Connecting to a Windows Server

This guide explains how to connect to your Windows server using Remote Desktop (RDP) from any operating system.

Before You Start

The instructions below apply to servers with public IP addresses.

If your server is on a private network only (no public IP), you cannot connect to it directly from the internet. You need to either set up port forwarding on your router or connect through a VPN. See the article on managing the VyOS Router for instructions. Once your router is configured, follow the connection steps below as usual – using the router’s public IP and forwarded port (for port forwarding) or the server’s private IP (over VPN).

Where to Find Connection Details

Open your server in the client portal. On the Server Details page, the Server Information section shows:

  • Public IP address
  • Default username: Administrator
  • Password (click to reveal)

RDP uses port 3389. Make sure your local network or firewall does not block outgoing connections to this port.

Connecting from Windows

Using the built-in Remote Desktop client (mstsc):

  1. Press Win + R and enter: mstsc
  2. In the Remote Desktop window, enter the server’s IP address.
  3. Click “Connect” and provide your username (Administrator) and password.

Connecting from macOS

Using Microsoft Remote Desktop

Download from the App Store: Microsoft Remote Desktop

  1. Install the app.
  2. Open the app and add a new PC.
  3. Enter the server’s IP address, username (Administrator), and password.
  4. Click “Start” to connect.

Connecting from Linux

Option 1: Remmina (GUI)

Download: remmina.org

  1. Open Remmina and create a new RDP connection.
  2. Enter the IP address, username (Administrator), and password.
  3. Click “Connect”.

Option 2: FreeRDP (command line)

xfreerdp /u:Administrator /p:your_password /v:ip_address

Connecting from Android / iOS

Using Microsoft Remote Desktop

  1. Install the app on your device.
  2. Add a new PC using the server’s IP address, username (Administrator), and password.
  3. Tap to connect.

VNC Console (Fallback)

If RDP does not work (forgotten password, RDP service stopped, firewall blocking the connection, network misconfiguration inside the server), you can use the browser-based VNC Console.

On the Server Details page click the Console button in the action bar. The console opens in a new tab and connects directly to the server display. No RDP client or public IP is required.

This is useful for resetting a forgotten password, restarting the RDP service, or troubleshooting network problems from inside the server.