How to Connect to Your Windows Server
You connect to a Windows Server using Remote Desktop (RDP). This gives you a graphical interface of your server — just as if you were sitting right in front of it.
Linux server?
If you want to connect to a Linux server instead, follow the guide Connect to a Linux Server.
Requirements
You need the following connection details. You can find them in your dashboard as well as in the provisioning email of your server:
- IP address of your server
- Username (usually
Administrator) - Password
Establishing the connection
Windows
Open Remote Desktop Connection
Search for Remote Desktop Connection in the Windows Start menu and open it.Alternative
You can instead press
Windows + R, typemstscand confirm withEnter.Enter the IP address
Enter your server's IP address in the Computer field and click Connect.Log in
Enter the username (Administrator) and the password.Password
You can find the password in your dashboard.
Confirm the certificate
On the first connection a certificate warning appears. Confirm it with Yes to establish the connection.
macOS
Install the Windows App
Install the Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop) from the App Store.Add a PC
Open the app, click + and select Add PC. Enter your server's IP address.Log in
Double-click the entry and log in with the username (Administrator) and password.Password
You can find the password in your dashboard.
Linux
Install an RDP client
Install an RDP client such as Remmina (sudo apt install remmina).Create a connection
Open Remmina, select RDP as the protocol and enter your server's IP address.Log in
Connect and log in with the username (Administrator) and password.Password
You can find the password in your dashboard.
Warning
Change the administrator password after your first login to secure your server. Use a long, unique password.
Next steps
- Expand Windows Hard Drive — if not all storage space is assigned to the
C:partition.