How to Connect to a Remote Server Using Windows Remote Desktop

Windows Remote Desktop Connection (also known as mstsc.exe) allows you to connect to and control a remote Windows computer over a network. This is essential for IT administrators, remote workers, and anyone who needs to access their office computer from home.

Prerequisites

Before connecting, ensure:

• Remote Desktop is enabled on the target computer
• Your user account has permission to connect remotely
• You know the computer's IP address or hostname
• Port 3389 is open on the firewall (or you're connected via VPN)

Step 1: Open Remote Desktop Connection

There are several ways to launch Remote Desktop:

Method 1: Using the Run Dialog (Fastest)

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type mstsc and press Enter

Method 2: From the Start Menu

1. Click the Start button
2. Type Remote Desktop Connection
3. Click the app when it appears

Method 3: From Windows Accessories

1. Click Start -> Windows Accessories
2. Click Remote Desktop Connection

Step 2: Enter the Computer Name or IP Address

1. In the Computer field, enter either:
   • The computer's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
   • The computer's hostname (e.g., SERVER01)
   • A fully qualified domain name (e.g., server.company.com)
2. Optionally, enter your username in the User name field

Step 3: Configure Connection Settings (Optional)

Click Show Options to access additional settings:

General Tab

• User name: Pre-fill your login credentials
• Allow me to save credentials: Store your password for future connections
• Save As / Open: Save connection settings to an .rdp file

Display Tab

• Display configuration: Set screen resolution (use "Full Screen" for best experience)
• Colors: Set color depth (32-bit for best quality)

Local Resources Tab

• Remote audio: Choose where to play sounds
• Keyboard: Decide where Windows key combinations apply
• Local devices: Share printers, clipboard, and drives with the remote computer

Experience Tab

• Adjust visual settings based on your connection speed
• Reconnect if connection is dropped: Recommended to enable

Step 4: Connect

1. Click Connect
2. If prompted about the remote computer's identity, click Yes to continue (you can check "Don't ask me again" for this computer)
3. Enter your password when prompted
4. Click OK to log in

Using Remote Desktop

Once connected:

• The remote desktop fills your screen (in full-screen mode)
• A connection bar appears at the top - hover to reveal it
• Use the connection bar to minimize, resize, or disconnect
• To switch between full-screen and windowed mode, press Ctrl + Alt + Break

Disconnecting vs. Signing Out

• Disconnect: Closes the window but keeps your session running on the remote computer. Click the X on the connection bar.
• Sign Out: Ends your session completely. Go to Start -> Sign Out on the remote computer.

Useful Keyboard Shortcuts

Command Line Options

For advanced users, mstsc supports command-line parameters:

# Connect to a specific server
mstsc /v:192.168.1.100

# Connect in full-screen mode
mstsc /v:server.company.com /f

# Connect using a saved .rdp file
mstsc "C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\work-server.rdp"

# Connect with specific resolution
mstsc /v:192.168.1.100 /w:1920 /h:1080

Troubleshooting

"Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer"

• Verify the computer is turned on and connected to the network
• Check that Remote Desktop is enabled on the target computer
• Ensure port 3389 is open in the firewall
• If connecting over the internet, make sure you're connected to VPN first

"Your credentials did not work"

• Use the format DOMAIN\username for domain accounts
• Use .\username for local accounts on the remote computer
• Verify your password is correct

"The connection was denied because the user account is not authorized"

• Your account must be added to the Remote Desktop Users group
• Contact your IT administrator to grant access

Need help setting up secure remote access for your team? Contact TechNet New England for VPN and remote desktop solutions.