What is Windows RDP hosting, and who uses it?

By the serverserv team · 5 min read · Updated 15 October 2026

Windows RDP hosting gives you a Windows Server that you use through Remote Desktop, from almost any device. This guide explains what it is, who it suits, how to connect from a Windows PC, a Mac or a phone, and the security basics every RDP server needs.

What Windows RDP hosting is

A Windows RDP server is a virtual server running Windows Server. RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol, Microsoft's way of showing a Windows desktop on another device. You see the server's desktop in a window, and your keyboard and mouse control it as if you were sitting in front of it.

Programs run on the server, not on your device. That means they keep running when you disconnect, and a slow or old computer can still use powerful software.

At serverserv, every Windows RDP plan includes the Windows Server licence, NVMe storage on KVM, and full administrator access so you can install the software you need.

Who uses it

• Remote workers and small teams who want a desktop that is always on and reachable from home, the office or while travelling.
• Businesses with Windows-only software, such as accounting and ERP apps, that need to run somewhere other than a single office PC.
• Traders who run trading terminals such as MetaTrader 4 and 5, or trading bots, on a machine that stays online when their own computer is off.
• Developers who host .NET apps with IIS and SQL Server Express, or test software on Windows Server.
• Mac and Linux users who occasionally need a Windows program without installing Windows themselves.

If your software runs on Linux, a Linux KVM VPS usually costs less for the same resources, because there is no Windows licence to pay for.

How to connect from Windows, Mac and phone

Your welcome email and client area show three things you need: the server's IP address, the username and the password.

• Windows: open the Start menu, search for Remote Desktop Connection, enter the IP address and press Connect. Enter the username and password when asked.
• Mac: install Microsoft's Windows App (previously called Microsoft Remote Desktop) from the App Store. Add a PC with the IP address, then connect with your username and password.
• iPhone and iPad: install Windows App from the App Store and add the server in the same way.
• Android: install Microsoft's remote desktop app from Google Play (Windows App or Remote Desktop, depending on what your store offers) and add the server.

The first time you connect, your app may warn that it cannot verify the server's certificate. This is normal for a new server. Check that the IP address is correct before you continue.

Security basics

Servers that accept Remote Desktop connections from the internet are a common target for automated password-guessing. A few habits keep yours safe:

• Change the password after your first login, and use a long, unique one.
• Keep Windows updated. Install Windows updates regularly and restart when they ask you to.
• Keep Network Level Authentication on, so users must sign in before a full session starts.
• Limit who can connect. If you connect from fixed IP addresses, use Windows Firewall to allow Remote Desktop only from those addresses.
• Use separate accounts for each person instead of sharing one administrator login.
• Install software only from trusted sources, and keep your own backups of important files and settings.

Choosing a Windows RDP plan

All plans include the Windows Server licence and NVMe storage. Prices are per month.

• Windows RDP 1: 1 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 50 GB NVMe, 4 TB bandwidth. For one user with light software. From $15.49/mo on a 3 year term, or $21.99 monthly.
• Windows RDP 2: 2 vCPU, 8 GB RAM, 100 GB NVMe, 8 TB bandwidth. A good default for business apps or several trading terminals. From $22.49/mo on a 3 year term, or $31.99 monthly.
• Windows RDP 3: 4 vCPU, 16 GB RAM, 200 GB NVMe, 15 TB bandwidth. For heavier software and databases. From $38.49/mo on a 3 year term, or $54.99 monthly.
• Windows RDP 4: 8 vCPU, 32 GB RAM, 400 GB NVMe, 40 TB bandwidth. For demanding workloads. From $69.99/mo on a 3 year term, or $99.99 monthly.

Windows uses more memory than a minimal Linux system, so if you are between two sizes, choose the one with more RAM. You can request an upgrade from your client area later. For help with sizing, read how much CPU and RAM you need.

Before you order

• More than one user? The plans include standard administrator remote access. If several people need to work on the server, ask our team before ordering about extra Remote Desktop user licences.
• Trading or latency-sensitive work? Connection speed to your broker or service depends on where the server and that service are. See the product page or ask our team before you order.
• Licences are not refundable. Under our Terms, software licences such as Windows Server are not refundable once active, so check your requirements first.

Questions? Contact our team.

Questions