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How to Use VPN for Remote Desktop on Windows [Step-by-Step]
5 min. read
Updated onAugust 5, 2024
updated onAugust 5, 2024
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If you need to access your home PC from work or a friend’s computer, you can do this easily by turning toremote desktop software.
Let’s take a look at the best options so you can securely operate your machine from afar:
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How to Set Up VPN for Secure Remote Desktop
1. Allow Remote Desktop connections on the server PC
2. Create a VPN server using your router
OpenVPN is a modern and safe protocol that can truly protect you from eavesdroppers and hackers. If your router supports it, we highly suggest using it because it surpasses PTTP.
Your security is ensured by the certificate and private key included in the config file. OpenVPN is an excellent solution for home and business users alike.
However, it comes with some inconveniences. For example, if you generate a new certificate through your router’s firmware, you have to replace the old certificate from the client device with the new one.
You must also install anOpenVPN client(for free) on every device you wish to use for remote connections.
PPTP is one of the oldest protocols, and it’s native to most platforms. That means that you don’t have to install any additional software since you can create a manual PPTP VPN connection using theWindows 10 built-in VPN provideror the integrated PPTP support of another OS.
Furthermore, since it doesn’t use too many resources, it’s ideal for older computers that can’t take the heat of modern VPN protocols like OpenVPN. Most routers support PPTP but few of them work with OpenVPN.
Unfortunately,PPTP can be easily hacked. In fact, many VPN companies and other security groups consider that PPTP is now obsolete, and they strongly advise against using it. For example, using PPTP VPN in corporations is out of the question.
No matter the option you select above, afterward use Google to find your IP address and write it down.
If you have a dynamic IP address, consider registering for a dynamic DNS server and using it for VPN connections and remote desktop connections. It might be possible to request a static IP address from your ISP or set up a secondary IP address and make it static. Otherwise, devices will not be able to remotely connect to the PC once the IP address changes.
3. Set up a VPN connection on the client PC
IfOpenVPN GUI won’t work on your PC, you can easily diagnose and fix the problem.
If thePPTP connection isn’t working, make sure to troubleshoot the issue.
4. Connect to the server PC
If you’re not a big fan of the built-in RDP app in Windows, you can usethird-party optionssuch asManage Engine Remote Access Plus.
Is it safe to use RDP over Internet?
RDP is frequently updated and has encryption, but your connection is still vulnerable, that’s why it’s recommended you use a VPN.
➡️ Is RDP illegal?
RDP is not illegal, but you have to make sure you don’t break any data privacy policies. That’s if you use RDP for your school or work devices.
➡️ Is RDP secure without VPN?
The Remote Desktop app is secure on its own, but it doesn’t fully protect your data. Many reported having to deal with man-in-the-middle attacks when on a RDP connection.
That’s why using a VPN will help improve your RDP security.
Wrapping up
To summarize, you can remotely connect to another PC using Remote Desktop from anywhere in the world with the help of a VPN and a router that has native support for VPN connections.
It’s a much safer solution than the alternative, where you have to expose the network to the Internet bysetting up port forwarding modeon your router. By connecting to a VPN before making the Remote Desktop connection, you encrypt all data traffic and protect it from any eavesdroppers.
Besides, if you get equipped with a powerful VPN client, you can access blocked websites, evade geoblocks, unblock unavailable Netflix catalogs, reduce your ping while gaming, and much more. If you’re interested in crypto, you can alsouse a VPN for Bitcoin trading and mining.
Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. With a firm grasp of software reviewing and content editing, she is always trying new things to improve her skill set.
Once in a blue moon, she steps aside from the desk to play with her bunny and to water her probably dead plants.
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Elena Constantinescu
Windows Software Expert
Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn’t stopped exploring the tech world since. She’s a software reviewer and content editor.
