Remote Desktop Services - A Complete Guide!

This post introduces the definition and benefits of Remote Desktop Services. We also offer you a step-by-step tutorial to establish a Remote Desktop connection from Windows OS and Windows Server. Keep reading to get the tips!

Hester

By Hester / Updated on February 17, 2023

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A brief introduction to Remote Desktop Services

Remote Desktop Services is built into the Microsoft Windows operating system, making it accessible to a large user base. In this post, we will look in depth at Microsoft Remote Desktop Services.

What is RDS?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is a collection of Windows operating system components that each fulfill a specific purpose. It combines several capabilities that allow users remotely access Windows applications and graphical desktops in a Remote Desktop connection.

RDS is primarily targeted at business users. Remote Desktop server end does not support Windows Home/Standard editions. Despite being a Microsoft-centric remote access solution, remote desktop clients for macOS, Android, and iOS devices are also available at the Microsoft store.

RDP Working Principle

Benefits of Remote Desktop Services

Following are the benefits of Remote Desktop Services environment, which may help you better understand its functionalities.

  • Windows applications can be supplied to devices that lack the ability to run them natively. This includes machines with insufficient resources as well as those running different operating systems such as iOS or Android.
  • Rather than upgrading all end-user devices, more computer resources can be delivered to centralized, cloud-based apps that are used remotely to provide increased performance.
  • Data can be saved in the distant end, making it more secure in the case that a user device fails or is stolen.
  • It can decrease the time necessary to configure new user devices by delivering apps and desktops from a master image in the cloud to a device that supports a Remote Desktop client.

How to perform RDS via Remote Desktop [Windows OS / Windows Server]

RDS enables users to connect to Windows devices that support Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol. RDP is a very popular communication protocol that supports communications between remote clients and servers. Microsoft has a built-in RDP platform called Remote Desktop Connection, which offers a convenient way for users to access Windows devices from different locations.

Here in this part, we will respectively cover how to perform RDS via Remote Desktop on Windows OS and Windows Server OS.

✍️Before you start:

Part 1. Enable Remote Desktop on host computer

The steps to enable Remote Desktop on Windows OS and Windows Server are different, follow the guide according to your operating system.

►Enable Remote Desktop on Windows OS

Open Settings > System > Remote Desktop > Turn on Enable Remote Desktop.

Enable Remote Desktop

►Enable Remote Desktop on Windows Server OS

Step 1. Open Server Manager from the Start menu.

Server Manager

Step 2. Click Local Server from the left pane, and click Disabled next to Remote Desktop.

Disabled Server Manager

Step 3. Go to Remote tab, and tick Allow remote connections to this computer.

Allow Remote Connections to this Computer

Step 4. Click OK if you receive the following message.

RDP Firewall Exception

Step 5. Back to Server Manager, press the refresh icon to save the change.

Enabled Server Manager

✍️Note: When you enabled Remote Desktop, we recommend you open the Firewall rights, or your session may be blocked by Windows Firewall.

Step 1. Launch Windows Firewall, choose Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall.

Allow App or Feature

Step 2. Tick Remote Desktop, then click OK.

Tick Remote Deskop

Part 2. Establish a remote session from client

Both Windows OS and Windows Server OS can start a remote connection with the same steps below.

Step 1. On the client computer, search Remote Desktop Connection from the start menu and click Open.

RDC

Step 2. Input the IP address and username of the device you want to connect to, then click Connect.

General Tab

Step 3. Enter your credentials and click OK.

Enter Your Credentials

As we said before, RDP client is also compatible with other operating systems. You can download RDP client app to access Windows computers from Android, iOS, or macOS devices.

Add Desktop Android

Bonus tip: How to easily access remote computer over the Internet

As it is complicated to connect Remote Desktop via Internet, here we will provide you an easier way to access remote computers in different networks without manual settings. AnyViewer, allowing you to establish remote connections in all network conditions.

In addition, AnyViewer has the following advantages over Remote Desktop Connection:

  • Windows Home/Standard editions can use AnyViewer without limitations.
  • Users can enjoy rich features like unattended remote access, flexible file transfer, multiple sessions, etc.
  • Instant chat is available in a remote session.

Download AnyViewer on your devices and let’s start unattended remote access with simple steps.

Download Freeware Win PCs & Servers
Secure Download

Step 1. Start up AnyViewer on host computer, and click Sign up for account registration.

Log in Anyviewer

Step 2. Complete the information and click Sign up.

Sign Up for AnyViewer

Step 3. On client computer, start up AnyViewer, sign in to the same account, and your device will be automaticallyassigned to the account.

Free Editions

Step 4. Go to Device interface, select your home computer from the list, and click One-click control to start a remote session with that device.

Connect to My Devices

Now you can see and take control of the host computer.

Remote Access Operations

AnyViewer also has an iOS and Android app, you can access remote computer from mobile devices in different network environments.

Unattended Remote Control iOS

✍️Tips: You can upgrade to Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy more rights!

The bottom line

After reading this post, you may have a further understanding of Remote Desktop Services and you can easily establish a remote desktop connection whenever you want. Don’t forget to forward the RDP port when your devices are on different networks, or you can use AnyViewer instead.