What Port Should I Open to Allow Remote Desktop?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a powerful feature that enables users to access their computers remotely. Whether you are working from home or managing multiple servers, RDP allows seamless remote access to Windows-based systems. 

However, to ensure successful connectivity, the appropriate network port must be opened. This guide explains which port to use, how to configure it securely, and the best practices to prevent unauthorized access.

Default Port for Remote Desktop

By default, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) uses port 3389 for communication. This port must be open on the firewall to allow remote connections. However, leaving port 3389 exposed to the internet without proper security measures can make the system vulnerable to cyber threats.

How to Open Port 3389 for Remote Desktop

Follow these steps to open port 3389 and enable RDP access securely.

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on Windows

Before opening the port, ensure that Remote Desktop is enabled on your Windows system.

Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.

Navigate to the Remote tab.

Under Remote Desktop, select Allow remote connections to this computer.

Click OK to save the changes.

Step 2: Configure Windows Firewall to Allow RDP

After enabling Remote Desktop, the next step is to configure the Windows Firewall to allow traffic on port 3389.

Open Control Panel and go to Windows Defender Firewall.

Click on Advanced settings in the left panel.

Select Inbound Rules, then click New Rule.

Choose Port and click Next.

Select TCP and enter 3389 in the Specific local ports field. Click Next.

Select Allow the connection, then click Next.

Choose when the rule applies (Domain, Private, Public) and click Next.

Provide a name for the rule (e.g., Allow RDP 3389) and click Finish.

Step 3: Open Port 3389 on the Router (If Required)

If you are accessing the system remotely over the internet, you may need to configure port forwarding on your router.

Log in to your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

Navigate to Port Forwarding or Virtual Server settings.

Add a new rule:

Protocol: TCP

Port Range: 3389

Internal IP: The local IP address of the target computer

Enable: Yes

Save the settings and restart the router if necessary.

Step 4: Allow RDP Access on Cloud Servers

For cloud-based environments like Cyfuture Cloud, follow these steps:

Log in to your Cyfuture Cloud control panel.

Navigate to Security Groups.

Edit the security group associated with your server.

Add a new inbound rule with:

Protocol: TCP

Port: 3389

Source: Your trusted IP or 0.0.0.0/0 (not recommended for security reasons).

Save the changes and restart the cloud instance if needed.

Enhancing Security for Remote Desktop

Opening port 3389 to the public internet increases security risks. Follow these best practices to secure your Remote Desktop connection:

1. Change the Default RDP Port

Instead of using the default port 3389, change it to a custom port:

Open Registry Editor (Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter).

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp.

Find PortNumber, right-click, and select Modify.

Select Decimal, enter a new port number (e.g., 50000), and click OK.

Restart the computer to apply changes.

2. Use a VPN

For secure remote access, set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to restrict RDP access to internal users only.

3. Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA)

NLA enhances security by requiring authentication before establishing an RDP session. To enable:

Open System Properties (sysdm.cpl).

Under Remote Desktop, check Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication.

Click OK.

4. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Ensure that all remote users have strong passwords and, if possible, implement MFA for added security.

5. Monitor and Restrict Access

Use Windows Event Viewer to monitor remote login attempts. Additionally, restrict access to specific IP addresses in the firewall settings.

Conclusion

Opening the correct port is essential for enabling Remote Desktop access, with port 3389 being the default choice. However, security best practices should always be followed, such as using a VPN, changing the default port, and restricting access to trusted IP addresses. Whether you are configuring RDP on a local network or a cloud server, proper firewall rules and security measures ensure a safe remote connection.

For cloud-based remote desktop solutions with enterprise-grade security and high-performance infrastructure, Cyfuture Cloud offers reliable hosting services. Our platform ensures seamless remote access with advanced security controls, making it an ideal choice for businesses and IT professionals. Get started with Cyfuture Cloud today and experience secure, scalable cloud computing.