How to connect to your Windows VPS with Remote Desktop

Before you start

You need three things. All of them are in your FOMZE dashboard. Open Dashboard, then My VPS, and click your server:

• the IP address (sometimes with a port after a colon, for example 203.0.113.10:3389)
• the username, which is Administrator
• the password

Copy the address exactly as shown, including the port if there is one. Your server must be running. If it shows as stopped, start it from the same page and wait a minute.

Connect from Windows

1. Press Windows key + R, type mstsc and press Enter. This opens Remote Desktop Connection.
2. In Computer, paste the IP address from your dashboard (with the port if shown).
3. Click Connect.
4. Enter the username and password from your dashboard, then click OK.
5. If you see a certificate warning, tick "Don't ask me again for connections to this computer" and click Yes. This warning is normal for a new server.

You should now see your Windows Server desktop.

Connect from a Mac

1. Install Windows App (Microsoft's free Remote Desktop app) from the Mac App Store.
2. Open it and click Add, then PC.
3. In PC name, enter the IP address (with the port if shown).
4. Under User account, add your username and password.
5. Save, then double-click the new entry to connect and accept the certificate prompt.

Connect from Android

1. Install Remote Desktop (or Windows App) from Google Play.
2. Tap +, then Add PC.
3. Enter the IP address as the PC name, add your user account, and save.
4. Tap the saved PC to connect.

Connect from an iPhone or iPad

1. Install Windows App from the App Store.
2. Tap +, then Add PC.
3. Enter the IP address as the PC name, add your user account, and save.
4. Tap the saved PC to connect.

A phone screen is small, so for regular work a laptop or desktop is easier. Phones are fine for a quick check.

If you cannot connect

"Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer"

• Check the IP address and port against your dashboard. One wrong digit is the most common cause.
• Make sure the server is running. Restart it from the dashboard and wait two minutes.
• Some office and school networks block Remote Desktop. Try from another network, such as your phone's hotspot.

"Your credentials did not work"

• Copy and paste the password from the dashboard instead of typing it. Passwords are case sensitive.
• Check that the username is Administrator with no extra space at the start or end.

The connection is slow

• Close apps on your own device that use a lot of internet.
• In the Remote Desktop settings, lower the display quality or color depth.
• Choose a server region close to you when you order. See our locations.

Still stuck? Open the chat on the bottom right of any page, or email support@fomze.com. We reply 24/7.

Keep your server safe

• Change the Administrator password after your first login.
• Run Windows Update when you first connect.
• Do not share your password. If you think it has leaked, change it at once.

More answers are in the Help Center.