Reach your Windows server over RDP from a Windows PC, with or without local printer and USB access in the session.
You reach your Windows server using Remote Desktop (RDP). There are two apps you can use, and the one you pick decides whether your local printers and USB devices are available inside the session.
You will need the connection address (a gateway or domain name, an IP address, or an IP and port together) and the username and password from your welcome email. In the steps below, replace 192.168.1.50 with your server's IP address.
Option A
Remote Desktop Connection (keeps printers and USB devices)
This app is built into Windows. It redirects your locally installed printers and USB scanners into the session, unless the server administrator has turned that off.
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Search the Start menu for Remote Desktop Connection and open it.
It also sits under the Windows Accessories folder in the Start menu.
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Enter the connection address, for example 192.168.1.50, and select Connect.
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Enter your username and password.
Tick Remember me if you want Windows to save them.
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Select OK.
Option B
Remote Desktop app from the store (no printer or USB access)
This app is available from the Microsoft Store, Google Play Store, and Mac App Store. It does not redirect printers or USB devices. The steps below use the Microsoft Store; the other stores work the same way.
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Open the Microsoft Store, search for the Remote Desktop app, and install it.
Then launch it.
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Select Add, then Desktop.
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Enter the connection address, for example 192.168.1.50, and select Save.
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Double-click or tap the saved connection to start the session.
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Enter your username and password and connect.
If you see a certificate warning
You may see a certificate warning when you connect. This depends on how the server was set up and is normal. If you trust the server, tick Don't ask me again for connections to this computer and select Yes to continue.
You are now connected to your server.
