Fourth step: Your username as well as the associated password need to already be included in the user list. A remote desktop connection can only be established with your access data. After successfully logging in, you can see the desktop view of the remote computer.
Dangers of Windows: Firewall and WLAN router
Windows comes as standard with an active firewall that protects your computer from unauthorized access. But this can get in the way of remote support or a remote desktop connection. Since the RDP has its own port (3389) for communicating with other computers, the protection of the firewall is used for communications outside of the network, i.e., over the internet. This means that a connection won’t be able to be established. In order to use a Windows remote desktop, you need to add an exception rule in the firewall settings:
- Click on “Start” and select “Control Panel”.
- Click “System and Security”.
- Under “Windows Firewall” select “Allow a program through Windows Firewall”.
- Click on “Change settings” and click the box next to “Remote desktop”.
- Click on “OK” to apply changes.
The WLAN router can also become a stumbling block and hinder the establishment of a remote connection. Unfortunately, no settings for activating RDP services can be found on the router itself. For that, you have to set up port forwarding in your wireless router. The Windows Remote Desktop Protocol uses TCP-Port 3389. To forward to a router, like one from LinkSys, do the following:
- Select Settings -> Internet -> Port forwarding -> New port in the configuration menu.
- Under “Port forwarding active for” select the “Other applications” option.
- Under “Label” enter “Remote desktop”.
- Under “Protocol” select the setting “TCP”.
- In the “From port” and “On port” fields, enter “3389”.
- Under “On IP address” enter the IP address of the target computer.
- Click on “Apply” to confirm the changes.
- Under Settings -> Advanced settings -> Internet -> Dynamic DNS check the box next to “Use Dynamic DNS”.
- Either activate your LinkSys router or your chosen DynDNS.
- Save the entire configuration under Settings -> Advanced settings -> System -> Save settings.