Setting up Remote Desktop Host Configuration Server 2016: A Guide for Devs

Devs, if you’re looking to set up a remote desktop host configuration server 2016, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, from installation to configuration. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional remote desktop host configuration server up and running.

What is a Remote Desktop Host Configuration Server?

Before we dive into the details of setting up a remote desktop host configuration server, let’s first understand what it is. Simply put, a remote desktop host configuration server allows users to connect to a remote desktop session host from a remote location. In other words, it enables remote access to a host computer from another computer or device.

The configuration server acts as a broker between the remote user and the host computer, managing connections and resources to ensure a smooth and secure remote access experience. Now that you have a basic understanding of what a remote desktop host configuration server is, let’s get started with the setup!

Step 1: Install the Required Roles and Features

The first step in setting up a remote desktop host configuration server is to install the required roles and features on the host computer. Here’s how:

Roles	Features
Remote Desktop Services	.NET Framework 3.5 or later
	Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT)

Once you’ve installed these roles and features, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Configure the Remote Desktop Session Host

The next step is to configure the remote desktop session host. Here’s how:

1. Create a Session Collection

A session collection is a group of session hosts that users can connect to. Here’s how to create one:

1. Open the Remote Desktop Services Manager
2. Click on the “Collections” folder
3. Click on “Create Session Collection” in the right-hand pane
4. Follow the prompts to set up the collection

2. Configure User Access

Once you’ve created a session collection, you need to configure user access. Here’s how:

1. Open the “Session Collection Properties” dialog box
2. Click on the “User Groups” tab
3. Add the user groups you want to allow access to the session collection
4. Set the appropriate permissions for each group

With these steps completed, your remote desktop session host is now configured and ready to go.

Step 3: Set Up the Remote Desktop Gateway

The final step in setting up a remote desktop host configuration server is to set up the remote desktop gateway. This component allows users to connect to the session host from outside the organization’s network. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Install the Remote Desktop Gateway Role

First, you need to install the remote desktop gateway role. Here’s how:

1. Open the “Add Roles and Features” wizard
2. Select “Remote Desktop Services Installation”
3. Select “Remote Desktop Gateway” from the list of role services
4. Follow the prompts to complete the installation

2. Configure the Remote Desktop Gateway

Once the role is installed, you need to configure the remote desktop gateway. Here’s how:

1. Open the “Remote Desktop Gateway Manager”
2. Click on “Create New Authorization Policy”
3. Follow the prompts to set up the policy
4. Configure the policy to allow access to the appropriate user groups

With the remote desktop gateway set up, users can now connect to the session host from outside the organization’s network.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I set up a remote desktop host configuration server without a remote desktop gateway?

Yes, you can set up a remote desktop host configuration server without a remote desktop gateway, but users will only be able to connect to the session host from within the organization’s network.

2. How many session hosts can I include in a session collection?

You can include up to 50 session hosts in a session collection.

3. How do I configure session timeout settings?

You can configure session timeout settings in the Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration tool.

4. Can I customize the appearance of the remote desktop gateway login page?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of the remote desktop gateway login page using the Remote Desktop Gateway Manager.

5. Can I use a self-signed SSL certificate for the remote desktop gateway?

Yes, you can use a self-signed SSL certificate for the remote desktop gateway, but it’s recommended to use a trusted SSL certificate for security reasons.

Congratulations, Devs! You’ve now successfully set up a remote desktop host configuration server 2016. We hope this guide was helpful and provided you with all the information you needed to get started. Happy remote desktopping!