How to Secure Windows Remote Desktop (RDP): 8 Best Security Tips

Remote Desktop in Windows 11 allows users to access and manage another PC from a different location. However, if it is not configured securely, it can become a target for unauthorized access attempts and cyberattacks. Windows includes several built-in security features that help protect Remote Desktop, such as Network Level Authentication (NLA), Windows Firewall rules, user access controls, and account protection settings. You can also improve RDP security by using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), and connecting through a VPN when accessing a PC remotely. In this guide, you’ll learn how to keep Windows Remote Desktop secure by configuring key security settings, restricting who can connect, and protecting your PC against unauthorized remote access.

Why You Should Secure Windows Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop is a useful feature, but leaving it open without proper security settings can create unnecessary risks. If an attacker finds a Remote Desktop connection exposed to the internet, they may try to gain access by guessing usernames and passwords.

A compromised Remote Desktop account can allow someone to access files, install unwanted software, change system settings, or use the PC for malicious activity. This is why it’s important to secure RDP before using it for remote access.

The goal is not to disable Remote Desktop, but to configure it properly so only trusted users can access your PC.

Fix 1: Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) for Remote Desktop

Network Level Authentication (NLA) adds an extra security check before a Remote Desktop session starts. It requires users to authenticate before connecting to the remote PC and helps prevent unauthorized access attempts.

NLA is enabled by default on most Windows 11 PCs, but you should verify that it is turned on.

1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
2. Open the Remote tab.
3. Under Remote Desktop, select: Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended).
4. Click Apply > OK.

Note: Older Remote Desktop clients may not support NLA. If a device cannot connect after enabling it, check whether the client supports Network Level Authentication.

Fix 2: Use a Strong Password for Remote Desktop Accounts

Remote Desktop security depends on the Windows accounts that are allowed to sign in. If an account uses a weak or reused password, attackers may try to guess it and gain access to your PC. Make sure every account that can connect through Remote Desktop uses a strong, unique password.

Follow these basic password practices:

• Use a password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid common passwords, names, birthdays, or easily guessed information.
• Do not reuse the same password used on other online accounts.
• Remove or disable unused Windows accounts that no longer need Remote Desktop access.

To check which users can access Remote Desktop:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Remote Desktop.
3. Click Remote Desktop users.
4. Remove any accounts that should not have remote access.

Tip: If possible, use a separate Windows account for Remote Desktop instead of sharing an administrator account. This limits the damage if the credentials are ever compromised.

A strong password does not replace other security measures, but it is one of the most important steps to prevent unauthorized Remote Desktop access.

Fix 3: Limit Who Can Access Remote Desktop

Not every Windows account on your PC needs Remote Desktop access. Restricting access to only trusted users reduces the chances of unauthorized connections. Windows allows you to choose which user accounts can connect through Remote Desktop. Review this list regularly and remove accounts that no longer need remote access.

To check Remote Desktop users:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Remote Desktop.
3. Click Remote Desktop users.
4. Review the list of accounts allowed to connect.
5. Select Add to give access to a trusted user or remove accounts that should no longer connect.

You can also check local user accounts:

1. Press Windows + R, type lusrmgr.msc
2. Open Groups. Select Remote Desktop Users.
3. Remove unnecessary accounts from the group.

Note: The Local Users and Groups tool is not available in Windows 11 Home. This step mainly applies to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Keeping the list of Remote Desktop users small helps reduce the number of accounts that could be targeted for unauthorized access.

Fix 4: Keep Windows Firewall Enabled and Configure RDP Rules Properly

Windows Firewall helps control which applications and services can communicate with your computer. For Remote Desktop, the firewall should allow RDP connections while blocking unnecessary network access. When you enable Remote Desktop in Windows 11, Windows usually creates the required firewall rules automatically. However, these rules can be accidentally disabled or altered by security software.

To check Remote Desktop firewall rules:

1. Press Windows + R, type control firewall.cpl and press Enter.
2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click Change settings.
4. Make sure Remote Desktop is allowed.
5. Ensure it is enabled for the correct network profile (Private or Domain, depending on your setup).
6. Click OK.

