> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rdp.sh/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect to Windows RDP

> How to connect to your Windows server via Remote Desktop

## Overview

After purchasing your Windows server, you can connect via **Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)**. This guide shows you how to connect from different operating systems.

## Find Your Credentials

Before connecting, you'll need the following information from your [Dashboard](https://rdp.sh/dashboard/servers):

| Information    | Description                  |
| -------------- | ---------------------------- |
| **IP Address** | Your server's public IP      |
| **Username**   | Usually `Administrator`      |
| **Password**   | The generated admin password |
| **Port**       | Default: `3389` (may differ) |

<Tip>
  Click on your server in the dashboard to see all credentials.
</Tip>

***

## Establish Connection

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Windows">
    ### Windows Remote Desktop Client

    The RDP client is built into Windows.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open Remote Desktop">
        Press `Win + R`, type `mstsc`, and press Enter.

        Alternatively: Search for "Remote Desktop" in the Start menu.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Configure Connection">
        1. Enter the **IP Address** (e.g., `185.193.xxx.xxx`)
        2. If using a different port: `IP:Port` (e.g., `185.193.xxx.xxx:33890`)
        3. Click **Connect**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Log In">
        1. Enter the **Username**: `Administrator`
        2. Enter the **Password** from your dashboard
        3. Click **OK**

        <Note>
          You can click "Yes" on the certificate warning - this is normal for new servers.
        </Note>
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### Advanced Options

    Click **Show Options** for additional settings:

    * **Display**: Adjust resolution and color depth
    * **Local Resources**: Share printers, clipboard, drives
    * **Experience**: Optimize connection quality
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="macOS">
    ### Microsoft Remote Desktop

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install the App">
        Download [Microsoft Remote Desktop](https://apps.apple.com/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466) from the App Store.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Create New Connection">
        1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop
        2. Click **Add PC** or the **+** icon
        3. Enter the IP address under **PC name**
        4. Optional: Add a friendly name
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enter Credentials">
        1. Under **User account**, select **Add User Account**
        2. Username: `Administrator`
        3. Password: Your password from the dashboard
        4. Click **Add** then **Save**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Connect">
        Double-click the saved connection to connect.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Linux">
    ### Remmina (recommended)

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install Remmina">
        ```bash theme={null}
        # Ubuntu/Debian
        sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp

        # Fedora
        sudo dnf install remmina remmina-plugins-rdp

        # Arch Linux
        sudo pacman -S remmina freerdp
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step title="Create Connection">
        1. Open Remmina
        2. Click **+** for new connection
        3. **Protocol**: RDP
        4. **Server**: IP address (with port if needed)
        5. **Username**: Administrator
        6. **Password**: Your password
      </Step>

      <Step title="Connect">
        Save and double-click the connection.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### Alternative: xfreerdp (Terminal)

    ```bash theme={null}
    xfreerdp /v:185.193.xxx.xxx /u:Administrator /p:YourPassword /dynamic-resolution
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="iOS / Android">
    ### Mobile Apps

    **iOS:**

    * [Microsoft Remote Desktop](https://apps.apple.com/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id714464092)

    **Android:**

    * [Microsoft Remote Desktop](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.rdc.androidx)

    Setup is similar to macOS:

    1. Install the app
    2. Add a new connection
    3. Enter IP, username, and password
    4. Connect
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Connection refused">
    **Possible causes:**

    * Server is still starting (wait 1-2 minutes after deployment)
    * Wrong port (check dashboard)
    * Firewall blocking port 3389

    **Solution:**
    Check in the dashboard if the server is "Running" and if the firewall allows RDP.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Wrong password">
    **Possible causes:**

    * Copy-paste error (spaces at beginning/end)
    * Password was changed

    **Solution:**
    Copy the password again from the dashboard. If you changed it and forgot it, you can reinstall the server.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Very slow connection">
    **Optimizations:**

    * Reduce color depth (16-bit instead of 32-bit)
    * Disable visual effects
    * Select "Slow connection" in options
    * Use a location closer to you
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Black screen after connecting">
    **Solution:**

    1. Wait 30 seconds - Windows may still be loading
    2. Press `Ctrl + Alt + End` and select "Task Manager"
    3. If nothing helps: Restart the server in dashboard (Power → Restart)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Security Tips

<Warning>
  Change the default password immediately after your first login!
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Change Password">
    1. Press `Ctrl + Alt + End` on the Remote Desktop
    2. Click **Change a password**
    3. Enter the old password and a new secure password
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install Windows Updates">
    1. Open **Settings** → **Windows Update**
    2. Install all available updates
    3. Restart the server if needed
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Configure Firewall" icon="shield" href="/docs/faq/ddos-protection">
    Protect your server with firewall rules
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Up SSH Keys" icon="key" href="/docs/getting-started/ssh-keys">
    Secure authentication without passwords
  </Card>
</CardGroup>