Setup RDS Server on Windows 10: A Complete Guide for Devs

Greetings Dev, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on how to set up a RDS server on your Windows 10 machine, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of setting up a Remote Desktop Services (RDS) server on your Windows 10 PC. We’ll cover everything from the basics of RDS to the configuration of the server itself. So, let’s get started!

What is Remote Desktop Services?

Before we dive into the setup process, let’s take a moment to understand what Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is all about. RDS is a feature of Windows that allows you to remotely access another computer over a network connection. With RDS, you can log in to a remote computer and use all its resources as if you were sitting right in front of it. This can be incredibly useful for businesses, remote workers, and IT professionals who need to troubleshoot issues on remote computers.

What are the benefits of using RDS?

There are several benefits to using RDS, including:

Setting Up Your RDS Server

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop

The first step in setting up your RDS server is to enable Remote Desktop on your Windows 10 machine. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Windows Start button and type “Remote settings” in the search bar.
2. Click on “Remote Desktop settings” in the search results.
3. In the “Remote Desktop” section, select the “Allow remote connections to this computer” option.
4. Make sure the “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication” option is selected, then click “OK”.

Step 2: Install the RDS Roles

Now that Remote Desktop is enabled on your machine, the next step is to install the RDS roles. Here’s how:

1. Open the Server Manager by clicking on the Windows Start button and typing “Server Manager” in the search bar.
2. Click on “Add roles and features” in the dashboard.
3. Click “Next” on the “Before you begin” screen.
4. Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next”.
5. Select your server from the server pool, then click “Next”.
6. On the “Server Roles” screen, select “Remote Desktop Services” and click “Next”.
7. On the “Select role services” screen, select the role services you want to install, then click “Next”.
8. Click “Install” to begin the installation process.

Step 3: Configure the RDS Server

Now that the RDS roles are installed on your machine, it’s time to configure the server. Here’s how:

1. Open the Server Manager and navigate to the “Remote Desktop Services” section.
2. Click on “Quick Start” and select “Session-based desktop deployment”.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your deployment.
4. Once your deployment is complete, you can configure your RDS server settings by clicking on “Edit Deployment Properties” in the Server Manager.

Step 4: Add Users to the RDS Server

Now that your RDS server is set up and configured, it’s time to add users so they can access it. Here’s how:

1. Open the Server Manager and navigate to the “Remote Desktop Services” section.
2. Click on “Collections” and select the collection you want to add users to.
3. Click on “Tasks” and select “Add RD Session Host Servers”.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to add your server as an RD Session Host.
5. Once your server is added, you can add users by clicking on “Tasks” and selecting “Add RD Session Host Servers”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use RDS to access my home computer from work?

A: Yes, as long as your home computer is running a supported version of Windows and is set up for remote access.

Q: How many users can access my RDS server at once?

A: The number of users who can access your RDS server depends on the number of client access licenses (CALs) you have purchased. Each CAL allows one user to access the server at a time.

Q: Can I use RDS to remotely access a computer running a different operating system?

A: No, RDS can only be used to access computers running a supported version of Windows.

Q: Is RDS secure?

A: RDS can be secure if configured correctly. You should ensure that remote access is only allowed for authorized users and that all connections are encrypted.

Q: Do I need to purchase any additional hardware to set up an RDS server?

A: No, you do not need to purchase any additional hardware to set up an RDS server. However, you may need to upgrade your existing hardware if it does not meet the minimum requirements for RDS.

Q: What is the difference between RDS and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?

A: RDS allows multiple users to access a single server, while VDI allows multiple users to access their own individual virtual desktops. VDI is typically used in environments where users require a high level of customization or isolation.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this guide has helped you set up your RDS server on your Windows 10 PC. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.