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

# Connecting via RDP

If your VPS is running Windows Server, you can connect to it using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). RDP gives you a full graphical desktop experience.

## Prerequisites

* Windows Server installed on your VPS — see [Installing an OS](/vps/virtfusion/installing-an-os)
* Your server's IPv4 address — found on your [VPS service page](/vps/getting-started/vps-overview)
* Your Administrator password — set during OS installation, or reset via [Password Resets](/vps/client-portal/password-resets)

## RDP Clients

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="macOS">
    Use the **Windows App** by Microsoft, available free from the [Mac App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/windows-app/id1295203466). This is the official Microsoft RDP client for macOS and is the recommended option.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open Windows App">
        Launch the Windows App from your Applications folder.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Add a PC">
        Click the **+** button and select **Add PC**.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enter Connection Details">
        Enter your server's IPv4 address in the **PC name** field and click **Add**.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Connect">
        Double-click the connection, enter `Administrator` as the username and your password when prompted.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Windows">
    Windows includes **Remote Desktop Connection** built in. No additional software is needed.

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

      <Step title="Enter Your Server IP">
        Enter your server's IPv4 address in the **Computer** field and click **Connect**.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enter Credentials">
        Enter `Administrator` as the username and your password when prompted.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Linux">
    Several RDP clients are available for Linux. The most widely used options are:

    * **Remmina** — A full-featured remote desktop client with RDP support, available in most distribution repositories
    * **FreeRDP** — A command-line RDP client, also available in most repositories

    **Using Remmina:**

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install Remmina">
        ```bash lines theme={"theme":{"light":"light-plus","dark":"ayu-dark"}}
        # Ubuntu / Debian
        apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp

        # AlmaLinux / Rocky Linux
        dnf install remmina
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step title="Create a New Connection">
        Open Remmina, click the **+** button, and select **RDP** as the protocol.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enter Connection Details">
        Enter your server's IPv4 address, `Administrator` as the username, and your password. Click **Save and Connect**.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Default RDP Port

RDP listens on port `3389` by default. Ensure your Windows Server firewall allows inbound connections on this port. This is enabled by default on DigitalFyre Windows Server templates.

<Info>
  If you cannot connect, verify that Remote Desktop is enabled on your server. Connect via the [VNC Console](/vps/client-portal/vnc-console), open **Server Manager > Local Server**, and confirm **Remote Desktop** is set to **Enabled**.
</Info>

## Security Recommendation

RDP exposed directly to the internet is a common attack target. Consider restricting port `3389` to your own IP address via the Windows Firewall, or tunnelling RDP over SSH for additional security.