How to connect to my Windows VPS using RDP

What this is#

Your Windows VPS comes with Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) activated and ready to use, no setup needed on the server. You need two things, both in your welcome email (subject: "New Windows VPS - Provisioning Started"):

• your VPS IP address,
• your Administrator password (the username is always Administrator).

Copy and paste the password rather than typing it, stray whitespace and typos are the number one login problem. Lost it? See What is my Administrator password?

From Windows#

Every Windows PC has the client built in, nothing to install:

1. In the taskbar search, type "Remote Desktop Connection" and open it.
2. Enter your VPS IP in Computer and click Connect.
3. Log in as Administrator with your password.
4. Accept the certificate prompt with Yes.

Step-by-step with screenshots: Connecting from another Windows computer.

From a Mac#

1. Install Windows App (Microsoft's remote desktop client, formerly "Microsoft Remote Desktop") from the Mac App Store.
2. Add PC, enter your VPS IP as the PC name, and Add.
3. Double-click the PC, log in as Administrator, and accept the certificate.

Step-by-step with screenshots: Connecting from a Mac.

From an iPhone or iPad#

Install Microsoft's Windows App Mobile, add a PC with your VPS IP, and log in as Administrator. Screenshots: Connecting from an iPhone or iPad.

From Android (or a Chromebook)#

Install Microsoft's Remote Desktop client from Google Play, add a PC with your VPS IP, and log in as Administrator. Screenshots: Connecting from an Android device.

From Linux#

Any RDP client works: Remmina (usually preinstalled on desktop distros), FreeRDP (xfreerdp /v:YOUR.VPS.IP /u:Administrator), or rdesktop. Same IP, username, and password as above.

Can't get in?#

Run the Windows Troubleshooter, it checks that your VPS is powered on, that RDP is enabled, and that the password on file works, and lets you reset the password if it doesn't.

Still need help?#

You can open a support ticket. So we can help on the first reply, it's worth mentioning:

• the VPS hostname or IP,
• the device and client you're connecting from, with the exact message it shows,
• what the Windows Troubleshooter reported.

Related questions#

• "How do I connect to my Windows VPS?"
• "What program do I use for RDP?"
• "What are my Windows VPS login details?"
• "Can I connect to my Windows VPS from a phone or a Mac or Linux?"