[Solved] RDP local network only - How to RDP Over Internet

RDP local network only: How do I access RDP outside my network?

How to use Remote Desktop over the Internet [2 ways]

By default, RDP only functions on the local network. To access Remote Desktop over the Internet, you need to configure RDP port forwarding or set up a VPN. Keep reading to learn how to use Remote Desktop to connect to another computer over the Internet.

✍️Prerequisite:

• Make sure your host computer enabled Remote Desktop.
• Make sure you know the IP address of the host computer.

Way 1. Configure RDP port forwarding

When you can’t connect to Remote Desktop from outside network, you can forward RDP port on your router.

✍️Before you start: Routers offer web-based control panels that can be accessed by opening a web browser and entering the router's IP address. If you don't know the login details, go to check your router's user manual.

Step 1. Open a web browser, type in your router address, and press Enter.

Step 2. Input the information and click Login.

Step 3. When you logged in, go to Port Forwarding/Port Triggering section, and click Add Custom Service.

Step 4. Then enter a name for the service, select "TCP/UDP" or "Both" under Service Type, type in the RDP port number (default 3389), and enter the IP address.

Step 5. Click Apply to save the settings and, if necessary, restart the router. Then you can establish an RDP connection over the Internet.

Way 2. Set up a VPN

If you set up a VPN, you can access RDP outside the network with the VPN connection.

✍️Before you start, make sure you know the required information as follows:

• The VPN server's name or address.
• The type of VPN protocol (SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, PPTP, or IKEv2).
• Login details, such as a username and password.

Step 1. Navigate here: Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, and then click Add a VPN connection.

Step 2. Fill in the required information and then click Save.

Bonus tip: Two easier ways to remote access computer over the Internet

To change the “RDP local network only” limitation, you can also switch to other RDP alternatives that support over-Internet connections without extra settings.

Way 1. Use professional remote desktop software AnyViewer [comprehensive features]

If you need to frequently use a remote desktop program for work purposes, we recommend you use the all-in-one remote desktop solution AnyViewer. It has comprehensive features, for example, unattended remote access, direct file transfer, simultaneous multiple sessions, multiple monitors, etc.

Besides, it offers several considerate options in a remote session to improve your work efficiency, for example, instant chat.

Download AnyViewer on your devices and you can easily set it up with the following steps:

Step 1. Start up AnyViewer on host computer, and click Sign up for account registration.

Step 2. Complete the information and click Sign up.

Step 3. Start up AnyViewer on client computer, log in to the same account, and your device will be automaticallyassigned to the account.

Step 4. Go to Device, select your home computer from the list, and click One-click control to start a remote session with that device.

Now you can see and take control of the host computer.

Note that AnyViewer also has an iOS and Android app, you can access remote computer from mobile devices in different network environments.

Notes:✎...You can upgrade to Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy more rights!

Way 2. Use web-based program Chrome Remote Desktop [limited features]

If you have an installed Google browser and an available Google account, you can conveniently use the Google Chrome Remote Desktop extension to access your computer over the Internet. The downside is that Chrome Remote Desktop has limited features. It only allows remote control and remote support, which means you can not directly transfer files or take on other tasks in the session. It also does not support instant chat.

Step 1. On your computers, open Google Chrome and sign in to the same Google account.

Step 2. Locate Chrome Remote Desktop from Google extensions and click Add to Chrome.

Step 3. When added, click Remote Access from the left, and click the blue download button.

Step 4. Click Accept & Install.

Step 5. Enter a computer name and click Next.

Step 6. Enter and re-enter a PIN code, then click Start.

Step 7. Then you can see the available devices. On the client computer, click the devices you want to connect to.

Step 8. Enter the PIN code of the host computer, and click the blue arrow to start the remote session.

Conclusion

This post introduced how to change the “RDP local network only” limitation. Port forwarding and VPN allows you to RDP into another device outside the network. Besides, there are two easier ways to establish a remote connection over the Internet without extra settings: AnyViewer and Chrome Remote Desktop. Choose the one that fits your demands most. If you need an all-in-one solution, AnyViewer is the best.