# 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.
***
### 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.
**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.
***
### 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.
**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.
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