How to Set Up a VPN for Remote Desktop on Windows, macOS and Linux

Remote work has made secure remote access a permanent requirement. While Windows Remote Desktop is a powerful tool for connecting to servers and workstations, using it without protection exposes your network to automated attacks, credential theft and unauthorized access.

A VPN for Remote Desktop solves this problem by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the remote network. This article explains why a VPN is essential for Remote Desktop security and shows step-by-step configuration on Windows, macOS and Linux. Then, beyond configuring a VPN for Remote Desktop, we will attend to securing the broader RDS environment. Attackers increasingly target exposed RDP endpoints, weak passwords and unmonitored servers. Therefore, after describing the various VPN set-ups, we will round up on why pairing a VPN with a hardened Remote Desktop infrastructure toolset such as our RDS Tools creates a complete, robust and resilient strategy.

Why Use a VPN for Remote Desktop?

Running RDP directly over the internet (especially on the default port 3389) has become a common entry point for botnets and ransomware campaigns. The solution is not to hide the port, but to restrict RDP access to authenticated Virtual Private Network (VPN) users.

A VPN adds three layers of protection:

1. Encrypted Traffic

Every keystroke, session, or file transfer is encrypted end-to-end. Even if someone intercepts the traffic, they lack the key to decode it.

2. No Public Port Exposure

RDP remains inside the private network. Attackers scanning the internet never see it.

3. Identity Controls

VPN authentication adds another layer on top of Windows credentials, often including MFA.

How Does a VPN Work?

Thus, instead of exposing the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) port to the internet, users authenticate to the VPN, obtain a local network IP address and then access the remote machine as if they were physically on-site.

Broken down, the concept is simple:

1. The remote user connects to a VPN server in the office network.
2. The VPN assigns a private IP address.
3. The user opens Remote Desktop and connects to the server using the private IP.
4. All traffic travels through the secure VPN tunnel.

This approach supports security policies for SMBs and larger organizations alike, but a VPN alone covers only certain bases. For real infrastructure-wide secure connections RDS -Tools brings essential building blocks.

Why Do I Need More Than a VPN?

Depending on uses, a VPN alone isn’t enough to secure remote desktops even though it is a strong layer of protection. Indeed, it does not secure the Remote Desktop infrastructure itself. Why is it many organizations rely on a VPN, assuming their environment is fully protected, yet cyberattacks targeting RDP continue to rise? Because a VPN only protects the connection, not what happens before or after users log in.

Here are the main limitations of relying solely on a VPN:

1. A VPN Doesn’t Stop Unauthorized Login Attempts

Even inside a VPN network, malicious or infected devices can attempt to brute-force RDP credentials. Without additional controls, nothing prevents repeated login attempts or unauthorized access from compromised users. This is the first gap bridged by RDS Advanced Security.

2. A VPN Doesn’t Control User Permissions

A VPN grants network access , not role-based access .
Who can connect? From which IP? When? From which device? To which server? To use which tools?

A VPN does not answer these questions. Do you use Azure? Microsft RDS? In any case, RDS Advanced Security has the IPs covered and learns your habits in order to spot unusual behaviour and thwart potential attacks all the faster.

3. A VPN Cannot Monitor Server Performance or User Activity

VPNs are not designed for:

• Tracking user behaviour
• Detecting unusual session patterns
• Monitoring CPU/RAM usage
• Sending alerts when servers degrade

Hence why organizations still suffer performance issues even when their VPN is working perfectly. We have seen to it that RDS Tools sees to these matters through RDS Server Monitoring and RDS Advanced Security.

4. A VPN Cannot Offer Technical Remote Support

When users face issues, especially at home, IT agents still need to:

• View their screen
• Troubleshoot applications
• Provide real-time assistance

A VPN does not supply these tools, while RDS Remote Support does.

5. A VPN Does Not Prevent Data Leakage

Once a user is connected, data can still be copied, transferred or misused.
Features such as:

• clipboard restriction
• file-access control
• device filtering
• time-limited access

are not part of traditional VPN solutions.

6. A VPN Provides Encryption, But Not Governance

Security today is not only about encryption:

• policies
• auditing
• compliance
• controlled access
• accountability

all come into play. VPNs were never designed to cover these areas, whereas RDS-Tools provides you with the basics you need, and more.

What Does This Mean for Your Remote Desktop Environment?

In short, a VPN protects the road to your RDS server and RDS-Tools protects the server , the users and the data .

Together, they form a complete security ecosystem.

What Do You Need Before You Start?

First, a few prerequisites and checks. Before configuring your system, confirm:

• You have access to a VPN server (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec, SSL VPN gateway, etc.)
• The remote PC has Remote Desktop enabled
• You know the internal IP address or hostname of the target system
• Firewall rules allow RDP access within the VPN network
• Your credentials include VPN login details

Once these are confirmed, you can configure your operating system.

Setup Instructions by Operating System:

Below are the steps for connecting to a VPN and using Remote Desktop securely.

