How to Configure Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2019

Hello Dev, welcome to our guide on how to configure a remote desktop session host server in Windows Server 2019. Remote Desktop Services allows users to remotely access Windows-based applications or virtual desktops. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know to configure a remote desktop session host server in Windows Server 2019.

Part 1: Installing Remote Desktop Session Host Role

The first step in configuring a remote desktop session host server is to install the Remote Desktop Session Host role. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Server Manager and select Add Roles and Features.
  2. Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
  3. Select the server that you want to configure and click Next.
  4. Select Remote Desktop Services and click Next.
  5. Select Remote Desktop Session Host and click Next.
  6. Click Install to start the installation process.

FAQ

Question
Answer
Do I need to install any additional components for Remote Desktop Services?
No, the Remote Desktop Session Host role installs all the necessary components.
Can I install the Remote Desktop Services role on a domain controller?
It is not recommended to install the Remote Desktop Services role on a domain controller.
Can I install the Remote Desktop Services role on a server that already has other roles installed?
Yes, the Remote Desktop Services role can be installed on a server that already has other roles installed.

Now that you have installed the Remote Desktop Session Host role, let’s move on to the next step.

Part 2: Configuring Remote Desktop Session Host

Once the Remote Desktop Session Host role is installed, you need to configure it. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Server Manager and select Remote Desktop Services.
  2. Click Tasks and select Edit Deployment Properties.
  3. Under the RD Session Host Server tab, select the appropriate licensing mode.
  4. Under the RD Session Host Configuration tab, select the appropriate settings for your environment.
  5. Click Apply and then click OK to save the changes.

FAQ

Question
Answer
What is licensing mode?
Licensing mode determines how clients will be licensed to use Remote Desktop Services.
What are some common settings under RD Session Host Configuration?
Some common settings include session time limits, connection settings, and security settings.
Do I need to configure any firewall rules?
Yes, you need to configure firewall rules to allow remote desktop connections.

You have now configured the Remote Desktop Session Host. Let’s move on to the next step.

Part 3: Configuring Remote Desktop Client Connections

Now that the Remote Desktop Session Host is configured, you need to configure remote desktop client connections. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Server Manager and select Remote Desktop Services.
  2. Click Tasks and select Edit Deployment Properties.
  3. Under the RD Gateway tab, select the appropriate settings for your environment.
  4. Click Apply and then click OK to save the changes.

FAQ

Question
Answer
What is RD Gateway?
RD Gateway provides secure remote access to virtual desktops and RemoteApp programs from outside the corporate network.
What are some common settings under RD Gateway?
Some common settings include configuring SSL certificates, configuring authentication methods, and configuring connection authorization policies.
Do I need to configure any DNS settings?
Yes, you need to configure DNS settings to allow clients to connect to the Remote Desktop Session Host server.
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You have now configured remote desktop client connections. Let’s move on to the next step.

Part 4: Testing Remote Desktop Connection

The final step is to test the remote desktop connection. Follow these steps:

  1. From a remote client computer, open the Remote Desktop Connection application.
  2. Enter the IP address or hostname of the Remote Desktop Session Host server.
  3. Enter the credentials of a user that has permissions to connect to the server.
  4. Click Connect to start the remote desktop session.

FAQ

Question
Answer
What happens if I am unable to connect to the Remote Desktop Session Host server?
You need to ensure that the server is online, firewall rules are configured correctly, and DNS settings are correct.
What are some common issues that can prevent a successful remote desktop connection?
Some common issues include network connectivity issues, incorrect firewall settings, and incorrect DNS settings.
How can I troubleshoot remote desktop connection issues?
You can use the Remote Desktop Services Diagnostics tool to troubleshoot remote desktop connection issues.

You have now configured and tested the remote desktop session host server. Congratulations!