Free RDP for Testing: Quick and Easy Guide

Introduction

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a powerful tool for accessing and managing remote systems, particularly Windows-based servers and desktops. However, setting up RDP for testing purposes can sometimes be challenging, especially if you’re looking for a free solution. Whether you’re a developer, IT professional, or just someone who needs to test remote access, this guide will walk you through the process of setting up free RDP for testing quickly and easily.

In this article, we’ll cover the steps to enable RDP on a Windows Server, explore free RDP alternatives, and provide tips for securing your remote connections. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a functional RDP setup that you can use for testing purposes.

Enabling RDP on Windows Server

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop

Log in to Your Windows Server: Start by logging in to the Windows Server where you want to enable RDP.
Open System Properties:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter to open the System Properties window.

Enable Remote Desktop:

Navigate to the Remote tab.
Under the Remote Desktop section, select Allow remote connections to this computer.
You can choose to allow connections from any version of Remote Desktop or only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (NLA). For testing purposes, allowing connections from any version is usually fine.

Confirm the Changes:

Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Step 2: Configure the Firewall

Open Windows Firewall:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type wf.msc and press Enter to open the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.

Allow RDP Traffic:

In the left pane, click on Inbound Rules.
In the right pane, click on New Rule.
Select Port and click Next.
Choose TCP and enter 3389 as the specific local port. Click Next.
Select Allow the connection and click Next.
Choose the network locations where the rule applies (Domain, Private, Public) and click Next.
Give the rule a name (e.g., “RDP”) and click Finish.

Step 3: Connect to the Server

Open Remote Desktop Connection:

On your local machine, press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type mstsc and press Enter to open the Remote Desktop Connection client.

Enter the Server Details:

In the Computer field, enter the IP address or hostname of the Windows Server.
Click Connect.

Log in to the Server:

Enter your username and password for the Windows Server.
Click OK to establish the connection.

Free RDP Alternatives for Testing

If you don’t have access to a Windows Server or prefer not to use RDP, there are several free alternatives that you can use for testing purposes.

1. TeamViewer

Overview: TeamViewer is a popular remote desktop solution that offers a free version for personal use. It’s easy to set up and provides a range of features.

Steps to Use TeamViewer:

Download and Install TeamViewer:

Go to the TeamViewer website and download the free version.
Install TeamViewer on both the local machine and the remote server.

Set Up TeamViewer on the Remote Server:

Open TeamViewer on the remote server.
Note the TeamViewer ID and Password.

Connect to the Remote Server:

Open TeamViewer on your local machine.
Enter the TeamViewer ID of the remote server and click Connect.
Enter the Password when prompted.

2. AnyDesk

Overview: AnyDesk is a lightweight remote desktop application that offers fast and reliable connections. It has a free version for personal use.

Steps to Use AnyDesk:

Download and Install AnyDesk:

Go to the AnyDesk website and download the free version.
Install AnyDesk on both the local machine and the remote server.

Set Up AnyDesk on the Remote Server:

Open AnyDesk on the remote server.
Note the AnyDesk Address.

Connect to the Remote Server:

Open AnyDesk on your local machine.
Enter the AnyDesk Address of the remote server and click Connect.
Enter the Password when prompted.

3. Chrome Remote Desktop

Overview: Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote access tool provided by Google. It allows users to access their computers from any device with a Chrome browser.

Steps to Use Chrome Remote Desktop:

Install Chrome Remote Desktop:

Go to the Chrome Remote Desktop website and click Download.
Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension on both the local machine and the remote server.

Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop on the Remote Server:

Open Chrome Remote Desktop on the remote server.
Click Enable remote connections and follow the setup instructions.
Set a PIN for secure access.

Connect to the Remote Server:

Open Chrome Remote Desktop on your local machine.
Select the remote server from the list and enter the PIN to connect.

Securing Your Remote Connections

When setting up RDP or any remote desktop solution for testing, it’s important to ensure that your connections are secure. Here are some best practices:

Use Strong Passwords: Ensure that all user accounts on the remote server have strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA): NLA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to authenticate before establishing an RDP session.
Limit Access: Restrict remote access to specific IP addresses or ranges to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to create a secure tunnel for remote access. This adds an additional layer of encryption and security.
Keep Software Updated: Regularly update both the remote server and any remote desktop software you are using to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Monitor and Audit: Regularly monitor and audit remote connections to detect any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Setting up free RDP for testing doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily enable RDP on a Windows Server or use free alternatives like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop. Whether you’re a developer, IT professional, or just someone who needs to test remote access, these solutions provide a convenient and cost-effective way to get started.

Remember to follow best practices for securing your remote connections to protect your server and data. With the right setup, you can enjoy the benefits of remote desktop access for testing purposes without incurring additional costs.