) > > Secure your new server. > [card] [Remote Desktop can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-remote-desktop-cant-connect.md) > > Troubleshooting checklist. > [card] [Change the RDP port](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-rdp-port-on-windows-server.md) > > Then add :port to the address. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against [Microsoft Learn: Get started with Windows App](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-app/get-started-connect-devices-desktops-apps) and [Microsoft Support: How to use Remote Desktop](https://support.microsoft.com/help/17463)** 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. > [!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 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.