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Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is the platform of choice for building virtualization solutions for every end customer need, including delivering individual virtualized applications, providing secure mobile and remote desktop access, and providing end users the ability to run their applications and desktops from the cloud.
RDS offers deployment flexibility, cost efficiency, and extensibility—all delivered through a variety of deployment options, including Windows Server 2016 for on-premises deployments, Microsoft Azure for cloud deployments, and a robust array of partner solutions.
Enable RDP in Windows Server 1. Search for Firewall and open 'Windows Firewall and Advanced Security'. Find the rule 'Remote Desktop – User Mode TCP-in' and ENABLE Rule. Remote Desktop Services. Remote Desktop Services ( RDS ), known as Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 and earlier, is one of the components of Microsoft Windows that allows a user to take control of a remote computer or virtual machine over a network connection. RDS is Microsoft 's implementation of thin client. Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is the platform of choice for building virtualization solutions for every end customer need, including delivering individual virtualized applications, providing secure mobile and remote desktop access, and providing end users the ability to run their applications and desktops from the cloud.
Depending on your environment and preferences, you can set up the RDS solution for session-based virtualization, as a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), or as a combination of the two:
- Session-based virtualization: Leverage the compute power of Windows Server to provide a cost-effective multi-session environment to drive your users' everyday workloads.
- VDI: Leverage Windows client to provide the high performance, app compatibility, and familiarity that your users have come to expect of their Windows desktop experience.
Within these virtualization environments, you have additional flexibility in what you publish to your users:
- Desktops: Give your users a full desktop experience with a variety of applications that you install and manage. Ideal for users that rely on these computers as their primary workstations or that are coming from thin clients, such as with MultiPoint Services.
- RemoteApps: Specify individual applications that are hosted/run on the virtualized machine but appear as if they're running on the user's desktop like local applications. The apps have their own taskbar entry and can be resized and moved across monitors. Ideal for deploying and managing key applications in the secure, remote environment while allowing users to work from and customize their own desktops.
For environments where cost-effectiveness is crucial and you want to extend the benefits of deploying full desktops in a session-based virtualization environment, you can use MultiPoint Services to deliver the best value.
With these options and configurations, you have the flexibility to deploy the desktops and applications your users need in a remote, secure, and cost-effective fashion.
Next steps
Windows Server 2016 Terminal Server Setup
Here are some next steps to help you get a better understanding of RDS and even start deploying your own environment:
- Understand the supported configurations for RDS with the various Windows and Windows Server versions
- Plan and design an RDS environment to accommodate various requirements, such as high availability and multi-factor authentication.
- Review the Remote Desktop Services architecture models that work best for your desired environment.
- Start to deploy your RDS environment with ARM and Azure Marketplace.
Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2
You can use a Microsoft Remote Desktop client to connect to a remote PC and your work resources from almost anywhere using just about any device. You can connect to your work PC and have access to all of your apps, files, and network resources as if you were sitting at your desk. You can leave apps open at work and then see those same apps at home - all by using the RD client.
Before you start, make sure you check out the supported configuration article, which discusses the PCs that you can connect to using the Remote Desktop clients. Also check out the client FAQ.
The following client apps are available:
Device | Get the app | Set up instructions |
---|---|---|
Windows | Windows 10 client in the Microsoft Store | Getting started with Remote Desktop client on Windows |
Android | Android client in Google Play | Getting started with Remote Desktop client on Android |
iOS | iOS client in the iTunes store | Getting started with Remote Desktop client on iOS |
macOS | macOS client in the iTunes store | Getting started with Remote Desktop client on Mac |
Configuring the remote PC
To configure your remote PC before accessing it remotely, Allow access to your PC.
Remote Desktop client URI scheme
You can integrate features of Remote Desktop clients across platforms by enabling a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) scheme. Check out the supported URI attributes that you can use with the iOS, Mac, and Android clients.