> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.neevcloud.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.neevcloud.com/neevcloud-guide/troubleshoot/how-to-access-instances/access-windows-instance.md).

# Access Windows Instance

## Connecting to a Windows Instance via RDP

This guide explains how to retrieve your Administrator password and connect to your NeevCloud Windows instance using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

***

### Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

* A running Windows instance on NeevCloud (Status: **Active**)
* Your SSH private key file (`.pem` or `.key`) used when creating the server
* An RDP client installed on your local machine (e.g., Windows Remote Desktop Connection, Microsoft Remote Desktop for macOS)
* Port **3389** open in your instance's Security Group

***

### Step 1: Confirm Port 3389 is Open

Before connecting, verify that your security group allows inbound RDP traffic.

Go to **Security Groups** in the left sidebar, open the security group assigned to your server, and check that the following rule exists:

| Direction | Protocol | Port Range  | Remote IP |
| --------- | -------- | ----------- | --------- |
| Ingress   | TCP      | 3389 – 3389 | 0.0.0.0/0 |

If the rule is missing, click **+ Add rule** and add it manually.

> **Tip:** The Remote IP `0.0.0.0/0` allows RDP access from **any IP address**. If you want to restrict access to only your machine, replace `0.0.0.0/0` with your specific IP address (e.g., `103.25.48.12/32`). This is recommended for better security, as it prevents unauthorized users from attempting to connect to your server.

<figure><img src="/files/ZCQF8ADaLIEU28oJRaZD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 2: Get the Administrator Password

There are two ways to get the password for your Administrator account.

**Option A — Retrieve Password (using your SSH key)**

This option decrypts the original password set during instance creation.

1. Go to your server's overview page and click **Retrieve Password** under **Server Actions**.
2. In the dialog that appears, click **Upload File** and select your private key file (`.pem` or `.key`).
3. The system decrypts the password locally in your browser — your private key is never sent to the server.
4. Copy the **Decrypted Password** displayed on screen.

<figure><img src="/files/eob3uUqHZXHA2pnDvY1l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Option B — Set a New Password**

Use this option if you do not have your private key or want to reset the password.

1. Click **Password** in the left sidebar of the server page.
2. Enter a new password manually or click **Generate** to create one automatically.
3. Click **Set new password** to apply the change.

> **Note:** After setting a new password, allow a few seconds for the change to take effect before attempting to connect.

<figure><img src="/files/WEm1GFXLm9313Wu4Ljig" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 3: Note Your Server's IP Address

On the server overview page, locate the **IPv4** field. This is the address you will use to connect via RDP.

***

### Step 4: Connect Using an RDP Client

**On Windows:**

1. Press `Win + R`, type `mstsc`, and press **Enter** to open Remote Desktop Connection.
2. In the **Computer** field, enter your server's IPv4 address.
3. Click **Connect**.
4. When prompted, enter the following credentials:
   * **Username:** `Administrator`
   * **Password:** The password from Step 2
5. Accept any certificate warning and click **Yes** to proceed.<br>

<figure><img src="/files/peAAsblkVMChdIGnUrn3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/VSzK9zT8SSi1LCCR4eUM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**On macOS:**

1. Download and open **Microsoft Remote Desktop** from the Mac App Store.
2. Click **Add PC** and enter your server's IPv4 address.
3. Under **User account**, add a new account with username `Administrator` and your password.
4. Save and double-click the connection to connect.

**On Linux:**

Use any RDP client such as **Remmina**:

1. Open Remmina and create a new connection.
2. Set the protocol to **RDP**.
3. Enter the IPv4 address, username `Administrator`, and your password.
4. Click **Connect**.

***

### Summary

| Setting    | Value                               |
| ---------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Protocol   | RDP                                 |
| IP Address | Your server's IPv4 address          |
| Port       | 3389                                |
| Username   | Administrator                       |
| Password   | Retrieved or set from the dashboard |

***

### Troubleshooting

**Cannot connect to the server** Check that port 3389 is open in your Security Group and that the server status is **Active**.

**Password is incorrect** Use the **Retrieve Password** option with your original SSH private key, or reset the password from the **Password** section in the sidebar.

**Connection times out** Confirm the IPv4 address is correct and that your local network does not block outbound RDP traffic on port 3389.