Configure a VPN for Remote Desktop on Windows

Windows includes a native VPN client that supports PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, and IKEv2. For modern deployments, SSTP or IKEv2 are recommended.

Step 1: Open VPN Settings

1. Go to Start > Settings
2. Select Network & Internet
3. Click VPN
4. Click Add a VPN Connection

Step 2: Add VPN Profile

• VPN provider: Windows (built-in)
• Connection name: Choose any name
• Server name/address: Enter your VPN server address
• VPN type: Select protocol (SSTP or IKEv2 recommended)
• Sign-in info: Username/password or certificate

Save the configuration.

Step 3: Connect to VPN

1. Click the VPN profile
2. Select Connect
3. Wait for connection confirmation

Step 4: Start Remote Desktop

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection
2. Enter the internal IP of the target machine
3. Click Connect

If the VPN is working correctly, you should connect immediately without exposing the RDP port.

Configure a VPN for Remote Desktop on macOS

macOS doesn’t include a Remote Desktop server, but it connects perfectly to Windows-based RDP using the Microsoft Remote Desktop client.

Step 1: Install the VPN Client

If you have none, here are some OpenVPN-based deployments you can use:

• Tunnelblick (free)
• Viscosity (paid)
• Or the WireGuard app for macOS

Install the client and import the .ovpn or .conf configuration file provided by your network admin.

Step 2: Connect to the VPN

• Launch the VPN app
• Select your profile
• Click Connect

Verify that you receive a private network IP .

Step 3: Install Microsoft Remote Desktop

• Open the Mac App Store
• Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop
• Install and launch the app

Step 4: Add a New Remote Desktop Entry

1. Click Add PC
2. Enter the internal IP or hostname
3. Save and Connect

The RDP session now runs inside the VPN tunnel.

Configure a VPN for Remote Desktop on Linux

Linux users have powerful open-source tools for both VPN and RDP connections.

Step 1: Install the VPN Client

Most distributions support:

• NetworkManager OpenVPN plugin
• NetworkManager WireGuard plugin
• WireGuard command-line tools

Use your package manager:

sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn

Or for WireGuard:

sudo apt install wireguard

Import configuration files or create a new VPN profile in NetworkManager.

Step 2: Connect to the VPN

• Open Settings > Network
• Select the VPN connection
• Click Connect

Confirm you receive a private IP.

Step 3: Install an RDP Client

Popular options include:

• Remmina
• FreeRDP

Install Remmina:

sudo apt install remmina

Step 4: Start the Remote Desktop Session

1. Open Remmina
2. Select RDP
3. Enter internal IP or hostname
4. Connect

Your RDP session is now secured through the VPN network.

How Will You Strengthen Your RDS Environment With RDS Tools?

While a VPN secures the tunnel between a user and your network, the Remote Desktop infrastructure itself must also be protected. RDS Tools offers a tool-kit of software designed to harden your servers, monitor system activity and streamline secure remote assistance.

RDS Advanced Security: Harden Your RDP Environment

RDS Advanced Security provides multiple layers of real-time protection for RDS servers, ensuring that only legitimate users gain access. It helps eliminate the most common attack vectors targeting RDP:

• Brute-force attack defense with automatic IP blocking
• Time-based access rules to restrict logins to business hours
• User and device filtering to control who can connect, and from where
• Clipboard and file-access restrictions to prevent data leakage
• RDP port protection that hides your server from internet scans

When combined with a VPN, RDS Advanced Security closes the remaining gaps and creates a fully controlled, policy-driven access model.

RDS Server Monitoring: Full Visibility Across Your Servers

A secure Remote Desktop infrastructure also requires visibility into system health and user activity.

RDS Server Monitoring provides:

• Real-time dashboards showing CPU, RAM, disk, and network usage
• User session analytics to detect abnormal behaviour
• Alerts and notifications for performance degradation or threats
• Historical reporting for capacity planning and compliance

When VPN connections increase due to remote work, Server Monitoring ensures your infrastructure stays stable, performant and predictable.

RDS Remote Support: Secure Assistance for Local and Remote Users

Beyond server-side protection, IT teams need a secure way to assist users wherever they are.
RDS Remote Support provides:

• Encrypted remote control sessions
• User consent and role-based access
• Cross-platform administration (Windows, macOS, Android)
• Session recording for auditing and compliance

This tool integrates seamlessly with a VPN-based approach to maintain strictly controlled, audited support interactions.

How About Using RDS Tools Remote Support for Cross-OS Control of Windows, macOS & Android Devices?

Remote support today goes beyond Windows machines. Hybrid teams often mix Windows desktops, Macs and mobile devices . RDS Tools Remote Support enables technicians to securely connect to and control devices across multiple platforms, all through an encrypted, permission-based architecture.

Controlling Windows Devices

RDS Remote Support provides full remote control of Windows desktops and servers:

• File transfer for troubleshooting
• Multi-monitor support
• Session elevation for administrative tasks
• Instant chat and assistance features

This is ideal for supporting employees connecting via VPN and RDS.

