How to Configure RDP Windows Server 2019

How to Configure RDP Windows Server 2019? Step-by-Step Guide

/ Knowledgebase, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

If you want to remotely access your Windows Server 2019 from another computer, you need to configure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). RDP allows administrators, developers, and businesses to securely manage their Windows Server from anywhere. In this guide, you’ll learn how to configure RDP on Windows Server 2019, enable Remote Desktop, adjust firewall settings, secure remote access, and fix common connection issues.

What is Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is Microsoft’s remote access technology that allows users to connect to a Windows computer or server over a network. Instead of physically sitting in front of the server, you can manage it remotely using the Remote Desktop Connection application.

RDP is widely used for:

  • Server administration
  • Website management
  • Application hosting
  • Remote office work
  • Software development
  • Database management

Why Configure RDP on Windows Server 2019?

Windows Server 2019 is designed for remote administration. Configuring RDP correctly provides several benefits:

  • Remote server management
  • Increased productivity
  • Access from anywhere
  • Easier troubleshooting
  • Reduced maintenance costs
  • Secure encrypted connection

System Requirements

Before configuring RDP, ensure you have:

  • Windows Server 2019 installed
  • Administrator privileges
  • Static IP address (recommended)
  • Internet or local network connection
  • Windows Firewall enabled
  • Strong administrator password

How to Configure RDP Windows Server 2019? Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop

The first step is enabling Remote Desktop.

Method 1: Using Server Manager

  1. Open Server Manager
  2. Click Local Server
  3. Locate Remote Desktop
  4. Click Disabled
  5. Select:
    Allow remote connections to this computer
  6. Click Apply
  7. Click OK

Remote Desktop is now enabled.

Step 2: Enable RDP Using Windows Settings

Another method is through Windows Settings.

  1. Open Settings
  2. Select System
  3. Click Remote Desktop
  4. Turn on
    Enable Remote Desktop
  5. Confirm the prompt

The RDP service will start automatically.

Step 3: Configure Windows Firewall

Remote Desktop requires firewall access.

Open:

Windows Defender Firewall → Permit an app through Windows Firewall

Ensure these are checked:

  • Remote Desktop
  • Private Network
  • Public Network (only if required)

Alternatively:

Windows Defender Firewall

↓

Advanced Settings

↓

Inbound Rules

↓

Enable:

  • Remote Desktop (TCP-In)
  • Remote Desktop (UDP-In)

Step 4: Allow Specific Users

By default, only Administrators can connect.

To add additional users:

  1. Open System Properties
  2. Remote tab
  3. Click Select Users
  4. Click Add
  5. Enter the username
  6. Click Check Names
  7. Click OK

These users can now access the server remotely.

Step 5: Find the Server IP Address

Run Command Prompt:

</> cmd
ipconfig

Look for:

IPv4 Address

Example:

192.168.1.100

For internet access, you may use your server’s public IP address if remote access is configured appropriately.

Step 6: Connect Using Remote Desktop

From another Windows computer:

  1. Press
    Windows + R
  2. Type
    mstsc
  3. Click OK
    Enter:

    • Server IP
    • Username
    • Password

Click:

Connect

You should now access the Windows Server 2019 desktop.

Step 7: Configure Network Level Authentication (NLA)

For better security, enable NLA.

Open:

System Properties

↓

Remote

↓

Check

Enable connections only from computers with Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication

Benefits include:

  • Better authentication
  • Reduced attack surface
  • Protection against unauthorized connections

Step 8: Change the Default RDP Port (Optional)

By default, RDP uses:

3389

changing the port can reduce attempts at automated scanning.

Steps:

1. Open Registry Editor

regedit

Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
System
CurrentControlSet
Control
Terminal Server
WinStations
RDP-Tcp

Modify:

PortNumber

Choose another available port, for example:

3395

Restart the server.

Update firewall rules to allow the new port

Step 9: Configure Remote Desktop Security

For secure RDP access:

  • Use strong passwords
  • Enable Windows Firewall
  • Use Network Level Authentication
  • Limit user permissions
  • Disable unused accounts
  • Keep Windows updated
  • Enable account lockout policies
  • Use VPN access when possible
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) if supported in your environment

Step 10: Enable Remote Desktop Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides a quick method.

</> PowerShell
Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server' -Name "fDenyTSConnections" -Value 0

Enable Firewall:

</> PowerShell
Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"

Restart Remote Desktop Service:

</> PowerShell
Restart-Service TermService

Common RDP Problems and Solutions

1. Remote Desktop Not Enabled

Enable Remote Desktop in System Properties.

2. Firewall Blocking Connection

Verify:

  • TCP Port 3389
  • Firewall rules
  • Network profile

3. Wrong Credentials

Ensure:

  • Correct username
  • Correct password
  • Administrator permission

4. Network Level Authentication Errors

Update the Remote Desktop client or temporarily disable NLA for testing if appropriate for your environment.

5. Port Not Reachable

Check:

  • Router configuration
  • Firewall settings
  • Port forwarding (if connecting over the internet)
  • ISP restrictions

Best Practices for Windows Server 2019 RDP

Follow these recommendations:

  • Use strong administrator passwords
  • Enable automatic Windows updates
  • Disable unused administrator accounts
  • Restrict RDP access to trusted users
  • Monitor login attempts
  • Enable auditing
  • Back up the server regularly
  • Use VPN access for remote administration when possible
  • Avoid exposing RDP directly to the internet whenever feasible

Advantages of Remote Desktop

RDP offers many benefits:

  • Remote administration
  • Faster troubleshooting
  • Easy software installation
  • Secure encrypted sessions
  • Multiple administrative tasks
  • Business continuity
  • Time-saving server management

Conclusion

Configuring RDP on Windows Server 2019 is a straightforward process that enables efficient remote administration. By enabling Remote Desktop, configuring the Windows Firewall, allowing authorized users, and following security best practices like Network Level Authentication and VPN access, you can manage your server safely and effectively. Proper configuration not only improves productivity but also helps protect your server from unauthorized access while providing reliable remote management capabilities.

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