Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration Windows Server 2008 R2

Hello Dev, welcome to our journal article on Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration for Windows Server 2008 R2. In this article, we will guide you through the configuration of this feature, its benefits, and how it can improve your server management.

What is Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration?

Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration is a Windows Server feature that enables users to connect remotely to a Windows desktop or server. It provides a secure and convenient way to access resources on a remote computer by allowing multiple users to log in and use the same desktop simultaneously.

The Remote Desktop feature is particularly useful for organizations with multiple locations, enabling remote employees or contractors to access network resources from anywhere, as if they were in the same room as the server. It also allows IT administrators to manage servers and desktops without having to physically go to the location of the device.

The Benefits of Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration

The benefits of using Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration include:

Configuring Remote Desktop Session Host on Windows Server 2008 R2

Step 1: Install the Remote Desktop Session Host Role

The first step in configuring Remote Desktop Session Host on Windows Server 2008 R2 is to install the role. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on Start > Administrative Tools > Server Manager.
2. Select Roles > Add Roles.
3. Select Remote Desktop Services, then click Next.
4. Select Remote Desktop Session Host, then click Next.
5. Review the role services and features to be installed, then click Next.
6. Click Install to begin the installation process.

Step 2: Configure Remote Desktop Session Host Settings

After the installation, you will need to configure Remote Desktop Session Host Settings. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on Start > Administrative Tools > Remote Desktop Services.
2. Select Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration.
3. Configure settings, such as User logon mode, Session settings, Licensing mode, and more.
4. Apply changes and click OK.

Step 3: Configure Firewall Settings

To allow Remote Desktop connections to your server, you need to configure firewall settings to open the appropriate port. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on Start > Administrative Tools > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Under Inbound Rules, locate Remote Desktop (TCP-In).
3. Double-click on the rule and select the Scope tab.
4. Configure the IP addresses from which Remote Desktop connections are allowed.
5. Apply changes and click OK.

Step 4: Grant Permissions to Users

Lastly, you need to grant permissions to the users or groups that will be accessing the Remote Desktop Session Host. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on Start > Administrative Tools > Remote Desktop Services.
2. Select Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration.
3. Select Connections on the left-hand side, right-click on RDP-Tcp and select Properties.
4. Under the Security tab, click on Select Users.
5. Add users or groups that will be accessing the Remote Desktop Session Host.
6. Apply changes and click OK.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I enable Remote Desktop Session Host on Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard?

A: Yes, you can enable Remote Desktop Session Host on Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard, but it requires purchasing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs) for users or devices.

Q: Can I enable Remote Desktop Session Host on Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise?

A: Yes, you can enable Remote Desktop Session Host on Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise without purchasing additional RDS CALs. However, you will need to purchase RDS CALs if the number of simultaneous sessions exceeds the default of two.

Q: Can I connect to Remote Desktop Session Host from a Mac computer?

A: Yes, you can connect to Remote Desktop Session Host from a Mac computer using Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac.

Q: What is the default listening port for Remote Desktop?

A: The default listening port for Remote Desktop is TCP 3389.

Q: How many simultaneous remote desktop sessions can Windows Server 2008 R2 support?

A: By default, Windows Server 2008 R2 supports two simultaneous remote desktop sessions. However, you can increase the number of sessions by purchasing RDS CALs.

Conclusion

Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration is a powerful feature of Windows Server 2008 R2 that allows multiple users to connect remotely to a desktop or server. By enabling remote access, organizations can reduce costs, improve productivity, and provide accessibility while maintaining security. We hope this article has helped you understand how to configure Remote Desktop Session Host on Windows Server 2008 R2 and address some frequently asked questions.