How to Connect to Windows VDS via RDP: Complete Guide

Introduction

RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is a protocol developed by Microsoft that allows you to remotely access and manage Windows Server operating systems with a graphical interface. With your REXE Technology VDS server, you can connect via RDP to manage your Windows Server as if you were sitting in front of it.

Prerequisites

Information	Description
Server IP Address	Viewable from the REXE panel
Username	Usually `Administrator`
Password	Sent via email after setup
Port	Default: 3389

Your server credentials are automatically sent to your email address after ordering.

Connecting from Windows

Using Remote Desktop Connection

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
Type mstsc and press Enter
Enter your server IP address in the Computer field
Click Connect
Enter your username and password
Accept the certificate warning and click Yes

mstsc /v:SERVER_IP_ADDRESS

Custom Port Connection

If you've changed the default RDP port:

mstsc /v:SERVER_IP_ADDRESS:PORT_NUMBER

Connecting from macOS

Download Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store
Click Add PC
Enter your server IP address
Add your credentials (username and password)
Click Connect

Connecting from Linux

Use Remmina or xfreerdp:

hljs bash

# Using xfreerdp
xfreerdp /v:SERVER_IP_ADDRESS /u:Administrator /p:PASSWORD

# Using Remmina
# Open Remmina → New Connection → RDP → Enter server details

Path Panel Firewall Settings

On REXE servers, when an IP has no rules at all, all ports are open. However, the moment you create your first filter rule, the system automatically adds Default Block and only the ports you allow stay open. To secure your RDP access (and to maintain access if your IP already has other rules), create a filter rule for the RDP port (3389) via Path Panel or the Rule Management product in your customer panel:

Log in to Path Panel or the Rule Management product in your customer panel
Click on the relevant IP address
Create a new filter rule:
- Protocol: TCP
- Destination Port: 3389 (or your new port if changed)
- Description: RDP access
Wait for the rule to reach propagated status

The rule creation screen has two modes: standard filter (protocol + port only) and hard filter (Layer7 filters like TCP Symmetric). For RDP the standard mode is enough; hard filter (Layer7) options like TCP Symmetric should only be enabled for highly sensitive applications.

Security Recommendations

Use strong passwords: RDP brute-force attacks are common
Enable NLA: Network Level Authentication adds an extra security layer
Consider changing the RDP port: Using a non-standard port reduces automated attacks
Keep Windows updated: Regular security updates are essential

For maximum security, combine NLA with strong passwords. The standard filter (protocol + port) is enough for RDP.

Performance Optimization

Connection Quality Settings

To improve performance on slow connections:

Click Show Options in the RDP connection window
Go to the Experience tab
Select the profile matching your connection speed
Disable unnecessary visual effects (wallpaper, font smoothing, etc.)

Screen Resolution

Connect with a custom resolution from the command line:

hljs bash

mstsc /v:SERVER_IP /w:1920 /h:1080

Common Issues

Issue	Solution
Connection timed out	Check the Path panel firewall rule
Credentials don't work	Verify username (Administrator) and password
CredSSP error	Update your local Windows or adjust NLA settings
Black screen after connecting	Wait a moment, or restart the server from the panel
Slow connection	Disable visual effects in the Experience settings

Conclusion

RDP is the easiest way to manage your Windows Server VDS with a graphical interface. You can protect your server with security measures like enabling NLA, changing the port, and account lockout policies. If you experience connection issues, first check the Path panel firewall settings.