Access the RDS Server Environment on Windows Server 2022

Accessing the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environment on Windows Server 2022 involves several steps, depending on whether you are administering the environment or accessing it as a client. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both scenarios:
1. Setting Up Remote Desktop Services (RDS) on Windows Server 2022
Step 1: Install the RDS Role

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Go to Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. Click Next through the wizard until you reach the Server Roles page.
4. Select Remote Desktop Services and click Next.
5. Add the required features if prompted and proceed through the wizard to select the deployment type:
   • Quick Start: For testing or small environments.
   • Standard Deployment: For production use with role separation (Session Host, Connection Broker, Web Access).
6. Configure the roles and deployment settings as required, including licensing.

Step 2: Configure RDS Settings

1. After the role is installed, open Remote Desktop Services from the Server Manager Dashboard.
2. Configure user access, session limits, and resource settings:
   • Open Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration (RDSH).
   • Specify the licensing mode (e.g., per user or per device).
   • Add users or groups allowed to access the RDS environment.

Step 3: Publish Remote Apps or Desktops

1. Use the RemoteApp Manager or Remote Desktop Connection Manager to publish resources (e.g., full desktops or specific apps).
2. Test the setup to ensure clients can connect to the environment.

2. Accessing the RDS Environment as a Client

1. Option 1: Using Remote Desktop Client
   1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app on your local machine:
      • On Windows, press Win + R, type mstsc, and press Enter.
   2. Enter the server's IP address or hostname in the Computer field.
   3. Provide your credentials (username and password).
   4. Click Connect.
2. Option 2: Accessing RemoteApps via Web Access
   1. Open a web browser and navigate to the RD Web Access portal URL (e.g., https://<server_name>/RDWeb).
   2. Log in with your credentials.
   3. Click on the RemoteApps or desktops made available by the RDS administrator.
3. Option 3: Accessing via RD Client App (Cross-Platform)
   1. Download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app:
      • Available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
   2. Add a new remote desktop or workspace.
   3. Enter the server details and credentials.
   4. Connect to the RDS environment.

3. Verifying Connectivity

• Ensure the RDP port (3389) is open on the firewall.
• Use tools like ping or telnet to test connectivity to the RDS server.
• If using a custom port, update the client connection settings accordingly.

4. Licensing and Additional Configuration

• Ensure Remote Desktop Licensing is configured to avoid disconnection after the grace period.
• For high availability or large environments, configure multiple RDS Session Hosts and use a Load Balancer.

Let me know if you need further details or troubleshooting assistance!

In modern Windows Server versions, including Windows Server 2022, this functionality is known as Remote Desktop Services (RDS). Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2022 allows multiple users to connect to the server remotely and use the server's resources as if they were sitting in front of the server. This includes running applications, using network resources, or accessing files, all in their own sessions. The core idea remains the same as it was with Terminal Services, but RDS includes enhancements and new features such as:

• Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH): Allows a server to host multiple, simultaneous client sessions.
• Remote Desktop Virtualization Host (RDVH): Integrates with Hyper-V to host virtual desktops.
• Remote Desktop Connection Broker (RDCB): Manages the connection requests from clients, including reconnection to existing sessions.
• Remote Desktop Gateway (RDG): Enables authorized users to connect to remote desktops, RemoteApp programs, and session-based desktops over the Internet.
• Remote Desktop Web Access (RDWA): Allows users to access RemoteApp and Desktop Connection through the Start Menu or a web browser.
• Remote Desktop Licensing (RDL): Manages the licenses for RDS.

This suite of features in RDS provides a much more comprehensive and flexible environment for remote work and application delivery

The Terminal Server environment uses very little of the local system resources. This allows the local user tremendous flexibility managing his/her applications. In many organizations, users need access to applications on their local computers, but would benefit from access to services provided on a Windows 2000 Server. Users access Terminal Services by opening Terminal Services Client from the Program menu. When a user connects to the Terminal Server, the user environment on the client looks the same as the Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional environment. The fact that the application is not running locally is transparent to the user.

Here's how you can start a terminal session (which connects to a remote desktop) with Windows (RDS) Remote Desktop Services using Windows Server 2022:
Before you start

• Set up Remote Desktop Services: You need to have Remote Desktop Services installed and configured correctly on your Windows Server 2022 machine. This involves setting up the roles and potentially configuring a Remote Desktop Gateway for connections over the internet.
• User Permissions: The user attempting to connect to the remote desktop must have the appropriate permissions to log into the server remotely.

Steps using the standard Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client

1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection client: On your Windows client machine, search for "Remote Desktop Connection" in the start menu or press the Windows Key + R and type "mstsc" in the Run dialog box.
2. Enter the Server Name or IP Address: In the "Computer" field, type the name of the Windows Server 2022 machine you want to connect to. You can also enter the IP address of the server.
3. Click "Connect": You will be prompted to enter your user credentials.
4. Enter User Credentials: Enter the username and password of an account that has permissions to connect to the remote server.
5. Establish the Session: Once your credentials are accepted, the remote desktop session will be established, and you'll see the Windows Server 2022 desktop within a window on your client machine.

Key Points:

• Domain vs. Local Accounts:
  • If logging in with a domain account, you may need to use the format `DOMAIN\username`.
  • For local accounts on the server, use the format `SERVERNAME\username`.
• Firewall: Ensure that any firewall on the Windows Server 2022 machine allows RDP connections (typically port 3389).
• Client Compatibility: Modern Windows versions have the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client built-in.

Additional Notes

• Alternative Clients: There are other RDP clients available for various operating systems, including macOS, iOS, and Android.
• Advanced Configuration: You can customize the RDP session experience with options like resolution, color depth, device redirection, etc. To access these, click "Show Options" in the Remote Desktop Connection client.

The next lesson examines how to establish installation requirements based on the applications and the type of system on which the installation will take place.