Microsoft Remote Desktop enables IT professionals and Microsoft resellers to efficiently manage remote access to PCs and servers. If you are looking to tweak and improve your set-up, look no further. This targeted guide provides the necessary steps from set up to optimisation of Microsoft Remote Desktop, plus some extra tips about our RDS-Tools products, to bring out the best in your infrastructure.

Windows Version Prerequisites

As ever, begin by ensuring your PC is running a compatible version of Windows. RDP is available on Pro, Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. Home editions do not support Remote Desktop.

NB: To check your Windows edition:

1.     Open Settings: Press Win + I or select the gear icon from the Start menu.

2.     Navigate to System > About: Select System, then About.

3.     Check Windows specifications: Confirm your edition. If it is Home, upgrade to Pro or Enterprise.

Network Requirements, Internal and External

Ideally, the local and remote PCs both need to have access to fast stable internet access to connect in optimal conditions. By default, Remote Desktop uses port 3389, so if you are keeping this standard setting, ensure this port is open on your router and firewall:

·       Check Router Settings:

o   Access your router’s admin panel (typically via your web browser at 192.168.1.1).

o   In port forwarding settings, ensure port3389 is open.

·       Configure Firewall:

o   Open Control Panel, then System and Security, followed by Windows Defender Firewall.

o   In Advanced settings, open Inbound Rules.

o   Ensure port 3389 is appropriately enabled.

Finally, make sure you have a stable internet connection.

o   Wired Ethernet will provide the most stable and strong network.

o   Ensure high-speed internet access for both PCs/devices. This will reduce latency and enable stable usage.

With your compatible host PC now configured and firewall settings adjusted for security, it is time to enable Remote Desktop. Whether you plan only to use RDP or are also using RDS, the steps are the step. RDP being originally designed for use within a LAN, you can refer to this article to ensure its security.

Enabling Remote Desktop on the Host PC

To enable RDP on your host PC or server, the first step will take place in the system Settings. Begin by opening Settings, either by pressing Win + I or by selecting the “Settings” icon (the trustee gear cog) from the Start menu. From there, you can navigate to the “Remote Desktop” menu.

There, toggle the switch to enable Remote Desktop. At this point, you may be prompted by User Account Control (UAC). Click Yes to confirm UAC prompt.

Check “Advanced Settings” to configure options such as Network Level Authentication (NLA) for increased security. (Part 2 of this article tells you more about NLA and other security settings.)

At this stage, do make a note of the PC Name as it is required when establishing remote connections to it. To view the full computer name and additional details such as the domain name, click "Show Settings".

Configure Server Firewall Settings

In the “System and Security” menu of the Control Panel, click to Allow an app or feature through “Windows Defender Firewall”.

Ensure both Private and Public networks are checked for Remote Desktop.

o  Create a New Inbound Rule in “Advanced Firewall Settings”:

Click Advanced settings on the left sidebar.

o  New Inbound Rule:

Create a new inbound rule to explicitly allow TCP port 3389 if required.

User Permissions

1.     Specify Users:

Click on "Select users that can remotely access this PC" under Remote Desktop settings.

2.     Add Users:

Click “Add”, enter the usernames of each person who will be entitled remote access. Validate by clicking “OK”.

3.     Double-check User Permissions:

Ensure user accounts have appropriate permissions. They also need to be part of the correct Remote Desktop Users group.

Installation and Configuration

Downloading and Installing the Remote Desktop App

If you do not already have it installed, the Remote Desktop app is available for standard application download platforms such as Microsoft Store, Google Play, App Store and so on. Once you have retrieved it, configuration is quite straightforward.

Configuring Remote Desktop

1.      Launch the Remote Desktop app on your device.

2.     Add a New Connection by clicking“Add PC”. Where prompted, enter the PC name noted earlier.

3.     Configure Connection settings such as gateway, display, device redirection, etc. and feel free to set a friendly name for easy identification.

With the Remote Desktop app installed and configured, you can now connect to your remote PC and begin managing it from your local device. The next section will explain how to establish and manage remote connections effectively.

Connecting to the Remote PC Using the Remote Desktop App

·       Launch the app on your device.

·       Select the added PC from the list.

·       Click Connect then enter your credentials when prompted.

You can manage multiple sessions by adding more PCs for remote connections of different nature or uses.

Adjust display quality and resolution within the app settings. There you can adjust parameters such for better performance, sharper display and so on.

Connecting to the Remote PC Using Remote Desktop on Web

·       Open your web browser and to access the Remote Desktop Web Client.

·       Enter your credentials to log in. If in doubt, they are most likely to be those of your Microsoft account.

·       Select this newly set up remote PC amongst the choices listed and validate to launch a connection.

Establishing a connection is straightforward. Nonetheless, as IT professionals, mastering advanced configurations and troubleshooting surely enhances the Remote Desktop experience. Now for our top best practice and you will be all set.

Best Practice for Secure Microsoft Remote Desktop Use

Just to hammer in a nail, NLA is an essential for your RDP peace of mind. It is worth noting up top on your list of best practices. We always recommend strong credentials as well as changing default names (such as “admin”, for example) and passwords (admin, again, or 0000 and 1234!). And avoiding regular use of the administrator session is another good practice to follow, preferring secondary sessions which are unable to grant potential hackers full administrative rights.

Concluding on How to Set Up Microsoft Remote Desktop

Microsoft Remote Desktop enables access to PCs and applications from anywhere once set up. These detailed steps should ensure you can smoothly answer you query “how to Set Up Microsoft Remote Desktop” and soon enjoy a secure and efficient remote connection experience.

For businesses looking to enhance their Microsoft Remote Desktop infrastructure, RDS-Tools offers a suite of complementary solutions. Explore RDS-Tools Advanced Security for robust security features, RDS-Tools Server Monitoring for comprehensive monitoring and analytics, and RDS-Tools Remote Support for efficient remote screen sharing and control. Our enhanced security, load balancing and monitoring tools are just waiting to complement your Microsoft infrastructure and optimise your remote desktop environment.

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