How to Connect to a SurferCloud Windows VPS Using Remote Desktop (RDP)

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a convenient way to access your Windows VPS hosted on SurferCloud from anywhere. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process—from preparing your server to successfully logging in remotely.

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✅ Prerequisites

Before connecting via RDP, make sure the following are ready:

• A SurferCloud VPS with Windows OS installed (e.g., Windows Server 2016/2019/2022)

Purchase link for the plan shown: https://www.surfercloud.com/promos/vpsoffer.
Please note: make sure to choose a configuration with at least 2 vCPUs and 2 GB RAM; otherwise, the system may fail to run properly.

• Your VPS public IP address
• Your Windows username (typically Administrator)
• Your password (provided after deployment or set by you)

• A local computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux

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? Step 1: Access the Server Console from SurferCloud Panel

Sometimes, initial configuration is needed directly inside the VPS before you can use RDP.

1. Log in to your SurferCloud dashboard
2. Find your active Windows VPS instance
3. Click on the “Connect” or “VNC” button to open a browser-based remote screen

• Wait for the Windows environment to load

This lets you access the VPS before RDP is enabled.

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? Step 2: Enable Remote Desktop on the VPS (If Not Already Enabled)

In most cases, SurferCloud’s Windows templates come with RDP enabled by default. If you're unsure or unable to connect, manually verify the settings:

Option A: Use Server Manager

• Open Server Manager on the VPS desktop
• Click Local Server on the left menu
• Find Remote Desktop in the right panel

• If it shows “Disabled,” click it to open the System Properties window
• Under the Remote tab:
  • Select ✅ Allow remote connections to this computer
  • Optional but recommended: Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA)

Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Option B: Via System Properties

• Right-click This PC on the desktop or start menu → select Display Settings
• Click Remote Desktop on the left
• Enable remote desktop and save the changes

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? Step 3: Confirm Firewall Settings

Ensure Windows Firewall allows RDP connections (TCP port 3389):

• Open ... → Related Product → Configure Security Rules

• Select a firewall rule that allows port 3389 and associate it with the instance. Of course, you can also create a brand-new firewall rule by clicking Add Firewall, and make sure to allow port 3389 in the rule.

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?‍? Step 4: Connect from Your Local Computer

On Windows

• Press Win + R, type mstsc, and hit Enter to launch Remote Desktop Connection
• In the “Computer” field, enter your VPS’s public IP (e.g., 165.154.xxx.xxx)
• Click Connect
• Enter:
  • Username: Administrator
  • Password: your VPS password

• If prompted with a security warning, click Yes to continue.
• At this point, you've successfully connected to your Windows cloud server via Remote Desktop. Check system version and more.

On macOS

• Download Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Mac App Store
• Add a new desktop with your VPS’s IP, username, and password
• Connect and enjoy full graphical access

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? Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
Can't connect	Verify IP address and port 3389 is open
Login failed	Double-check the username/password; reset if necessary
Black screen or timeout	Restart the VPS via control panel
Still not working	Reboot and double-check firewall and RDP status in the console.

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? Tips for Better Security

• ✅ Change the default RDP port (3389) to a non-standard port
• ✅ Restrict RDP access by IP in firewall rules
• ✅ Use complex, strong passwords
• ✅ Enable Windows updates and antivirus protection

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? Summary

Task	Action	Location
Enable RDP	Inside VPS via Console	Windows System Settings
Open firewall port	Inside VPS	Windows Defender Firewall
Connect remotely	From your local PC	RDP client (mstsc or MS Remote Desktop)

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? Example Configuration (SurferCloud VPS)

Plan	CPU	RAM	Storage	Bandwidth	Price
Basic	2 vCPU	4 GB	80 GB RSSD	800GB @ 30Mbps	$8.10/month Link

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Need more help? You can contact SurferCloud Support or open a ticket from your dashboard.