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Set Up a Windows VPS as an RDP Gateway Server

Last updated on Feb 13, 2025

A Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) allows multiple users to securely access a Windows VPS through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) using encryption and authentication. This guide will walk you through installing, configuring, and securing an RD Gateway server on a Windows Server VPS.

📌 Prerequisites

  • A Windows Server VPS (2016, 2019, or 2022) from VolticHost

  • Administrator access

  • Ports 443 (TCP) and 3389 (TCP) open in the firewall

  • A domain name or static IP (recommended for SSL configuration)

1️⃣ Install Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Role

  1. Open Server Manager (Win + S, type "Server Manager", press Enter).

  2. Click Manage → Add Roles and Features.

  3. Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.

  4. Select your server → Click Next.

  5. Under Server Roles, expand Remote Desktop Services, then check:

    • Remote Desktop Gateway

    • Remote Desktop Licensing

  6. Click Next and complete the installation.

✅ RD Gateway is now installed!

2️⃣ Configure RD Gateway Server

  1. Open Server Manager → Click Remote Desktop Services.

  2. Select RD Gateway Manager.

  3. Right-click your server name → Select Properties.

  4. Under Transport Settings, select:

    • Enable HTTPS port: 443

    • Enable RDP port: 3389

  5. Click Apply and OK.

✅ Your RD Gateway server is now configured!

3️⃣ Configure Windows Firewall for RD Gateway

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall (Win + R, type wf.msc, press Enter).

  2. Click Advanced Settings → Inbound Rules → New Rule.

  3. Select Port, then click Next.

  4. Choose TCP, enter 443, 3389, then click Next.

  5. Select Allow the connection, then click Next again.

  6. Apply to Domain, Private, and Public networks.

  7. Name the rule RD Gateway Ports and click Finish.

✅ Your RD Gateway server is now accessible!

4️⃣ Add Remote Desktop Users

  1. Open Control Panel → System and Security → System.

  2. Click Remote settings (left panel).

  3. Under Remote Desktop, click Select Users.

  4. Click Add → Enter the username of allowed users.

  5. Click OK to save changes.

✅ Users can now access the RD Gateway!

5️⃣ Configure an SSL Certificate for Secure Connections

  1. Open RD Gateway Manager.

  2. Click SSL Certificate → Import a new certificate.

  3. Select your SSL certificate file (.pfx) and enter the password.

  4. Click Apply and OK.

✅ Your RD Gateway is now secured with SSL encryption!

6️⃣ Connect to the RD Gateway from a Remote Client

From Windows PC

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (Win + R, type mstsc, press Enter).

  2. Click Show Options → Advanced → Settings.

  3. Select Use these RD Gateway settings:

    • Server name: Your VPS IP or domain

    • Logon method: Ask for password

  4. Click OK → Enter your credentials → Click Connect.

✅ You are now connected through RD Gateway!

7️⃣ Automate RD Gateway Startup (Optional)

To ensure RD Gateway starts automatically:

  1. Open Task Scheduler (Win + R, type taskschd.msc, press Enter).

  2. Click Create Basic Task (right panel).

  3. Name it Start RD Gateway → Click Next.

  4. Select When the computer starts → Click Next.

  5. Select Start a program → Click Next.

  6. Enter:

    net start TSGateway

  7. Click Finish.

✅ RD Gateway will now start automatically on reboot!

🎉 Conclusion

You've successfully set up a Windows VPS as an RD Gateway server! Your secure RDP connection is now ready for remote access and encrypted communication. 🚀

For more assistance, contact VolticHost Support.