# How to Enable RDP in Windows Server 2012

> URL: https://www.atlantic.net/vps-hosting/how-to-enable-rdp-windows-server-2012/ | Published: 2015-03-19 | Updated: 2024-06-05 | Author: Jose Velazquez

##### Verified and Tested 03/19/2015

### Introduction

In this how-to, we will walk you through How-To Enable RDP in Windows Server 2012.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a protocol expanded by Microsoft that allows you to connect and control another computer via an existing network making it a remote connection.

### Prerequisites

– A Server with Windows Server 2012.

## Enable RDP in Windows Server

Open the **Server Manager** from the taskbar/ Click on **Local Server**/ Locate Remote Desktop under **Properties** which is currently Disabled, and Click on **Disabled.**

![Note the Remote desktop status in the right pane.](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/rdp1-1.jpg)

Local Server

 

The System Properties window will appear. Select Allow remote connections to this computer, and it’s recommended to check the box below.

![Select Allow remote connection to this computer.](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/rdp2-1.jpg)

Properties

 

You can also add specific users in the **Select Users**tab. By default, the administrator is allowed. You can add other users by clicking **Select Users/**Click **Add/**insert a username and click OK.

![You may chose to only allow certain users to access this server remotely](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/rdp3-1.jpg)

Remote Desktop Scope

 

You can now verify that RDP is enabled, and you can see that the status went from **Disabled** to **Enabled**.

![Verify remote desktop is enabled](https://www.atlantic.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/rdp4-1.jpg)

Verify

 

Congratulations! You have just Enabled RDP in Windows Server 2012. Thank you for following along in this How-To. Take a look at the following article – [How to: Custom RDP Port in Windows 2012.](https://www.atlantic.net/vps-hosting/how-to-custom-rdp-port-windows-2012/)

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