Remote Desktop allows remote connections to computers running Windows or Windows Server over the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), listening on port 3389 by default. For security or configuration purposes, you might want to change this listening port. This article provides step-by-step instructions to modify the listening port using the Registry Editor and Windows Firewall.
Important Note: We do not recommend changing the RDP port unless absolutely necessary. Modifying system-level networking settings can create conflicts with other services and may cause connectivity issues if done improperly. Proceed only if you're experiencing RDP access problems due to network restrictions or firewall blocks.
Choosing a Custom Port
You can remap RDP to any unused port except port 3389 (the default). That said, some ports are more reliable than others, especially in restrictive environments.
Recommended Ports:
443 — Commonly open (used for HTTPS traffic)
80 — Also commonly open (used for HTTP traffic)
8443 — Alternate HTTPS port, often allowed
2222, 3390, 5000-5999 — Less common, but may work depending on your environment
These ports are suggested because they are frequently allowed through firewalls and are less likely to be blocked or throttled by corporate proxies.
Caution: Ports 80 and 443 are the standard ports for HTTP/HTTPS web traffic. If your VPS also runs a web server, reverse proxy, or any web-facing application, those ports are likely already in use — remapping RDP onto them can cause conflicts. Only use 80/443 for RDP if you've confirmed nothing else on the VPS needs them, and consider one of the higher, less-common ports (e.g., 8443, 2222, 3390, or a port in the 5000–5999 range) instead.
How to Remap RDP to a New Port
Throughout the steps below, replace <YourNewPort> with the actual port number you chose (e.g., 2222).
Step #1: Modify the RDP Port in the Registry
Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp
Find the value named PortNumber
Right-click → Modify
Choose Decimal, and enter <YourNewPort> (e.g., 443, 8443, etc.)
Click OK and close Registry Editor
Step #2: Open the Port in Windows Firewall
Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
Go to Inbound Rules > New Rule
Select Port, then TCP
Enter <YourNewPort> (the port number you selected)
Allow the connection for all profiles
Name the rule (e.g., "RDP Custom Port") and finish
Step #3: Restart the VPS
Apply the changes by restarting your VPS.
Step #4: Connect Using the New Port
Once your VPS reboots, use your RDP client to connect with:
<Your-VPS-IP>:<YourNewPort>
For example, if your VPS's IP is 203.0.113.10 and you chose port 2222, you'd connect to 203.0.113.10:2222.
Further Reading
For Microsoft's official reference on changing the RDP listening port (including the PowerShell-based method), see Configure the Remote Desktop listening port on Microsoft Learn.
Need Assistance?
Our support team is available 24/7. If you have any questions or run into issues, open a support ticket from your QuantVPS dashboard and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.