Three Ways to Access Windows Server from iPad

Do you want to access your computer files from your iPad? This post mainly introduces three solutions for you to remotely access Windows Server from iPad.

Ellie

By Ellie / Updated on January 31, 2023

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Can an iPad connect to a Windows server?

“I’m traveling to another city and I need to access files stored on my office computer from my iPad. My office computer is running Windows Server 2016 and my iPad is running iOS 15.2.0. Can my iPad connect to a Windows server?”

How to access Windows Server from iPad

If you need to access Windows files from your iPad, you need to first find a way to access Windows Server from iPad. Don't worry, here we provide you with three methods to access the operation. 

Method 1. The iPad built-in Files app

Step 1. On the Windows server, right-click the folder you want to access from the iPad, then choose Properties.

Properties Folder

Step 2. Go to Sharing tab, then click Share.

Sharing Folder

Step 3. Choose people to share with, then click Share.

Sharing User

Step 4. Click Done to finish the process.

Done

Step 5. Open the built-in Files app on your iPad.

Files App

Step 6. Tap on the "triple-dot" icon located at the top-right corner.

Connect to Server

Step 7. Put in the server address and tap Connect.

Server IP Address

Step 8. Choose Guest or Registered User according to the setup on your file server. Enter the username and password, and then tap Next.

Registered User

Step 9. You will now be connected to the shared folder.

Shared Folder

Step 10. You’re able to copy, move, delete, duplicate and rename the files.

Files

Method 2. The Windows built-in Remote Desktop

The second method on how to access desktop from iPad is to use the Windows built-in RD Client.

Step 1. Download RD Client on your iPad.

Download RD Client iPad

Step 2. Click “+” sign.

Add PC

Step 3. Click Desktop to add new desktop.

Add New Desktop

Step 4. Enter the desktop name or IP address.

Desktop Name

Step 5. Click Additional Options to do a little further configuration.

Additional Options

Step 6. You can configure Friendly Name, Gateway, Sound, or choose to enable Swap Mouse Buttons and Admin Mode or not. After configuration, click Desktop.

Add Additional Options

Step 7. Then the desktop of the computer will appear in the main Remote Desktop window.

Remote Desktop

Step 8. If you see a screen telling you that the PC is not verified, tap Accept to continue with the connection. You can also turn on the Don’t ask me again for connection to this computer option if you’d rather not see the message again.

Accept Authentication

Step 9. After you successfully connect your iPad to the Windows server, there will be a menu on the middle top of the screen. You can tap the middle button to open a few Remote Desktop options.

Remote Desktop Menu

Note: This is how to connect iPad to Windows PC. The way to use iPhone to remotely access a PC is pretty much the same as using iPad.

Method 3. Third-party remote desktop software AnyViewer

The third method how to connect an iPad to a network server is to use the free remote desktop software AnyViewer. AnyViewer for Windows version supports multiple Windows systems, from Windows 7 to the latest Windows 11. While AnyViewer for iOS supports iPhone and iPad running iOS 10.0 or later.

Part 1. Enable remote access on Windows computer

Step 1. Download, install and launch AnyViewer on the Windows computer.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Step 2. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)

Log in AnyViewer

Step 3. Fill in the signup information.

Sign Up for AnyViewer

Step 4. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you've logged in to.

Free Editions

Part 2. Achieve unattended remote access on the iPad

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer for iOS on your iPhone, then open it. Log in to the account that you've logged in to the Windows computer on iPad.

Download Freeware iOS 10.0 or later
Secure Download

Log in to AnyViewer iPad

 Step 2. Then all the devices that have been logged in to the same account will be displayed here. Choose the device that you want to control.

My Device iOS

Step 3. Click One-click control to achieve unattended remote access to the specific computer.

Remote Control iPad

Step 4. Then you'll be successfully connecting your iPad to a Windows computer. It supports both vertical and horizontal screens, you can switch freely.

Remote Desktop iPad

Step 5. Click the menu icon, you can also see multiple shortcuts. You can do the adjustments here.

iPad Shortcuts

Conclusion

In this post, we provide you with three methods to access Windows Server from iPad. Firstly, you can use Files App on your iPad to remotely access computer shred folders. Secondly, you can use the Windows built-in Remote Desktop to remotely control a computer. Finally, you can use the free third-party remote software AnyViewer to remotely access another Windows PC from anywhere.