How to Set Up Remote Desktop (RDP) on Windows

Last updated on February 17, 2025

Learn how to allow Remote Desktop (RDP) connections to a Windows PC. Follow this guide on configuring Remote Desktop (RDP) on Windows 10/11 and Windows Server to ensure efficient and secure remote access.

Enable Remote Desktop (RDP) on Windows: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1:  Enable Remote Desktop

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Click System.

3. Scroll down and select Remote Desktop.

Note: On some versions of Windows Server, you might need to right-click This PC on the desktop, select Properties, and then click Remote settings.

4. Toggle the switch to enable Remote Desktop.

5. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click Confirm.

Step 2: Allow Remote Connections

By default, only users with administrative privileges can connect via RDP. To allow other users:

1. Click Select who can remotely access this PC.

2. Click Add and enter the usernames of the users you want to grant access to.

3. Click OK to confirm.

Step 3: Configure Firewall Settings

1. Press Win + R, type control firewall.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.

3. Ensure that Remote Desktop is checked for the network profiles you intend to use (Private or Public). If not, click Change settings and check Private, Public, or both, depending on your needs.

Step 4: Find Your Computer’s IP Address

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.

3. Note down the IPv4 Address listed under your active network connection.

Step 5: Create User Accounts If Needed

It is generally a good practice to create a separate user account for each person who will be connecting via RDP, especially for security and management purposes. Here’s how to do it for a local workgroup account:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Accounts → Other users.

3. Click Add someone else to this PC and follow the steps on the screen.

Note: If your environment uses Active Directory (AD), Entra ID, Google Workspace, or Microsoft accounts, you can also add users from these directories. The exact steps will vary depending on your setup.

Step 6: Connect from Another Computer

1. On the client computer, press Win + R, type mstsc, and press Enter to open Remote Desktop Connection.

2. Enter the IP address or hostname of the host computer.

3. Click Connect.

4. Enter your username and password when prompted.

5. You should connect to the host PC. All that is left is securing your Remote Desktop connection from hackers using robust multi-factor authentication.

Step 7: Secure Your Remote Desktop with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

To enhance the security of your Remote Desktop connections, it is advisable to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the host Windows PC.

Rublon MFA for Windows Logon and RDP adds an extra layer of protection by requiring additional verification during login. When users access the host computer via RDP, they are required to not only enter their password but also complete a second authentication step, such as approving a Mobile Push notification sent to their phone.

Learn more and install Rublon MFA for Windows Logon and RDP

Implementing MFA helps safeguard against unauthorized access, ensuring that only authenticated users can establish remote connections to your system.