Windows VPS

With Remote Desktop Connection: the VPS IP address (port 3389), the Administrator user, and the password you got at delivery (shown once, on the VPS page, Access tab).

1. Client area, your VPS, Access tab (Access information): copy the IP. The password shows only once (Show button), note it down; if lost, reset it from the Settings tab.

2. On Windows: open "Remote Desktop Connection" (Windows + R, type mstsc, then OK). On Mac: Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop) from the App Store.

3. Computer: the VPS IP. User name: Administrator. Paste the password.

4. Accept the certificate warning on first connection: tick "Don't ask me again for connections to this computer", then click Yes.

Client area > My Services > your VPS > Settings, Change root password: on a Windows VPS, the new password applies to the Administrator account.

1. Client area, Services, Manage on your VPS, Settings tab, Change root password.

2. Enter a password (8 characters minimum) or generate one.

3. Reconnect over remote desktop with Administrator and this password.

No, the Windows VPS works without a license: Windows Server runs on a 180-day evaluation period, renewable (rearm). The "Activate Windows" message doesn't stop you from using it. If you have your own key, you can enter it in Windows.

1. To see the time left: open an elevated Command Prompt, run slmgr /dlv.

2. To rearm the period at the end of the evaluation: slmgr /rearm, then restart the VPS.

3. Your own key: Settings, System, Activation, Change product key.

The VNC console shows your VPS's screen in your browser, even when remote desktop or SSH stop responding. You can turn it on for free from the client area, no restart needed.

1. VPS Manager, open your VPS, then the VNC Console tab.

2. First time: click Request activation. It usually takes 2 to 5 minutes and the page refreshes on its own.

3. Click Open console: it opens in a new tab.

Rebuild button on the VPS page, then pick the OS. All data on the VPS is deleted.

1. Copy your data elsewhere first.

2. VPS page, Rebuild, select the Windows system offered.

3. Enter a password or let it generate one, then wait for the install to finish.

VPS page, PTR / Reverse DNS tab: enter the full domain name you want and submit. That name must first point to the VPS IP (A record). Full details are in the Linux VPS fiche, it works the same way.

1. At your registrar, A record: vps.mydomain.com pointing to the VPS IP.

2. Client area > My Services > your VPS > PTR / Reverse DNS, Edit, enter the name, then Submit request. Automatic validation within about ten minutes.

Error 0x204 means your PC can't reach the VPS's remote desktop: the VPS is stopped, Windows is still starting up, or port 3389 is blocked by the Windows firewall. The client area's VNC console lets you check without going through remote desktop.

1. VPS page: check that it's started; if not, Quick actions, Start.

2. Wait 3 to 5 minutes after a start or Windows updates, then try again.

3. Still 0x204: open the VNC console (Client area > My Services > your VPS > VNC Console) and log in with Administrator.

4. In Windows, check that Remote Desktop is enabled and that the firewall allows port 3389.

5. Still stuck: open a ticket with the VPS IP and the exact error message.

Windows updates often take up the CPU and disk for a while. If the VPS stops responding entirely, restart it from the client area.

1. VPS page: check the memory and disk used.

2. Remote desktop not working: Quick actions, Restart.

3. Resources constantly maxed out: upgrade to a higher plan (VPS page, My plan section).