Create a Remote Desktop Connection

Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2

If Remote Desktop is enabled on a server, you can use this procedure to create a new Remote Desktop Connection to connect to the server and manage it remotely. Remote Desktop is disabled by default in Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, and Windows Server 2008 operating systems.

Membership in Remote Desktop Users, or equivalent, is the minimum required to complete this procedure. If the remote computer is a domain controller, you must have the Allow Logon Locally right applied in the Default Domain Controllers Policy. Members of Account Operators, Administrators, Enterprise Admins, Domain Admins, Backup Operators, Print Operators, and Server Operators have the user right to log on locally to a domain controller by default. Review details about using the appropriate accounts and group memberships at Local and Domain Default Groups (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=83477).

To create a new Remote Desktop Connection

  1. On the Start menu, point to Programs or All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.

  2. In Computer, type a computer name or IP address, and then click Connect.

  3. In the Windows Security dialog box, type your password, and then click OK. If you are not logged on with an account that is a member of the Remote Desktop Users, or equivalent, click Use another account, and then provide credentials for the appropriate account.

See Also

Concepts

Enable Remote Desktop