How to Use Remote Desktop Connection from Outside Network

How to Use Remote Desktop Connection from Outside Network? A Comprehensive Guide

/ Knowledgebase, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Yes, you are able to use the Remote Desktop Connection outside your network, but it needs some configuration to be secure and accessible. To accomplish this, you must usually have port forwarding turned on in your router (usually port 3389 for RDP), you must know your public IP address, and you need to use the Remote Desktop client. To be more secure, however, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a Remote Desktop Gateway can be configured rather than leaving the RDP open to the internet, as open RDP ports are a popular target of cyberattacks.

Why Use a Remote Desktop from Outside Your Network?

Remote Desktop Connection from outside your network can be incredibly beneficial in several scenarios:

  1. Remote Work: Access your office PC from home or while traveling.
  2. IT Support: Allow IT administrators to troubleshoot and manage computers without being physically present.
  3. Access Personal Files: Retrieve important documents or use software on your home computer while on the go.

Prerequisites for Using How to Use Remote Desktop Connection from Outside Network

Before you can use RDC from outside your network, you’ll need to ensure that the following prerequisites are met:

  1. A Stable Internet Connection: Both the remote computer and the client device need a stable internet connection.
  2. Windows Professional or Enterprise Edition: The computer you’re connecting to must be running a version of Windows that supports Remote Desktop (e.g., Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education).
  3. Remote Desktop Enabled: RDC must be enabled on the computer you want to access.
  4. Static IP Address or Dynamic DNS: Since most home networks use dynamic IP addresses, it’s recommended to set up a static IP address or use a Dynamic DNS service to consistently locate your network.

Remote Desktop Can’t Connect to the Remote Computer for One of These Reasons

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on Your Computer

First, you need to enable Remote Desktop on the computer you want to access remotely:

    1. Access System Properties:
      • Press Windows + R, and type sysdm. cpl, and press Enter.
      • Navigate to the Remote tab.
    2. Enable Remote Desktop:
      • Under Remote Desktop, select Allow remote connections to this computer.
      • Confirm the option to require Network Level Authentication (NLA) for added security.
    3. Select Users:
      • Click on Select Users to choose which accounts can connect remotely.
      • Ensure that the user account you intend to use for remote access is listed.

Step 2: Configure Your Router for Remote Desktop

To connect to your computer from outside your network, you’ll need to configure your router to forward the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) port (default is 3389) to the internal IP address of your computer.

    1. Access Router Settings:
      • Open a web browser & enter your router’s IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
      • Log in with your router’s credentials.
    2. Port Forwarding:
      • Navigate to the Port Forwarding part of your router’s settings.
      • Create a new port forwarding rule:
        • Port Range: 3389
        • Protocol: TCP
        • IP Address: The internal IP address of the computer you wish to access (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
    3. Save and Apply:
      • Save the new port forwarding rule and restart your router if necessary.

Step 3: Obtain Your Public IP Address

You’ll need your network’s public IP address to connect from outside your network. You can obtain this by:

    1. Using a Web Service:
      • Visit a website like WhatIsMyIP.com to find your public IP address.
    2. Dynamic DNS (Optional):
      • If your public IP address changes frequently, consider using a Dynamic DNS service like
      • No IP or DynDNS to create a hostname that always points to your current IP address.

Step 4: Connect Using Remote Desktop from Outside Your Network

With your computer and router configured, you’re ready to connect from outside your network.

    1. Open Remote Desktop Connection:
      • On the device you’re connecting from, open the Remote Desktop Connection application.
      • Type mstsc into the Run dialog (Windows + R) or search for Remote Desktop Connection in the Start menu.
    2. Enter the Public IP Address:
      • In the Remote Desktop Connection window, enter your network’s public IP address or Dynamic DNS hostname.
    3. Log In:
      • When prompted, enter the username and password for the account you’ve enabled for remote access on the target computer.
      • Click Connect to initiate the remote session.

Step 5: Enhance Security for Remote Desktop Access

Accessing your computer from outside your network opens up potential security risks. Here are some best practices to secure your Remote Desktop Connection:

    1. Use a VPN:
      • A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds a layer of encryption and hides your IP address, making it much safer to access your network remotely.
      • Set up a VPN server on your router or computer and connect to the VPN before using Remote Desktop.
    2. Change the Default RDP Port:
      • Changing the default RDP port from 3389 to another number can help reduce the risk of brute-force attacks.
      • Edit the registry on your PC to change the port number: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TerminalServer\WinStations\RDP-Tcp\PortNumber.
    3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
      • MFA adds an additional verification step, such as a code sent to your phone, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
    4. Keep Your System Updated:
      • Ensure that your operating system, router firmware, and Remote Desktop client are all up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities.
    5. Limit User Accounts:
      • Only allow specific user accounts to connect via Remote Desktop, and disable the default administrator account.
    6. Use Strong Passwords:
      • Ensure that the accounts used for Remote Desktop access have strong, complex passwords to prevent unauthorized access.

Troubleshooting Remote Desktop Connection Issues

If you encounter problems connecting via Remote Desktop from outside your network, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check Port Forwarding:
    Ensure that port forwarding is correctly configured on your router and that the RDP port is open.
  2. Verify the Public IP Address:
    Confirm that you’re using the correct public IP address or Dynamic DNS hostname.
  3. Firewall Settings:
    Ensure that the Windows Firewall or any third-party firewall on the remote computer does not block the RDP port.
  4. Test with Local Network:
    Try connecting within the local network first to confirm that the Remote Desktop is set up correctly on the computer.
  5. Restart the Remote Computer:
    If all else fails, restarting the remote computer and router can often resolve connectivity issues.

Conclusion

How to use Remote Desktop Connection from outside network can be a powerful tool for remote work, IT support, or personal use. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up and secure your Remote Desktop Connection, ensuring that you can access your computer from anywhere with confidence.

Remember to prioritize security by using a VPN, changing the default RDP port, and implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. With the right configuration and security measures in place, Remote Desktop Connection can be a reliable and secure way to access your computer from anywhere in the world.

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