Your Windows RDP credentials just landed in your inbox. Here's how to actually connect, from whichever device you're using.

From Windows

  • Press Windows key + R, type mstsc, and press Enter to open Remote Desktop Connection.
  • Enter the IP address from your welcome email.
  • Click Connect, then enter the username and password provided.
  • Accept the certificate warning (expected on a fresh instance).

From macOS

  • Install "Windows App" (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop) from the Mac App Store.
  • Add a new PC using your instance's IP address.
  • Enter your credentials when prompted and connect.

From Linux

  • Install remmina or another RDP client from your package manager.
  • Create a new RDP connection profile with your instance's IP address.
  • Enter your credentials and connect.

From iOS or Android

Microsoft's "Windows App" / "Remote Desktop" app is available on both platforms and works the same way — add your instance's IP as a PC, enter credentials, connect.

First thing to do after connecting: Change your password immediately from within Windows (Ctrl+Alt+End to bring up the security screen on RDP), even though your initial one was randomly generated.

A Few Settings Worth Changing Early

  • Set your timezone under Settings > Time & Language.
  • Enable Windows Update if you plan to keep the instance long-term.
  • If multiple people will use the account, set up separate Windows user profiles rather than sharing one login.

Need more concurrent users or more resources than your current plan allows? See our RDP plans for higher tiers.