A Guide to Create a User on Windows and Grant RDP Access

Overview

An indispensable tool for administrators and users who need to access and operate computers remotely is Remote Desktop Protocol or RDP. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a new user on a Windows machine and grant them RDP access, ensuring secure and efficient remote management.

Introduction

However, for security and administrative purposes, you might need to create a new user account specifically for RDP access. This guide will cover the entire process, from creating a new user to configuring the necessary settings for remote access.

Benefits of Using RDP

1. Remote Management: Administrators can manage and troubleshoot remote computers without being physically present.
2. Flexibility in Access: Employees may access their workstations from any location, which boosts flexibility and productivity
3. Centralized Control: IT departments can centrally control user permissions and access levels.
4. Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for physical infrastructure and on-site support.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Creating a New User

1. Open Computer Management

• Press Win + X and select Computer Management.

2. Navigate to Local Users and Groups

• In the left pane, expand Local Users and Groups and click on Users.

3. Create a New User

• Right-click on Users and select New User.
• Fill in the user details such as Username, Full Name, Description, and Password.
• Uncheck User must change the password at the next logon if you don’t want the user to change their password immediately.
• Click Create and then Close.

Step 2: Adding the User to the Remote Desktop Users Group

1. Open Computer Management

• If not already open, press Win + X and select Computer Management.

2. Navigate to Remote Desktop Users

• After Local Users and Groups is expanded in the left pane, click Groups.
• Double-click on Remote Desktop Users.

3. Add the User to the Group

• Click on Add.
• Type the username you created earlier and click Check Names to verify.
• To add the user to the Remote Desktop Users group, select OK.

Step 3: Enabling Remote Desktop

1. Open System Properties

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

2. Navigate to Remote Settings

• Click on the Remote tab.

3. Allow Remote Connections

• Under Remote Desktop, select Allow remote connections to this computer.
• Alternatively, uncheck if you need to support previous RDP versions. Only permit connections from machines using Network Level Authentication for Remote Desktop.
• Click Apply and then OK.

Step 4: Configuring Firewall Settings

1. Open Windows Firewall

• Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
• Go to All Control Panel Items > Windows Defender Firewall.

2. Allow Remote Desktop Through Firewall

• Select Allow a programme or feature through Windows Defender Firewall in the left pane.
• Scroll down and ensure that Remote Desktop is checked for Private and Public networks.
• Click OK.

Step 5: Testing RDP Access

1. Obtain the Computer’s IP Address

• Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
• Type ipconfig and press Enter.
• Note the IPv4 Address of the computer.

2. Connect via Remote Desktop

• On another computer, open Remote Desktop Connection (press Win + R, type mstsc, and press Enter).
• Type in the computer’s IP address and select Connect after doing so.
• Log in with the new user credentials you created.

Conclusion

Following these steps, you have successfully created a new user on a Windows machine and granted them Remote Desktop access. This process is useful for managing remote access and ensuring only authorized users can connect to your systems. Always remember to follow best practices for security, such as using strong passwords and enabling Network Level Authentication when possible.

Remote Desktop is a powerful tool for administrators and users, providing flexibility and control over remote systems. You can take full advantage of its capabilities with the right configuration and security measures.

Drop a query if you have any questions regarding RDP and we will get back to you quickly.

About CloudThat

CloudThat is a leading provider of Cloud Training and Consulting services with a global presence in India, the USA, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Specializing in AWS, Microsoft Azure, GCP, VMware, Databricks, and more, the company serves mid-market and enterprise clients, offering comprehensive expertise in Cloud Migration, Data Platforms, DevOps, IoT, AI/ML, and more.

CloudThat is the first Indian Company to win the prestigious Microsoft Partner 2024 Award and is recognized as a top-tier partner with AWS and Microsoft, including the prestigious ‘Think Big’ partner award from AWS and the Microsoft Superstars FY 2023 award in Asia & India. Having trained 650k+ professionals in 500+ cloud certifications and completed 300+ consulting projects globally, CloudThat is an official AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, Microsoft Gold Partner, AWS Training Partner, AWS Migration Partner, AWS Data and Analytics Partner,AWS DevOps Competency Partner, Amazon QuickSight Service Delivery Partner, Amazon EKS Service Delivery Partner, AWS Microsoft Workload Partners, Amazon EC2 Service Delivery Partner, Amazon ECS Service Delivery Partner, AWS Glue Service Delivery Partner, Amazon Redshift Service Delivery Partner, AWS Control Tower Service Delivery Partner, AWS WAF Service Delivery Partner and many more.

To get started, go through our Consultancy page and Managed Services Package, CloudThat’s offerings.