Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows you to connect to your Windows Server 2019 from another device. This is useful for server management, remote assistance, or accessing files and applications without being physically present at the server.

By default, RDP is disabled in Windows Server 2019 for security reasons. This guide will show you how to enable it and give users the necessary permissions.

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Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop in Server Manager

1. Log in to the server using an account with administrator rights.
2. Open Server Manager.
   • You can find it in the Start menu, or it may open automatically after login.
3. In the left panel, click “Local Server”.
4. On the right, find the Remote Desktop section and click the text that says “Disabled”.
5. In the System Properties window:
   • Select “Allow remote connections to this computer”.
   • (Optional) Click “Select Users…” to add other accounts that can connect via RDP.
6. A warning will appear saying this will enable the necessary firewall rules. Click OK.
7. Close the window and refresh Server Manager — the Remote Desktop status should now show Enabled.

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Step 2: Allow RDP Through Windows Firewall (if needed)

In most cases, enabling Remote Desktop in Server Manager will automatically update the firewall rules.
If you still can’t connect, check the firewall settings:

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall from the Start menu.
2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Ensure Remote Desktop is allowed for the appropriate network profiles.

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Step 3: Grant User Permissions for RDP

By default, members of the Administrators group can connect using RDP. If you want to allow other users:

1. Press Windows + R, type compmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Computer Management.
2. Go to Local Users and Groups ? Users.
3. Double-click the user account you want to allow.
4. In the Member Of tab, add the user to the Remote Desktop Users group.
   (This is the standard method; the Dial-in tab is for VPN access, not RDP.)
5. Click OK to save.

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Step 4: Connect to the Server via RDP

Now that RDP is enabled and permissions are set:

1. From another computer, open the Remote Desktop Connection app (mstsc).
2. Enter the IP address or hostname of your Windows Server 2019.
3. Log in using the account you configured.

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? You’ve successfully enabled RDP on Windows Server 2019.
For better security, consider:

• Changing the default RDP port.
• Limiting access to trusted IP addresses via firewall.
• Using strong passwords and enabling Network Level Authentication (NLA).