How to Connect to a Windows Server via RDP¶

In this article

• Introduction
• Obtaining Connection Data
• Connecting from Windows
• Connecting from macOS
• Connecting from Linux
• Connecting from Mobile Devices

Introduction¶

Remote connection is a way to interact with a server over a network (usually the internet) without being physically present next to it. For Windows servers, the RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is used, which allows you to work with the graphical interface of the operating system as if you were at a local computer.

Main tasks solved through RDP:

• Installation and configuration of software
• Server administration (user management, services, updates)
• Working with databases, files, and applications on the server
• Technical support and diagnostics

Data needed for connection:

• Public IP address of the server
• Username (usually Administrator for Windows Server)
• Password for the account

Obtaining Connection Data¶

Where to Find the Server's IP Address¶

1. Log in to Your Account on the HostKey website.
2. Go to the "My Servers" section and select your server with Windows OS installed.
3. The server card displays its IP address.

4. In the tab "Info" >> "License," you can clarify details about the installed version of Windows Server.

   

Where to Find Account Credentials (Login/Password)¶

• Login and password are sent to the email specified at registration immediately after server creation.

• By default, the username is — Administrator.

  

How to Change Password¶

1. Connect to the server via RDP.

2. Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.

3. Click Password → Change and enter a new password.

   

Certificates¶

When connecting via RDP, almost all clients issue a warning about the authentication of the remote computer's certificate. This is because the security certificate is generated by a separate server and is not included in the list of publicly trusted certificates. The situation does not pose a threat to the user, and upon connection, you must agree to continue the session.

Connecting from Windows¶

Built-in RDP Client (mstsc)¶

1. Press Win+R, enter mstsc, press Enter.

2. In the "Connect to Remote Desktop" window, in the "Computer" field, enter the server's IP address.

3. Click "Show Options" → tab "User" → specify the name (e.g., Administrator).

   

4. Click "Connect."

5. Enter the password from the email

   

6. When a warning about the certificate appears, click "Yes."

   

Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)¶

1. Download and install RDCMan.

2. In the menu, select Session → Connect To.

3. Specify:

   • Server name: IP address
   • User name: Administrator
   • Password: your password

   

4. Click Connect and confirm the certificate (select "Yes").

Connecting from macOS¶

Microsoft Remote Desktop (from App Store)¶

1. Install the application from Mac App Store.

2. Launch → click "+" → "PC".

   

3. Fill out:

   • PC name: IP address of the server
   • User name: Administrator
   • Gateway: leave blank

   

4. Click "Add," then double-click on the created connection.

5. Confirm the certificate (select "Continue").

6. Enter password → click "OK".

   

Connecting from Linux¶

Remmina (recommended client)¶

Installation:

• Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp

• Fedora/RHEL:

sudo dnf install remmina  

• Detailed instructions: https://remmina.org/how-to-install-remmina/

Connecting:

1. Launch Remmina.

2. In the Server field, enter the IP address.

   

3. In the appearing window, specify:

   • Username: Administrator
   • Password: your password

   

4. Confirm the certificate (select "Yes").

   

Vinagre¶

Installation:

• Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt install vinagre

• Fedora/RHEL:

sudo dnf install vinagre  

• Detailed instructions: https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Vinagre

Connecting:

1. Launch Vinagre → click Connect.

   

2. Select the protocol RDP.

3. Specify:

   • Host: IP address of the server
   • Username: Administrator

4. Click Connect.

   

5. Enter password → click Authenticate.

   

Connecting from Mobile Devices¶

For iOS and Android, it is recommended to use the official Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop).

1. Install the application from App Store or Google Play.

   

2. Click on "Connect Computer."

   

3. In the Computer Name field, specify the server's IP address.

   

4. Create an account:

   • User name: Administrator
   • Password: obtained when creating the server

5. Save the connection and launch it.

   

6. At first connection, confirm the certificate (select "Connect").

No matter what your operating system is—Windows, macOS, Linux, or a mobile platform—you can quickly and reliably connect to a Windows server via RDP using an appropriate client. The key is to have correct connection details and consider the specific features of each client.