Remote Access to a Windows Server

Posted on , updated on by MB313456

This community article was last revised on 16th October 2020.

After ending our cooperation with Microsoft Windows, we no longer offer the OS as part of our pre-installed options, so our customer has to obtain their own license and install the operating system on a VPS or dedicated server by themselves. The following instructions will help you with this – Installation of Windows Server with Virtio.

If you installed Windows on virtual or dedicated servers, it can be managed in two basic ways:

  • Remote Desktop (RDP, Terminal Services) – the usual method of Windows server administration, distant (remote) login to the desktop
  • KVM – distant access to the keyboard, monitor and mouse of the server. It works independently of the operating system and is often used in emergency situations (eg. during the operation system’s crash, network configuration error) and for booting and installing from a CD / DVD

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Windows systems are remotely managed via the RDP protocol by using the Access to a Remote Desktop program. This program is a standard part of every Windows OS. The regular log-in details of Windows users are used for log-in, for example via the Administrator user.

To access the RDP go through the Start > All Programs > Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection, enter the IP address of your server, use the Administrator user and password (see the e-mail about the server establishment).

To connect to RDP via IPv6, it is necessary to enter the address in square brackets, eg [2a02:2b88:1:4::31]

Licence to Use the RDP

The RDP is free to use for server administration (installation and configuration of software, maintenance, etc.). If you, however, want to use the Remote Desktop Protocol for routine work (eg. remote access to office applications), you must purchase a license.

Each RDP Licence is linked to one physical user, so each employee who will access the server remotely will need a license.

KVM (VNC)

KVM (Keyboard-Video-Mouse) is the generic name of the technology for remote access to a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Such access does not depend on the operating system, so it works even when the operating system has crashed. You can also use it to boot the system from a CD/DVD, manage BIOS etc.

VNC is a specific protocol that allows this remote access.

Access via VNC is not intended for daily use, but mainly for dealing with emergency situations due to the failure of the operating system or to install an operating system from a CD/DVD. Use the RDP for routine management.