How To Enable Remote Desktop or RDP in VMware – Guiding Tech

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There are multiple methods of connecting to a virtual machine in VMware. You could do it manually, through the VMware Workstation program, orinstall TeamViewer,LogMeIn, or any other remote access software. If you just need access within a local network, and you don’t want to access the host machine every time, it’s really easy toenable standard remote desktop connections.

Enabling remote desktop connections in VMware is done both regularly, through the operating system, and within the VMware network settings. We must set up port forwarding in VMware so the program knows what to do when we request access via remote desktop.

Configure VMware for RDP (Remote Desktop) Connections

VMware first needs to be configured to forward RDP requests to the IP address thevirtual machineis using.

Step 1:Launch the menu itemVM > Settings.

From theHardwaretab, selectNetwork Adapterand chooseNATas the connection type.

Step 2:Search the start menu for command prompt from within the virtual machine. Enteripconfigin the prompt and search for a value following theIPv4 Address. Record this address for later use. Ours is192.168.163.133.

Step 3:Now select the menu itemEdit > Virtual Network Editor.

Select theNATnetwork type and then chooseNAT Settings.

Step 4:From this new prompt, clickAddto include a new port forwarder.

Enter the following information:

Host Port:9997

TheHost Portnumber is simply an open port number. If you’re unsure what number to use, select the one we have here.

Type:TCP

Virtual machine IP address:Enter the IP you recorded in Step 2.

Virtual machine port:3389

This port number is3389by default, but can be changedvia a registry edit. If you’re unaware of any changes, select the one we have here.

Save any open prompts so the configuration changes can take place.

Step 5:The final step is toenable RDP connectionsfrom within the operating system itself.

In Windows 8.1, search forWho can use remotefrom the start menu to narrow down the results.

For Windows 7, search forRemote Desktopfrom the start menu and chooseSelect users who can use remote desktop.

For Windows XP, right-clickMy Computerfrom the start menu and navigate to theRemotesettings.

Choose toAllow remote connections to this computerfor any of these operating systems.

Connect To the Virtual Machine With RDP

Connecting to the VM is the same as with any other computer. OpenMstscfrom the start menu and type the IP address orcomputer nameand pressConnect.

Enter the regular login details to connect, like so:

Conclusion

It’s much easier to connect to a computer of any kind, be in virtual or not, using Windows Remote Desktop. The screen isn’t bogged down by extra menu settings and you can maximize the window and use the machine as if it’s literally in front of you.

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Last updated on 02 February, 2022

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