How to Access Your VPS with Remote Desktop (RDP)

Introduction

Remote Desktop (RDP, short for Remote Desktop Protocol) is the most practical and secure way to connect to your Windows VPS. It lets you see and control your server’s desktop straight from your own computer, as if you were sitting in front of it. It’s the standard tool server administrators and IT professionals use worldwide.

Unlike the noVNC console in the client area (which runs in the browser), an RDP connection gives you better performance, smoother interaction, and support for advanced features such as copying and pasting files between your local machine and the server, audio redirection, and multi-monitor setups.

In this guide we show you, step by step, how to connect to your VPS using the Remote Desktop Connection tool that ships with Windows.

Before you start

To connect to your VPS with Remote Desktop you need:

• A Windows computer (Remote Desktop comes preinstalled on Windows 10 and 11).
• Your VPS IP address (find it in your Truobox client area, in your service details).
• Your access credentials (the username and password you set during the initial Windows Server setup).
• A stable internet connection on your local machine.

Step 1: Open Remote Desktop Connection

On your local computer (not on the VPS), look for the Remote Desktop Connection app. There are several ways to find it:

• Windows search bar: Click the Start button or the search bar and type “Remote Desktop Connection” or simply “mstsc”.
• Run (Win + R): Press Windows + R, type mstsc, and press Enter.
• Start menu: Go to Start > Windows Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection.

A window opens with a field for your connection details.

Step 2: Enter your VPS IP address

In the Computer field, type your VPS IP address. This is the public IP Truobox assigned to your server when you ordered it.

If you don’t remember your IP address, you can find it in:

• The welcome email you received when you ordered the service.
• Your Truobox client area, inside your VPS details.

Optionally, click Show Options to configure extra settings such as the username, the screen resolution, or the local resources you want to share with the server.

Step 3: Enter your credentials

Click Connect. A window appears asking for your credentials. Enter:

• Username: Usually Administrator by default (the exact name depends on your Windows Server language).
• Password: The password you set during your VPS initial setup.

If you’d like Windows to remember your credentials for future sessions, check the Remember my credentials box before clicking OK.

Step 4: Accept the security certificate

The first time you connect, Windows shows a security warning about the remote server’s identity certificate. This message is normal and expected. It simply means your computer doesn’t recognize the server’s certificate because this is your first connection.

Click Yes to accept and continue. If you’d rather not see this warning again, check the “Don’t ask me again for connections to this computer” box.

You’re connected

Once you’ve completed these steps, a window opens with your VPS desktop. You can now work with your server exactly as you would with your local computer: install software, configure services, manage files, and run any administrative task.

Powerful VPS from $4.99/month. Our VPS servers include a dedicated IP, root access, and Windows Server preinstalled. Connect over RDP and get to work. See VPS plans →

Tips for a better RDP experience

Adjust the screen resolution

Before connecting, click Show Options and open the Display tab. From there you can set the resolution of the remote session. If you work on a high-resolution monitor, tuning this value can improve both readability and performance.

Configure local resources

In the Local Resources tab, you can choose which parts of your computer to share with the remote server:

• Clipboard: Copy and paste text and files between your PC and the VPS.
• Local printers: Print documents from the server on your local printer.
• Drives: Reach your computer’s disks directly from the VPS.

Save the connection for quick access

If you connect to the same VPS often, you can save the configuration as an .rdp file. Click Show Options > Save As and pick a location. Next time, just double-click that file to connect with your saved settings.

Troubleshooting common problems

I can’t connect to the server

• Check the IP: Make sure you’re using the correct IP address.
• Confirm the server is powered on: Check your VPS status in the Truobox client area.
• Confirm RDP is enabled: Remote Desktop has to be enabled on your VPS. If you haven’t set it up yet, you can do it from the noVNC console in the client area.
• Check the firewall: Make sure port 3389 (the default RDP port) isn’t blocked.

The connection is slow or freezes

• Lower the visual quality: In Show Options > Experience, select a slower connection speed to cut down on visual effects.
• Close unnecessary applications on both your local PC and the VPS.
• Check your local internet connection.

Conclusion

Connecting to your VPS with Remote Desktop takes less than a minute once you have your credentials and IP address. RDP is the most efficient way to administer a Windows server remotely, and it gives you a smooth, secure session with advanced features on top.

If you don’t have a Windows Server VPS yet, Truobox offers VPS plans with dedicated resources, a static IP, and real technical support so you can start your project with all the power you need.