Prerequisites
- A running Windows VPS
- The server IP address
- An administrator username and password
Security note
Do not share administrator credentials. After the first sign-in, use a unique password and restrict Remote Desktop access at the firewall whenever practical.
Step 1
Collect the connection details
Open the service details in your dashboard and note the IP address, username, and temporary or initial password. Confirm the server status is running.
Step 2
Open a Remote Desktop client
On Windows, open Remote Desktop Connection. On macOS, Android, or iOS, install Microsoft's Windows App or Remote Desktop client from the platform's official store.
Step 3
Enter the server address
Use the server IP as the computer name. If your service uses a custom RDP port, enter the address in IP:port format.
Step 4
Authenticate and verify the host
Enter the supplied username and password. Review the certificate prompt and confirm that the host address matches the server you intended to reach.
Step 5
Secure the account
Change temporary credentials, install pending security updates, create a separate named administrator where appropriate, and keep only required firewall rules open.
Troubleshooting
- The connection times out
- Confirm the instance is running, the IP and port are correct, and TCP access to the RDP port is allowed by both the server firewall and any upstream firewall.
- The credentials are rejected
- Check the exact username, keyboard layout, and capitalization. Reset the password through the supported account or console workflow if available.
Frequently asked questions
What port does Remote Desktop normally use?
RDP normally uses TCP and UDP port 3389, although a server can be configured to use another port.
Can I connect from a phone or tablet?
Yes. Use Microsoft's official client and protect the mobile device with a screen lock and current software updates.