> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gcore.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect to a Windows server

Windows servers support Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Retrieve the connection credentials from the [Hosting portal](https://hosting.gcore.com) or the activation email, then connect using Remote Desktop.

On Windows, use the built-in Remote Desktop Connection application. On macOS, download [Remote Desktop](https://apps.apple.com/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466) from the App Store.

## Connection setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to the server list">
    Log in to the [Hosting portal](https://hosting.gcore.com). In the left sidebar, select **Products/Services** → **Virtual private servers** or **Dedicated servers**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the server">
    Check the box next to the server row. The toolbar activates.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Retrieve credentials">
    In the toolbar, click **Instructions**. A page opens with the connection credentials.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore/Y9MX9YpjCW5Qsssb/images/docs/hosting/dedicated-servers/manage/connect/connect-to-a-windows-server/connect-to-a-windows-server-image1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Y9MX9YpjCW5Qsssb&q=85&s=cb21f6ec4c2876ff8696eb1276ed20ee" alt="Virtual private servers list with a server selected and the Instructions button in the toolbar" width="1400" height="382" data-path="images/docs/hosting/dedicated-servers/manage/connect/connect-to-a-windows-server/connect-to-a-windows-server-image1.png" />
    </Frame>

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore/0OOfOyjPF-5NV2E7/images/docs/hosting/dedicated-servers/manage/connect/connect-to-a-windows-server/connect-to-a-windows-server-image2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=0OOfOyjPF-5NV2E7&q=85&s=1f33d238b69da4ff9515ef89cef7cbb4" alt="Instructions page showing the server IP address, username, and password" width="1024" height="256" data-path="images/docs/hosting/dedicated-servers/manage/connect/connect-to-a-windows-server/connect-to-a-windows-server-image2.png" />
    </Frame>

    Note the **IP address**, **Username**, and **Password**. The same credentials appear in the activation email sent after provisioning.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Remote Desktop Connection">
    * **Windows**: press **Win + R**, type `mstsc`, and press **Enter**.
    * **macOS**: open **Remote Desktop** from the App Store.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the server address">
    In the **Computer** field (Windows) or **PC name** field (macOS), enter the IP address from the Instructions page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate and connect">
    Enter the username and password, then click **Connect**. If a certificate warning appears, click **Yes** to proceed. The remote desktop session opens.
  </Step>
</Steps>