To configure multi-user remote login on a Windows Server, follow these steps:
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Enable Remote Desktop:
- Open Server Manager > Local Server.
- Click Disabled next to Remote Desktop and select Allow remote connections to this computer.
- Ensure Network Level Authentication (NLA) is enabled for better security.
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Add Users to Remote Desktop Users Group:
- Open Computer Management > System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Groups.
- Double-click Remote Desktop Users and click Add.
- Enter the usernames or groups you want to grant remote access to, then click OK.
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Configure Firewall Rules (if needed):
- Ensure Remote Desktop (TCP-In) is allowed in Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
- Go to Inbound Rules > Remote Desktop - User Mode (TCP-In) and verify it’s enabled.
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Adjust Licensing (for more than 2 concurrent users):
- Windows Server allows only 2 concurrent RDP sessions by default. For more users, install the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) role.
- In Server Manager, go to Manage > Add Roles and Features.
- Select Remote Desktop Services Installation and choose Session-based desktop deployment or Virtual machine-based desktop deployment.
- Follow the wizard to complete the setup.
Example:
If you have 5 users needing simultaneous RDP access, install the Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) role, add users to the Remote Desktop Users group, and ensure the RDS licensing server is configured.
For cloud-based Windows Servers (e.g., Tencent Cloud CVM), ensure the security group allows RDP (port 3389) and follow the same steps inside the VM. Tencent Cloud also offers Tencent Cloud Remote Desktop Gateway for enhanced security and centralized management.