Connect to a Windows VPS over RDP: Windows, macOS, Linux

To connect to a Windows VPS over RDP you need three things: the server IP address, a username (usually Administrator) and a password. On Windows use the built-in mstsc client, on macOS the Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop), on Linux Remmina or the command-line xfreerdp. Below are the steps for each OS.

What you need

• The server IP address — issued when the VPS is created.
• Username: Administrator by default.
• The administrator password.
• An open port 3389/TCP (the standard RDP port).

You can check the port in advance from any machine with PowerShell:

Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 203.0.113.10 -Port 3389

Connecting from Windows (mstsc)

The built-in client ships with every version of Windows.

1. Press Win + R, type mstsc and press Enter.
2. In the Computer field enter the server IP address. If the port is non-standard, append it after a colon: 203.0.113.10:3390.
3. Click Show Options → User name and enter Administrator.
4. Click Connect, then enter the password.
5. When the certificate warning appears, click Yes.

To launch straight from the command line with the server already specified:

mstsc /v:203.0.113.10

Connecting from macOS

1. Install Windows App from the Mac App Store (previously Microsoft Remote Desktop).
2. Click + → Add PC.
3. In PC name enter the server IP address.
4. Under User account add the Administrator username and password.
5. Save and double-click the connection you created.

Connecting from Linux

Remmina (graphical client)

Install Remmina with the RDP plugin:

sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp -y

1. Launch Remmina, click + and select the RDP protocol.
2. Fill in Server (IP), Username Administrator and the password.
3. Click Save and Connect.

xfreerdp (command line)

The quick route without a GUI:

xfreerdp /v:203.0.113.10 /u:Administrator /p:'YourPassword' /cert:ignore /dynamic-resolution

The /dynamic-resolution flag fits the resolution to the window, and /cert:ignore skips the self-signed certificate warning.

Client comparison

Frequently asked questions

It says “cannot connect to the remote computer”

Check that the VPS is running, that port 3389 is open (Test-NetConnection) and that RDP is enabled on the server. Also confirm the IP is correct and that a local firewall is not blocking the connection.

The session drops right after the password is entered

That usually means wrong credentials or NLA being denied for that account. Make sure the user is a member of Remote Desktop Users and that the keyboard layout did not mangle the password.

How do I connect if the RDP port was changed?

Add the port after a colon: IP:port in mstsc, or the /port:3390 parameter in xfreerdp. Remmina has a separate field for the port.

Can I log in from a phone?

Yes, the Windows App is available for Android and iOS. Setup is the same: add the IP, username and password.

Planning to take a server for remote work? Look at a Windows VPS with RDP access ready, or the general VPS hosting plans.