Connecting to Windows Server via RDP on Ubuntu

RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) is Microsoft's remote desktop protocol. It allows you to connect from Ubuntu to a VPS or dedicated server running Windows and fully control it remotely — work in the graphical interface, run applications, edit files, and configure the system.

RDP client for Ubuntu is Remmina — a powerful, open-source remote desktop client that comes pre-installed in most Ubuntu distributions. If Remmina is not installed, run:

sudo apt update 
sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp

Step 1: launch Remmina

Press the Super key (Win) and type Remmina → press Enter.

Launching Remmina via search

Step 2: create a new connection

1. In the main Remmina window, click the + button (add new connection) or select RDP from the protocol dropdown.
2. Fill in the fields (find it in your Fornex personal dashboard → order details):
   • Server — IP address of your server
   • Username — Administrator or another Windows user
   • Password — password for the Windows account
3. Click Save or Connect directly.

New RDP connection form

Step 3: connect

1. In the connection list, select your saved profile and click Connect.

2. On first connection, Remmina will warn you about the server's untrusted certificate. Click Accept — the certificate will be trusted for future connections.

3. You will be logged into the Windows desktop.

Useful Tips

• If connection fails, check:
  • Correct IP address and port (default 3389)
  • RDP is allowed in the Windows firewall (enabled by default)
  • Network Level Authentication (NLA) is enabled — if so, use an administrator account
• For better security, restrict RDP access to your IP only — see the guide: Restricting RDP Access by IP Address.
• Remmina lets you save multiple profiles — create separate ones for each server.