3 Top Ways to Access Remote Server from Windows [Tutorial]

How do I connect to a remote server from Windows?

"Hello fellow geeks, please forgive me that I’m a totally new man in the IT domain. I’m heading out of my home for several weeks but I need to use my home PC during that time. That means maybe I need to remote into my home server. But I totally have no idea. How do I access the remote server from Windows?"

3 ways to access remote server from Windows

To remotely access another PC from Windows is not hard actually. There are 3 ways with a step-by-step guide to tell you how to connect to server on Windows 10, 11, 8, 7.

Way 1. Connect to a remote server via AnyViewer

AnyViewer, the remote access software, is strongly recommended for those who need to access remote server from Windows. It has the following advantages.

★Advantages:

☞ With AnyViewer, you can enjoy fast connection speed and low latency. And the flexible methods to connect can also give you good feelings.

☞ Through AnyViewer, you won’t be limited by the same LAN, which truly helps you to remotely access a server from Windows anywhere and anytime.

☞ It is workable for multiple windows versions like Windows  Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2 and Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7.

☞ It will avoid many troubles for you, make your remote session smooth without any pressure.

Click on the link to download AnyViewer.

Note: If you need to access Windows Server from iPhone or iPad, you can download AnyViewer for iOS on your current device.

Step 1. Launch AnyViewer on both computers. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up.

Step 2. Fill in the signup information and sign in to this account on the two computers. 

Step 3. After that, you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer.  And 2 devices will automatically be assigned to the account you’ve logged in to.

Step 4. Then, click "Device", choose the PC that will be accessed and choose "One-click control". Then, you are able to take full control of the remote PC with one click.

Note: If you don’t want to log in to your AnyViewer account on the remote computer, you can choose "Input security code".

Step 1. On the host computer, open AnyViewer and select the “Settings” tab, then click on “Recipient” > “Set my security code”, type in the security code you want, and then click on “Save”. Return to the main interface.

Step 2. On the client PC, input the device ID of the host PC in the Partner ID box, click on “Connect”.

Step 3. On the client PC, a pop-up window will appear, choose the second option and then input the security code and click on “OK”. Then the connection is established.

Note: For the attended access, “Send a Control Request” is also a good way for you.

Way 2. Connect to a remote server via Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop (RDP), a Windows built-in feature, allows you to easily access remote server from Windows but using an IP address if the Remote Desktop of remote PC has been enabled and two servers are on the same network or WLAN. However, the point needs to be mentioned that when the two PCs are not on the same LAN, performing port forwarding is necessary. The method to port forwarding will be shown in the “Bonus tip”. If you need it, just keep reading.

Step 1. Press “Win + R” and then type “mstsc”, click on “OK” to open Remote Desktop Connection.

Step 2. Enter the IP address of the remote PC, and then click on “Connect”.

Step 3. Input the username and the password. Click on “OK”. Now the connection is been established.

Bouns tip: Steps to port forwarding

As we mentioned above, if the 2 servers are not on the same network, you may need to perform port forwarding so that the 2 computers can be connected remotely through the Remote Desktop.

Step 1. Type ipconfig in CMD (as admin) and then locate the Default Gateway.

Step 2. Find the username and password behind the router.

Step 3. Open a web browser. Type your router’s IP address into the address bar. When a privacy warning appears, just click Advanced > Proceed to continue.

Step 4. Next, enter your router’s username and password. 

Step 5. Click on Port Forwarding/Port Triggering on the left pane. Choose Add Custom Service.

Step 6. Then enter the internet IP address of the device you want to port forward, and then click Apply to save the changes.

Step 7. Finally, apply your settings.

Way 3. Connect to remote server via VPN

While you are far away from the remote PC, in most cases, you can also configure the VPN if 2 servers are not on the same network. It’s worthy to mention that the Internet of the remote PC must be changed to private so that the remote PC will be visible to other PC.

Step 1. Press Win + I and to open the “Settings. Select Internet & Network. And then locate on “VPN”. Click Add a VPN Connection.

Step 2. Type the name that you want to use for the connection and the other required details (such as server name or address, VPN type, username, and password). After finishing, click on “Save”.

Step 3. Click the VPN connection that you want to use; then click Connect.

Step 4. Once the connection is established, you receive a confirmation from your PC. Close the Settings window. Now you can use your VPN connection to access remote server from Windows.

Conclusion

3 top ways to access remote server from windows 11, 10, 8, 7 are shown above. After the detailed reading or practicing, you must master it. However, if port forwarding is too complicated for you and VPN connection is not working for you, AnyViewer can make up for those difficulties and bring about more convenience for you.