Connect to a Windows Server VPS using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Step-by-step instructions for both Windows and macOS clients with troubleshooting tips.
How to connect to a remote system on Windows and macOS
This guide offers a clear procedure to connect to a Windows server via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). While the focus is on Windows, the guide also includes steps for macOS. Make sure you have Windows installed on your VPS. If you ordered a VPS with Linux installed, you can reinstall the OS at any time with Windows.
Port: RDP on EDIS Global Windows VPS uses the standard port 3389. You don’t need to append a port to the address. RDP clients use 3389 by default. To specify it explicitly, append it to the IP address, for example 192.168.10.1:3389.
Open Remote Desktop Connection:Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Remote Desktop Connection in the search bar, and click the app to open it.Alternatively, press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type mstsc, and press Enter to open the Remote Desktop Connection window.Enter the IP address or hostname:In the Remote Desktop Connection window, type the IP address or hostname of the remote system you want to connect to.Open additional settings:Click the Show Options button to open advanced settings.Select authentication preferences:In the opened menu, you can check the box to prompt for new login credentials every time you connect to the server. The username is set to Administrator by default.Authenticate:Click Connect and enter the server password. Saving credentials with Remember me is optional; do so only on a trusted computer you control.Establish the connection:If Windows shows a certificate warning, check that the destination and certificate belong to the VPS you intended to reach. Do not dismiss an unexpected certificate change automatically. Continue only after you have verified the server identity; remembering that decision is optional.Start the connection process:The process of connecting to the remote server begins.You should now be connected to the remote system and able to control it.
Install Microsoft “Windows App”:Download “Windows App” (formerly Remote Desktop) from the Mac App Store.Open Windows App: Launch the app after installation.Add a new connection:
Click the + button to add a new connection.
Enter the IP address of the remote system (PC name) and name your connection (Friendly Name).
Under Credentials, add the VPS username Administrator, or select an existing saved credential for that account.
Click Add to save the new connection.
Double-click the connection tile. If a certificate warning appears, verify the server identity before clicking Continue.Enter your password and click Continue to connect.macOS may ask for Keychain access to use saved credentials. Read the requesting app and item, and approve only if they match the Windows App connection you initiated.Once you are connected, you’ll see your Windows desktop and you can continue with the initial configuration or usage.