This guide shows how to connect from your Windows PC to your LumaDock Windows Server VPS using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
You only need your VPS IP address, Administrator username, and password.
Before you begin
IMPORTANT: First, make sure you have selected your desired Windows template during the deployment process (and not another template like Ubuntu or Debian):
Then, check the following information, sent in your deployment email:
VPS IP address
Username: Administrator
Password
Also confirm that:
Your VPS is running in the LumaDock dashboard
TCP port 3389 is allowed in your cloud firewall
Connect from your Windows PC
Press Win + R, type mstsc, and press Enter:
In the Computer field, enter your VPS IP address (for example: 203.0.113.10).
Click Connect:
Enter your login details:
Username: Administrator
Password: your VPS password
If you see a certificate warning, click Yes to continue.
Your Windows Server desktop should load.
About the certificate warning
It is normal to see this prompt the first time you connect. As long as the IP address shown matches your VPS, you can safely continue. The warning appears because Windows uses a self-signed certificate until you install your own.
Troubleshooting
If you cannot connect, check the following:
Connection fails or times out:
Ensure the VPS is running in the dashboard
Verify cloud firewall rules allow inbound TCP 3389
Invalid username or password:
Use Administrator as the username
Retype the password carefully (avoid trailing spaces)
If login still fails, open the VNC/Console in the LumaDock dashboard to reset the Administrator password or re-enable Remote Desktop.
Security best practices
Change your Administrator password after the first login
Restrict RDP access to your home IP in the cloud firewall
Keep Windows Server updated for security fixes
Appendix: firewall and service checks
Cloud firewall:
Go to your VPS → Firewall
Allow inbound TCP port 3389 (preferably from your IP only)
Inside Windows Server (via VNC/Console):
powershell # Enable RDP Set-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server' ` -Name fDenyTSConnections -Value 0 # Allow RDP through Windows Firewall Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup 'Remote Desktop'
Quick checklist
VPS IP, Administrator username, and password ready
Run
mstscand connect to the VPS IPAccept the certificate warning
Change your password after login
Limit RDP access with firewall rules