Posted on by manoj Ghimire

Free RDP Server 2024: What Are Your Options?

Introduction

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is an essential tool for accessing and managing remote systems, particularly Windows-based servers and desktops. However, the cost of licensing and maintaining an RDP server can be a barrier for many users. For those looking to minimize expenses, free RDP servers are an attractive option. But what are the best free RDP server options available in 2024, and how can you make the most of them?

In this article, we’ll explore the top free RDP server options for 2024, their features, limitations, and how to set them up. Whether you’re a developer, IT professional, or casual user, this guide will help you find the best free RDP server solution for your needs.

Top Free RDP Server Options for 2024

1. Windows Server with Built-in RDP

Overview: Windows Server includes built-in RDP capabilities, allowing you to remotely manage the server. While the RDP feature itself is free, you need to have the appropriate licenses for both the server and the clients connecting to it.

Features:

  • Full integration with Windows Server
  • Supports multiple concurrent connections (with appropriate licenses)
  • Advanced security features like Network Level Authentication (NLA)

Pros:

  • Reliable and well-supported
  • Full feature set of RDP
  • Secure connections

Cons:

  • Requires proper licensing
  • Limited to Windows environments

Setup Guide:

  1. Enable Remote Desktop:
  • Log in to your Windows Server.
  • Open the System Properties window (sysdm.cpl).
  • Navigate to the Remote tab and enable Remote Desktop.
  1. Configure Firewall:
  • Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security (wf.msc).
  • Create a new inbound rule to allow RDP traffic on port 3389.
  1. Connect to the Server:
  • Use the Remote Desktop Connection client (mstsc) on your local machine.
  • Enter the server’s IP address or hostname and log in with your credentials.

2. FreeRDP

Overview: FreeRDP is an open-source implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). It allows users to connect to Windows systems using the RDP protocol without needing a Windows license.

Features:

  • Open-source and free to use
  • Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Supports advanced RDP features like clipboard sharing, audio redirection, and more

Pros:

  • Completely free and open-source
  • Highly customizable
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Cons:

  • Requires technical knowledge to set up and configure
  • No graphical user interface (command-line based)
  • Limited support and documentation

Setup Guide:

  1. Download and Install FreeRDP:
  • Visit the FreeRDP GitHub page and download the latest release.
  • Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
  1. Connect to the Server:
  • Open a terminal or command prompt.
  • Use the xfreerdp command to connect to the RDP server. For example:
    bash xfreerdp /v:192.168.1.100 /u:username /p:password

3. RDPWrap

Overview: RDPWrap is a third-party tool that allows you to enable multiple concurrent RDP sessions on Windows 10 and Windows 11, bypassing the default limit of one concurrent session.

Features:

  • Enables multiple concurrent RDP sessions
  • Works on Windows 10 and Windows 11
  • Easy to install and configure

Pros:

  • Free to use
  • Easy to set up
  • Allows multiple users to connect simultaneously

Cons:

  • Not officially supported by Microsoft
  • May require updates to work with new Windows updates

Setup Guide:

  1. Download RDPWrap:
  1. Install RDPWrap:
  • Extract the downloaded files to a directory on your Windows machine.
  • Run install.bat as an administrator to install RDPWrap.
  1. Configure RDPWrap:
  • Open RDPConf.exe to check the status of RDPWrap.
  • Ensure that all components are green and active.
  1. Connect to the Server:
  • Use the Remote Desktop Connection client (mstsc) to connect to your Windows machine.

4. xRDP

Overview: xRDP is an open-source remote desktop protocol server that allows you to connect to Linux systems using RDP. It’s a great option for those who need to access Linux servers remotely.

Features:

  • Open-source and free to use
  • Supports RDP connections to Linux systems
  • Easy to install and configure

Pros:

  • Completely free and open-source
  • Allows RDP access to Linux systems
  • Easy to set up

Cons:

  • Limited to Linux environments
  • Requires some technical knowledge to configure

Setup Guide:

  1. Install xRDP:
  • On your Linux server, run the following commands to install xRDP:
    bash sudo apt update sudo apt install xrdp
  1. Start xRDP Service:
  • Start the xRDP service and enable it to start on boot:
    bash sudo systemctl start xrdp sudo systemctl enable xrdp
  1. Configure Firewall:
  • Allow RDP traffic through the firewall:
    bash sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp
  1. Connect to the Server:
  • Use the Remote Desktop Connection client (mstsc) on your local machine.
  • Enter the server’s IP address and log in with your credentials.

Best Practices for Using Free RDP Servers

When using free RDP servers, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure a secure and reliable experience:

  1. Use Strong Passwords: Ensure that all user accounts on the remote server have strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
  2. Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA): NLA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to authenticate before establishing an RDP session.
  3. Limit Access: Restrict remote access to specific IP addresses or ranges to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
  4. 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.
  5. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update both the remote server and any remote desktop software you are using to protect against known vulnerabilities.
  6. Monitor and Audit: Regularly monitor and audit remote connections to detect any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Free RDP servers can be a valuable resource for accessing and managing remote systems without incurring significant costs. In 2024, options like Windows Server with built-in RDP, FreeRDP, RDPWrap, and xRDP provide a range of features and capabilities to suit different needs.

While free RDP servers offer many benefits, it’s important to be aware of their limitations and follow best practices to ensure a secure and reliable experience. Whether you’re a developer, IT professional, or casual user, understanding the options and limitations of free RDP servers will help you choose the best solution for your needs.

By leveraging the right free RDP server solution and following best practices, you can enjoy the benefits of remote desktop access while minimizing costs and risks.

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