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Connect with RDP

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows you to connect to and manage your Windows Virtual Machine (VM) from a remote location.

This guide walks you through accessing your Windows VM using RDP by retrieving the username and password from the Instance Overview page, ensuring the password is set from the console, and enabling RDP access through Cloud Portal and the Windows Firewall.

Access the Instance Overview​

In the Overview tab of your Virtual Machine, you will find the Username and a hidden Password.

  • Username: Copy the provided username (e.g., Administrator)
  • Password: Click the 👁️ (eye icon) to reveal and copy the password

Change Password from Console (Before First RDP Login)​

Sometimes, the auto-generated password needs to be reset via console before it can be used with RDP.

  1. Use the Console Access option from the VM menu
  2. Log in using the default username (e.g., Administrator)
  3. When prompted, change the password to something new

Ensure the new password meets complexity requirements (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special characters).

Open RDP Port via Cloud Portal​

Before RDP can work, port 3389 must be mapped correctly using Cloud Portal:

  1. Go to your VM in Cloud Portal.
  2. Navigate to the Networking > Port Forwarding section.
  3. Click Add Rule or Edit Rules.
  4. Set the following values:
    • Public Port: 3389
    • Private Port: 3389
    • Protocol: TCP
    • Private IP: Select the IP assigned to your Windows VM
  5. Save the rule.

This maps the public port to the internal RDP port on your VM.

Launch the RDP Client​

Depending on your local system:

  • Windows:
    • Open Remote Desktop Connection from the Start menu
  • macOS:
  • Linux:
    • Use an RDP client like Remmina

Connect Using RDP​

Follow these steps to connect to your VM:

  1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection tool on your computer

    On Windows: Run mstsc in the Start menu or Command Prompt

  2. Enter the Public IP address of your VM in the Computer field

    (You can find this IP in the Instance Overview)

  3. When prompted, enter the credentials:

    • Username: As retrieved earlier (e.g., Administrator)
    • Password: The one you revealed using the eye icon or changed via console

  4. Click OK to connect.

Complete the Connection​

You now have full access to your Windows VM — just like sitting at the machine:

  • Install software
  • Change system settings
  • Use it like a physical desktop
tip

If you're prompted with a security warning regarding the identity of the remote machine, you can ignore it and proceed by checking "Don't ask me again for connections to this computer" and click Yes.

✅ Conclusion​

Using RDP is a secure and convenient way to manage your Windows VM remotely.
Just make sure:

  • The VM has a Public IP address

  • Port 3389 is forwarded via Cloud Portal

  • RDP is allowed in the firewall

  • You set a valid password from the console

  • Your local network allows outbound RDP (port 3389)

  • Console Access

  • VM Settings