How to Enable RDP in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Enable RDP in Windows 10 is a powerful tool that allows users to remotely connect to and control a computer over a network connection. In Windows 10, enabling RDP allows you to access your desktop from another computer, providing flexibility for work, troubleshooting, and system management. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps required to enable RDP on Windows 10, as well as address some potential challenges you might encounter during the process.

What is RDP? How to Enable RDP in Windows 10?

It enables users to connect to a Windows computer from another device, viewing and interacting with the desktop as if they were physically sitting in front of it. This tool is especially useful for IT administrators, remote workers, and anyone who needs to access their computer from a different location.

When enabled, RDP provides an interface where the user can remotely access applications, files, and system settings. However, it is important to note that RDP is available only in Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you are using Windows 10 Home, you will not be able to host an RDP session, but you can still connect to another computer using RDP.

Prerequisites for Enabling RDP

Before enabling Remote Desktop, there are a few things you need to check:

1. Windows 10 Edition: As mentioned earlier, RDP functionality is only available in Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you are using Windows 10 Home, you will need to upgrade to one of these versions to use RDP as a host.
2. Network Configuration: If you plan to access your computer over the internet (and not just a local network), you will need to configure your router to forward RDP traffic. This involves opening port 3389, which is the default port used by RDP.
3. User Account Permissions: The account used to access the computer remotely should have sufficient privileges (administrative or standard user). You may need to configure the appropriate permissions for the user account.
4. Firewall Configuration: Windows Defender Firewall may block RDP traffic. You may need to ensure that the firewall is configured to allow RDP connections.

How to Enable RDP in Windows 10

Now that you’ve checked the prerequisites, follow these steps to enable RDP on your Windows 10 machine.

Open System Properties

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select System.
2. In the System window, scroll down and click on Remote Desktop on the left-hand side. Alternatively:
   1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
   2. Type sysdm.cpl and hit Enter. This will open the System Properties window.
   3. Go to the Remote tab.

Enable Remote Desktop

1. In the Remote Desktop section, you will see the option to Enable Remote Desktop. Select the option Allow remote connections to this computer.
2. Confirm the setting: A prompt will appear warning you that enabling remote desktop will allow remote connections. Click on Confirm to proceed.

Choose a Remote Desktop Authentication Level How to Enable RDP in Windows 10

Windows 10 offers two types of RDP connections:

• Network Level Authentication (NLA): This is the more secure option and requires the remote user to authenticate before a session is established.
• Without NLA: This is less secure and not recommended unless you have specific requirements.

To ensure a secure connection, select the option Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended). This will prevent unauthorized users from connecting to your machine.

Step 4: Check Firewall Settings

If you’ve already allowed RDP in the Remote Desktop settings, the firewall should automatically be configured to allow RDP traffic. However, you can double-check or manually enable the RDP rule in the firewall.

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall by typing it into the Start menu.
2. Click Advanced Settings on the left-hand side.
3. Select Inbound Rules.
4. 1st Scroll down to find the rule for Remote Desktop (TCP-In) and ensure it’s enabled.

Step 5: Set Up Users Who Can Connect

By default, all user accounts with administrative privileges are allowed to connect via RDP. However, if you want to grant remote access to specific standard user accounts, you need to add them.

1. In the Remote Desktop settings (or under the Remote tab in System Properties), click on Select Users.
2. Click Add and enter the username of the user you want to grant access to. Then click OK.

Step 6: Ensure RDP Port is Open (For Internet Access)

If you plan to connect remotely from a different network (e.g., over the internet), you need to ensure that the RDP port (3389) is open on your router and properly forwarded to your Windows 10 machine.

1. Log in to your router’s administration page.
2. Find the section on Port Forwarding or Virtual Servers.
3. Forward port 3389 to the internal IP address of your computer.
4. Save the settings.

Step 7: Verify the Connection

To test your RDP setup, try connecting to your Windows 10 machine from another computer using the Remote Desktop Client.

1. On the distant computer, open the Run dialogue by pressing Windows + R.
2. Type mstsc and hit Enter. This opens the Remote Desktop Connection window.
3. Type the IP address of the computer you want to connect to and click Connect.
4. ad Enter your login credentials, and you should be connected to the remote machine.

Step 8: Use Dynamic DNS for External Access (Optional)

If you are accessing your Windows 10 machine over the internet and your IP address is dynamic (i.e., it changes periodically), you can use a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service. This will give you a domain name that points to your machine, making it easier to access even if the IP address changes.

Troubleshooting RDP Connection Issues How to Enable RDP in Windows 10

While enabling RDP is a relatively straightforward process, users may encounter issues. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

1. RDP Not Working After Enabling

• Make sure the local computer and the remote machine are on the same network; or, if accessing via the internet, verify port forwarding is properly set.
• If you are unable to connect, try restarting both the host and client computers.
• Check whether the Remote Desktop Service is running. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and go to the Services tab. Look for TermService and ensure it’s running.

2. Connection Refused or Timeout

• Ensure that the Windows Firewall is not blocking the RDP port (3389).
• Verify that the Public Profile in the Windows Firewall is configured to allow RDP connections.

3. Remote Desktop is Greyed Out

• If the option to enable RDP is greyed out, check the system for Group Policy settings that may restrict RDP access. You can also try enabling RDP via the Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Start menu and navigating to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Session Host, Connections under Remote Desktop Services. Set the policy to Enabled.

4. User Authentication Failures

• If you encounter authentication errors, check that the correct username and password are entered.
• Confirm that the account has permission to access the machine remotely.

Conclusion

How to Enable RDP in Windows 10 Enabling Remote Desktop on Windows 10 provides a robust solution for remotely accessing and managing your system from virtually anywhere. By following the steps outlined above, you can set up RDP on your computer, configure the necessary firewall and port forwarding settings, and ensure secure access to your machine. If you encounter any issues, there are several troubleshooting tips to help you resolve common connection problems.

With RDP, you’ll be able to efficiently manage your Windows 10 PC from afar, whether for work, personal use, or IT support. However, always keep security in mind, especially when exposing RDP to the internet, by using strong passwords and considering additional security measures like VPNs or two-factor authentication.