How to set up VPN for Remote Desktop [Step-by-Step Tutorial]

How do I setup VPN for Remote Desktop?

How to setup a VPN for Remote Desktop [2 cases]

Microsoft provides a free service called Remote Desktop Connection that allows you to remotely connect to any PC on the same network. It is also feasible to do this through the Internet in two ways: setting up port forwarding on your router or establishing VPN connections on the router. This post will go further with how to setup a VPN for Remote Desktop.

Before operations: Make sure your router is compatible with VPN. (You can access your router admin panel to check VPN compatibility and VPN server option) If your router supports the OpenVPN protocol, go to case 1. We strongly recommend using it. Otherwise, you can enable PPTP with the steps in case 2.

Case 1. Set up VPN on routers that support OpenVPN protocol

OpenVPN is a modern and secure protocol that protects you from eavesdroppers and hackers. If your router supports it, we highly advocate utilizing it because it outperforms PPTP. The certificate and private key contained in the config file assure your security. OpenVPN is a good choice for both home and enterprise clients.

Step 1. Open a web browser and log in to your router admin panel. If you don't know the login details, go to check your router's user manual.

Step 2. Locate and click VPN Server > OpenVPN. Check Enable VPN Server, select the Service Type, and enter a VPN Service Port to which a VPN device connects (the port number should be between 1024 and 65535). Under the VPN Subnet/Netmask section, specify the range of IP addresses that the OpenVPN server can lease to the device. Select your Client Access type and click Save.

Step 3. Click Generate to get a new certificate.

Step 4. Click Export to save the OpenVPN config to a safe place.

Step 5. Download the OpenVPN software and install it on your computer.

Step 6. Copy the configuration file to the OpenVPN client utility’s “config” folder. Then you can run the OpenVPN client.

Case 2. Set up VPN on routers that support PPTP protocol

PPTP is one of the earliest protocols and is built into the majority of operating systems. You do not need to install any additional software because you may build a manual PPTP VPN connection using the built-in VPN provider in Windows or the integrated PPTP support of another operating system.

Step 1. Open a web browser and log in to your router admin panel. If you don't know the login details, go to check your router's user manual.

Step 2. Locate and click VPN Server > PPTP VPN. Check Enable VPN Server, fill in the information, and click Save.

Step 3. Open Settings. Click Network & Internet > VPN, and click Add a VPN connection.

Step 4. Set the following:

VPN provider: Windows (built-in).

Connection name: Any display name.

Server name or address: The public IP address of the server computer.

VPN type: Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).

Type of sign-in info: User name and password.

User name (optional)and Password (optional): The account info you entered in the router panel for PPTP.

When complete, check Remember my sign-in info and click Save.

Step 5. Then you select the VPN connection and connect.

Bonus tip: How to perform Remote Desktop over the Internet without VPN

Do you know how to remote into a computer on a different networkwithout a VPN? You may easily accomplish this by turning to a third-party remote control tool. The best one is AnyViewer, allowing you to grant entry to your PC through the Internet with simple steps. No need to set up VPN or port forwarding!

Besides, AnyViewer has the following advanced features:

File transfer. Transfer multiple files between the computers and servers over the Internet without a USB drive or uploading.

Multiple sessions. Control multiple devices simultaneously.

Chat. Exchange messages between computers in the remote session to work more effectively.

Mobile devices control. Access Windows computers from iOS/Android devices and control them with convenient gesture and keyboard operations.

Download AnyViewer on your devices from here!

Step 1. Start AnyViewer on the host. Click Sign up for registration.

Step 2. Enter the information to complete Sign up.

Step 3. Start AnyViewer on the client. Log in to the account you registered.The device will automatically assign when you log in.

Step 4. Click Device. Click the computer you want to take control of, and click One-click control to perform unattended remote access.

Notes:✎... AnyViewer also has specified plans for business purposes. You can select Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy more rights!

More concurrent channels. 

Establish more sessions simultaneously.

Assign more devices to an account.

Access in privacy mode.

Conclusion

After reading this post, you can successfully use VPN for Remote Desktop over the Internet. You can also switch to AnyViewer to establish a remote session from anywhere without VPN or port forwarding.