How to Enable Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2019

In the era of connectivity and remote work, having tools that allow you to access and control your servers remotely is essential. One of the most important features of Windows Server is Remote Desktop, which gives you the ability to access your server remotely and manage it efficiently. Below, we explore how to enable and activate Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2019, so you can enjoy all its benefits. If you are new to the platform, you may also want to read our guide on how to configure Windows Server 2019.

The first thing you need to do is access the Server Manager on your Windows Server 2019. You can do this through the Start menu and selecting the Server Manager option from the list of programs. Once the Server Manager window opens, you are ready to get started.

To enable Remote Desktop, follow the instructions below.

• In the Server Manager window, find and select the "Manage" option in the upper-right corner. A menu will appear; click on "Add Roles and Features". This will open the Add Roles and Features Wizard.

• The wizard will guide you through a series of steps. On the "Before you begin" page, you can read relevant information about the process. Click "Next" to continue.

• On the "Installation type" page, select "Role-based or feature-based installation" and click "Next".

• On the "Select Server" page, make sure your server is selected in the list and click "Next".

• On the "Server Roles" page, scroll down until you find "Remote Desktop Services" and tick the box next to it. A pop-up window will appear asking you to add some additional features for Remote Desktop. Click "Add Features" to accept and continue.

• On the "Features" page, you do not need to make any additional selections. Click "Next" to continue.

• On the "Remote Desktop Services" page, different Remote Desktop service roles will be displayed. Select "Remote Desktop Session Host" and "Remote Desktop Administration Tools". A pop-up window will appear asking whether you want to add additional features. Click "Add Features" to accept and continue.

• On the "Installation Summary" page, the selected options will be displayed. Verify that everything is correct and click "Install" to begin installing the selected roles and features.

  The installation process may take a few minutes. Once it finishes, a confirmation window will appear. Click "Close" to close the wizard.

Now that you have enabled Remote Desktop, you need to perform some additional configuration to make sure everything works correctly.

• In the Server Manager window, click on "Tools" in the upper-right corner and select "Remote Desktop Services". The Remote Desktop Services Manager window will open.

• In the Remote Desktop Services Manager window, make sure that "Remote Desktop Session Host Settings" is selected in the left pane. In the right pane, right-click on your server and select "Properties".

• In the Remote Desktop Session Host Properties window, select the "Network Settings" tab and verify that both "Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop" and "Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication" are enabled. This ensures that remote computers can securely access the server.

• If you want to limit the number of simultaneous Remote Desktop sessions, you can do so on the "Sessions" tab. Here you can set the maximum session limit and configure additional options according to your needs.

• Click "OK" to save your changes.

To allow Remote Desktop connections to reach your server, you need to configure the Windows Firewall.

• Open the Control Panel on your server and select "System and Security", then click "Windows Firewall".

• In the Windows Firewall window, select "Advanced Settings" in the left pane.

• In the left pane, click "Inbound Rules" and then select "New Rule" in the right pane.

• The wizard for creating a new rule will open. On the first page, choose "Program" and click "Next".

• On the next page, select "This program path" and click "Browse". Navigate to the location of termsrv.exe on your server (usually C:\Windows\System32 ermsrv.exe) and select the file. Then click "Next".

• Choose "Allow the connection" and click "Next".

• On the "Profile" page, select the network profiles for which you want to allow Remote Desktop connections (for example, "Domain" and "Private"). Then click "Next".

• Finally, on the "Name" page, enter a descriptive name for the rule (for example, "Allow Remote Desktop Connections") and, if desired, provide an additional description. Then click "Finish" to complete the firewall configuration.

Enabling and configuring Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2019 is a straightforward but important process for remotely accessing and managing your server. By following the steps above, you can enable this feature, configure the connection options, and set the necessary rules in the Windows Firewall. To learn more about what makes this platform a great choice, see our article on the advantages of Windows Server 2019 Standard.

Remember that Remote Desktop gives you the flexibility and convenience of managing your server from anywhere, which is especially useful in remote-work environments or when you need to access your server from different locations. However, it is important to maintain the security of your server and apply best practices in terms of passwords, authentication, and firewall settings.

We hope this article has provided you with a clear guide on how to enable Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2019. Remember to consult Microsoft's official documentation or seek additional assistance if you have questions or encounter any specific issues during the process.

Take full advantage of Remote Desktop on your Windows Server 2019 and manage your server efficiently from anywhere!

Best regards,
The Licendi Team