For advanced users, you can also check the Remote Desktop rules:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Go to Firewall & network protection.
3. Click Advanced settings.
4. Verify that the Remote Desktop inbound rules are enabled.

Tip: Avoid turning off Windows Firewall completely to make Remote Desktop work. If a firewall blocks RDP, allow the required Remote Desktop rule instead.

Keeping firewall protection enabled while allowing only necessary Remote Desktop traffic helps reduce unnecessary exposure.

Fix 5: Avoid Exposing Remote Desktop Directly to the Internet

Remote Desktop is designed for remote access, but exposing it directly to the internet can increase the risk of unauthorized login attempts. Attackers often scan the internet for publicly available RDP connections and try to access them using stolen or guessed credentials.

For safer remote access:

• Use a VPN when connecting to your home or office network from outside.
• Avoid opening Remote Desktop port 3389 directly to the internet unless you understand the security risks.
• If you need remote access for a business environment, consider using solutions such as a Remote Desktop Gateway.

If Remote Desktop is used only within your home or office network, you usually do not need to make it publicly accessible.

To check whether Remote Desktop is exposed:

1. Review your router settings and remove unnecessary port forwarding rules.
2. Make sure you are not forwarding TCP port 3389 to your Windows PC unless required.
3. Use a VPN connection instead of exposing RDP directly whenever possible.

Note: Changing the default RDP port can reduce automated scanning attempts, but it does not replace proper security settings. A strong password, NLA, firewall protection, and limited user access are still required.

Fix 6: Enable an Account Lockout Policy

An account lockout policy helps protect Remote Desktop from repeated password guessing attempts. After a certain number of failed sign-in attempts, Windows temporarily locks the account, making brute-force attacks much more difficult.

To configure an account lockout policy:

1. Press Windows + R, type secpol.msc and press Enter.
2. Go to Account Policies > Account Lockout Policy
3. Double-click Account lockout threshold.
4. Specify the number of invalid sign-in attempts before an account is locked (for example, 5).
5. Windows will automatically suggest values for the Account lockout duration and Reset account lockout counter after settings. Adjust them if needed and click OK.

Note: The Local Security Policy tool is available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Windows 11 Home does not include this management console.

An account lockout policy won’t stop every attack, but it significantly reduces the effectiveness of automated password-guessing attempts against Remote Desktop accounts.

Fix 7: Keep Windows 11 Updated

Microsoft regularly releases security updates that fix vulnerabilities in Windows and improve the security of built-in features, including Remote Desktop. Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Delaying updates can leave your PC exposed to known security issues that have already been patched.

To check for updates:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install any available updates.
5. Restart your PC if prompted.

It’s also a good idea to enable Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available so your computer receives important security updates sooner.

Tip: If you manage multiple computers, keep both the local and remote PCs updated. Using different Windows versions can sometimes cause compatibility or security issues with Remote Desktop.

Installing Windows updates is one of the easiest ways to keep Remote Desktop secure and ensure you have the latest security fixes.

Fix 8: Monitor Remote Desktop Login Attempts

Reviewing Remote Desktop login activity can help you identify unauthorized access attempts or repeated failed sign-ins. Windows records these events in Event Viewer, making it easier to spot suspicious activity.

To view Remote Desktop logon events:

1. Press Windows + X and select Event Viewer.
2. Expand:Windows Logs > Security
3. Look for:
   • Event ID 4624 – Successful logon.
   • Event ID 4625 – Failed logon attempt.
4. Review the date, time, user account, and source network address for unusual activity.

If you notice repeated failed sign-in attempts from unknown IP addresses or accounts, consider:

• Changing the affected account’s password.
• Reviewing the list of users allowed to access Remote Desktop.
• Verifying that Network Level Authentication (NLA) is enabled.
• Checking your firewall and VPN settings.

Tip: If you regularly use Remote Desktop, reviewing the Security log occasionally can help you detect unauthorized login attempts before they become a bigger security problem.

This makes a practical final security step because it helps you verify that your previous security measures are working and alerts you to suspicious activity that may require further action.

Frequently Asked Questions