By Ellie / Last Updated March 17, 2023

Why enable Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2019 and 2022?

Remote Desktop makes it possible to access computers remotely for work or other things. Many users have benefited from this feature. It is acknowledged that Remote Desktop in Windows 2019 is disabled by default, which means that we have to enable it manually if we tend to use it.

Windows Server 2019

How do I enable Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2019 and 2022?

In fact, there are several ways to enable Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2019 and 2022. So you can choose one of them that is suitable for you to enable RDP on Server 2019.  After RDP is enabled, you can access the remote server from your local device. 

Method 1. Enable Server 2019 RDP from Server Manager

Step 1. Click on the Start button and you can see Server Manager.

Server Manager

Step 2. Click on “Local Server” on the left in Server Manager window. We can see that Remote Desktop is “Disabled”.

Disabled Server Manager

Step 3. Click on the “Disabled” text to open the “System Properties” window, and then locate on the “Remote” tab.

Step 4. Tick “Allow remote connections to this computer” in the “Remote Desktop” tab.

Allow Remote Connections to This Computer

Step 5. You’ll receive a warning message after the above step, click on "OK".

rdp Firewall Exception

Now, Remote Desktop may still show as "Disabled"; you can refresh or press Control + F5 to refresh to "Enabled".

Enabled Server Manager

Method 2. Allow Remote Desktop on Win Server 2019 from Powershell

If you can't enable RDP  from Server Manager, you can try to enable Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2019 with Powershell. 

Step 1. Search “PowerShell” in the Search box and then select Run as Administrator.

Run Powershell From Search

Step 2. Type the following command and then press the “Enter” key.

☞ Set-ItemProperty-Path 'HKLM:SystemCurrentControlSetControlTerminal Server' -name "fDenyTSConnections" -value 0

Step 3. By default, remote desktop connections are blocked by the Windows Firewall. Execute the following command to configure the firewall to allow remote desktop connections.

☞ Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"

Method 3. Empower Remote Desktop by using Command Line

Here in this part, let's operate the way to enable Remote Desktop on Windows Server with command line. 

Step 1. Search cmd in the search box to open Command Prompt.

CMD

Step 2. Type SystemPropertiesRemote and press the “Enter” key.

Step 3. Now you can see System Properties. Select the “Remote” tab, and choose “ Allow remote connections to this computer” in the “Remote Desktop” box.

Allow Re3mote Connections From CMD

Method 4. Using Group Policy

In addition, Remote Desktop can also be enabled by using Group Policy.

Step 1. Press Win + R and enter “gpedit.msc” to open Group Policy.

Run Box Gpedit

Step 2. Navigation:

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Connections

Step 3. In the right pane, double click on “ Allow users to connect remotely by using Remote Desktop Services.”

Allow Users To Connect Remotely

Step 4. Select “Enabled” and click on “OK”.

Allow Users to Connect Remotely

A free & easy remote access software for 2019: AnyViewer

The feature Remote Desktop provides great convenience for many people, which allows people to control a remote PC without sitting in front of the computer. But we can’t deny that we still need to enable Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2022, 2012 R2 manually.

 If you consider that the process of enabling is too time-consuming, you can also choose a Remote Desktop alternative, like AnyViewer, a free & easy remote access software. It supports Windows Server 2019/2016/2012 R2 and Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, making it possible for you to remote into PCs or Servers anywhere and anytime over the internet. You don’t need to enable or disable any Settings. Now, let’s clarify the concrete instructions.

Before you connect, make sure this two things:

  • Both the local PC and the remote PC are connected to the Internet.
  • Download and install AnyViewer.
Download Freeware Win PCs & Servers
Secure Download

Step 1. Download, install and launch AnyViewer on both computers.

Connect

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.

Free Editions

Step 5. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices, then you can achieve a direct connection by clicking One-click control.

Connect to My Devices

Notes:✎...
It is recommended to upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan. What can a professional or enterprise plan brings to you:
More devices will be allowed to assign to the same account for unattended access.
More connection channels for more devices to be able to start remote connection at the same time.
One device can connect to more devices simultaneously.
Black the remote PC screen and disable the remote keyboard & mouse click to protect privacy.
Transfer 1TB files at 10 MB/s.
Higher image qualities.

 

Conclusion

There are 4 methods to enable “Remote desktop in Windows Server 2019”, such as using manager server, Powershell, Command Prompt, and so on. If you wanna make it easier, you can also resort to the 3rd party software, AnyViewer, which can give you an immersive experience.