Controlling macOS Devices

Mac devices are increasingly common in corporate environments. RDS Remote Support allows IT teams to:

• Shadow macOS screens
• Guide users through configuration steps
• Provide remote assistance without requiring local network access

VPN users can receive support even from home or travel locations.

Supporting Android Devices

For mobile or front-line workers, Android support is essential. RDS Remote Support includes:

• Secure remote viewing or control (depending on device capabilities)
• Ability to troubleshoot business apps in real time
• Lightweight agent for easy deployment

As long as the device can establish an internet or VPN connection, IT can provide prompt and secure support.

What Common Issues May You Need to Troubleshoot?

Even with correct configuration, a few common problems can appear. Here are three prime examples:

DNS Resolution

If you can’t resolve internal hostnames, try:

• Using the internal IP directly
• Adding DNS settings in the VPN profile

Local Routing

If the VPN doesn’t route internal traffic, the server may need:

• Push route configurations
• Correct subnet masks

Firewalls

Both client and server firewalls must allow RDP over the VPN, not over the internet.

What is Best Practice for a Secure Deployment?

In order to protect your Remote Desktop environment:

• Never expose port 3389 to the internet
• Use strong passwords + multi-factor authentication
• Keep OS and VPN software updated
• Use modern VPN protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN)
• Limit user access with network policies
• Monitor logs for unusual behaviour

Following these practices significantly reduces attack risks and improves long-term reliability.

Why Is RDS-Tools the Ideal Companion to Your VPN?

If you already use a VPN for Remote Desktop, RDS-Tools boosts your security, stability and support capabilities. The suite is purpose-built for RDS environments, solving the exact challenges that VPNs don’t address.

Here are the core advantages of using RDS Tools:

1. Complete Security Layer on Top of VPN Encryption

RDS Advanced Security adds powerful protections:

• Brute-force attack defense
• IP and device restrictions
• Time-based access control
• User rights management
• Port cloaking
• Data-copy restrictions

Your RDP server becomes invisible to attackers, even to those already inside the network.

2. Real-Time Server Health Monitoring

RDS Server Monitoring gives you the visibility that VPNs lack:

• Track resource usage per user or application
• Detect bottlenecks before they cause downtime
• Receive alerts instantly when performance changes
• Plan capacity with historical data

This ensures your RDS infrastructure can reliably support remote users.

3. Secure Remote Assistance Beyond Windows

RDS Remote Support extends remote help-desk capabilities to:

• Windows
• macOS
• Android

This means your IT team can support every employee device, even outside the corporate network, and without needing complex configuration.

4. Enhanced Access Governance and Compliance

VPN solutions rarely offer:

• session recording
• detailed audit logs
• granular permission models
• per-user restrictions or filters

RDS-Tools software closes these gaps and supports compliance requirements (GDPR, ISO, SOC2, etc.).

5. Optimized for Small to Mid-Size Businesses

Unlike enterprise suites or complex add-ons for RDP gateways, RDS-Tools:

• installs quickly
• requires minimal configuration
• is easy for admins to manage
• scales simply as needs grow
• fits real-world budgets

It delivers advanced setting to any size of business without “enterprise” complexity.

6. Works With Any VPN Provider or Protocol

Whether you use:

• OpenVPN
• WireGuard
• IPsec
• SSL VPN
• Router-based VPN
• Cloud VPN services

RDS-Tools is fully compatible and adds value regardless of the underlying VPN technology.

Why Wait? Affordable, Stronger, Safer, More Manageable Remote Access Stack

By combining VPN encryption with RDS-Tools cyber-security, monitoring and remote support capabilities, organizations gain a remote desktop infrastructure that is:

• Secure end-to-end
• Monitored and stable
• Auditable for compliance
• Flexible for mixed device environments
• User-friendly for both IT teams and employees

This is the foundation of a modern, resilient remote workplace.

Final Concluding Thoughts

A VPN for Remote Desktop is the safest way to connect to remote machines, whether you are managing servers, accessing office resources from home or supporting a hybrid workforce. With a VPN in place, your RDP sessions run inside a protected network environment and are shielded from the attacks that target exposed RDP endpoints.

This guide has been over setting up VPN for Windows, macOS and Linux and looked beyond to a flexible, cross-platform solution suitable for both small businesses and large organizations.

Combine a VPN with a hardened Remote Desktop environment to deliver the most secure and reliable remote strategy available today. While the VPN protects traffic, RDS Tools safeguard the infrastructure itself. The tools’ control who can connect, monitor system activity and enable secure remote support across all platforms.

With RDS Advanced Security , RDS Server Monitoring and RDS Remote Support , businesses can build a fully compliant, scalable and resilient remote access ecosystem. Whether your team works on-site, remotely or in hybrid mode, this layered security approach ensures that every Remote Desktop connection remains fast, secure and easy to manage.