RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol. Remote Desktop Protocol enables a communication tunnel between the Terminal Server and the Terminal Server Client. It is critical in today’s digital business world of remote staff as it allows the organization to support remote users efficiently.

Read on to get a basic understanding of RDP—what it is, how it works, RDP best practices, and a few more Remote Desktop Protocol basics. This is not a comprehensive explanation of RDP and its architecture but rather an introduction to RDP along with some helpful details on RDP alternatives, RDP security, and more.

Let’s start with the definition. Remote Desktop Protocol is a Microsoft protocol that provides users with a graphical interface to connect to another computer over a network connection. In essence, it allows remote users to use Windows on a device in another location like they were sitting right in front of it.

Example of RDP real-world use: You are having issues with your work computer and reach out to your company network admin (or Help desk). They will use RDP connections to diagnose the problem and take over to make adjustments on your local computer like they were in your office, with your mouse.

To use RDP, you will need two fundamental things. First, an RDP server, which is a Windows PC you are connecting to, or a server. Either way, it will be the one you will control. The second essential thing you will need is an RDP client, your device with an RDP client app installed. You will use this device to control the Windows PC or server with your mouse and keyboard.

Before we move on, let’s quickly differentiate the meaning of RDP from VPN. Some people think these technologies are similar—they are not.

Who uses RDP?

Network administrators use remote Desktop Protocols to troubleshoot, diagnose and fix problems that individual users encounter. RDP allows remote access to the particular user’s physical desktop computers.

Individual business users can also use an RDP connection to access their computers remotely. They will need to have the Remote Desktop Gateway configured and installed to use it.

How do I enable RDP?

RDP connections are easy to find and access on your computer. Remote Desktop Protocol allows remote capabilities over network connections for Windows-based applications running on a server. To allow access to your PC from a remote device, you can find RDP options under Settings.

When you enable RDP, be aware that you are giving anyone in the administrator’s group and select users access to your computer, so choose wisely.