Setting Up Remote Desktop on a Windows Dedicated Server

Connecting via Remote Desktop (RDP)

Windows dedicated servers are accessed using Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Here is how to connect from any operating system.

What You Need

• Your server IP address (from order details)
• Administrator username and password
• RDP client (built into Windows; free downloads for Mac and Linux)

Connecting from Windows

1. Press Win + R, type mstsc, press Enter
2. Enter your server IP in the Computer field
3. Click Connect, then enter your Administrator credentials
4. Accept the certificate warning on first connection

Connecting from macOS

Download Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Mac App Store (free), then add a new PC with your server IP and credentials.

Connecting from Linux

# Install Remmina
apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp

# Or use xfreerdp
xfreerdp /v:YOUR_IP /u:Administrator /p:YOUR_PASSWORD

Security Best Practices

• Change the default Administrator password immediately
• Consider moving RDP from port 3389 to a custom port
• Enable Windows Firewall and restrict RDP to trusted IPs
• Use NLA (Network Level Authentication) — enabled by default on Server 2019+
• Enable Windows Update and keep the system patched