Updated on 2 Jun 2026
A new VPS isn't much use until you know how to log into it. The good news is that connecting to a Virtual Private Server takes a couple of minutes once you know which tool to use, and the tool you need depends on whether your server runs Windows or Linux.
Windows servers expect a Remote Desktop connection, while Linux servers expect SSH. Before walking through both, here's a quick look at what each one does.
What is Remote Desktop Protocol?
Remote Desktop Protocol, or RDP, is a Microsoft protocol that lets you control a computer over a network as if you were sitting in front of it. Once connected, you see the remote desktop in a window on your own machine, and your mouse and keyboard work on the remote system. You can open files, run applications and change settings exactly as you would locally.
RDP is built into every modern version of Windows, which is why it's the standard way to manage a Windows VPS. The same protocol can also be used to connect from a Mac or a Linux machine, as long as you install a compatible client.
What is SSH?
SSH, short for Secure Shell, is an encrypted protocol for connecting to a remote computer using the command line. Instead of a graphical desktop, you get a terminal session. That means you type commands, the server runs them, and you see the output. Everything that passes between your machine and the server is encrypted, which is why SSH is the standard for managing Linux servers and for any task involving sensitive data.
SSH is built into macOS and Linux, and modern versions of Windows now ship with it too. It's lighter and faster than RDP, and a single SSH session is enough to install software, edit configuration files and manage a Linux VPS end to end.
What you'll need before you connect to a VPS
The method you use depends on whether you're running a Windows or Linux VPS, but either way you'll need the same 4 things from your hosting provider before you start. You'll have received them in your provisioning email when the server was set up.
- The VPS IP address (an IPv4 address like 203.0.113.42)
- A username, which is usually Administrator on Windows or root on Linux
- The password, or an SSH private key file if your provider issued one
- The port number, if it isn't the default (3389 for RDP, 22 for SSH)
If any of these are missing or you've lost the email, contact your provider's support team to have them resent or reset. Don't try to guess them. Repeated failed logins can trigger an automatic lockout.
How to connect to a Windows VPS using Remote Desktop
If you're running a Windows VPS, Remote Desktop Protocol is the built-in way to connect to a VPS. RDP was developed by Microsoft to let you control a Windows machine over the network as if you were sitting in front of it, and every Windows VPS comes with it switched on by default. The experience is the same whether you're connecting from a desktop down the hall or from a different country.
Connect from Windows
The Remote Desktop Connection client is built into every modern version of Windows, so there's nothing to install.
1. Open Remote Desktop Connection
Click the Start button and search for Remote Desktop Connection. Select the app when it appears to open it.
2. Enter your VPS IP address
In the Computer field, enter the IPv4 address of your VPS and click Connect. This is the address your provider sent you when the server was provisioned.
3. Enter your credentials
When prompted, enter your username (usually Administrator) and the password from your provisioning email. If you see a certificate warning on the first connection, click Yes to continue. This is normal for a fresh server.
4. Connect to your VPS
You'll now see your VPS desktop in a new window and can use it like any other Windows machine.
Connect from Mac
macOS doesn't include an RDP client out of the box, but Microsoft publishes a free one.
1. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop
Download the Windows App for Mac from the Mac App Store and open it once installed.
2. Add your VPS
Click the + icon in the top right and select Add PC. In the PC name field, enter your VPS IP address. Leave the user account as Ask when required, then click Add.
3. Connect and sign in
Double-click the new entry to start the connection, then enter your Windows VPS username and password when prompted.
Connect from Linux
Most Linux distributions don't ship with an RDP client, so install one first. Remmina is the most common choice and is available in the default repositories for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and most other distros.
1. Install Remmina
On Ubuntu or Debian, install it from the terminal with:
sudo apt install remmina
On Fedora, use sudo dnf install remmina.
2. Configure the connection
Open Remmina, set the connection type to RDP, and enter your VPS IP address in the server field.
3. Connect and sign in
Click Connect, then enter your Windows VPS username and password when prompted.
How to connect to a Linux VPS using SSH
If you have a Linux VPS, you'll connect over SSH. There's no graphical desktop and everything happens in a terminal. But it's faster than RDP and gives you full control of the server from a single VPS SSH session.
Connect from Windows using built-in OpenSSH
You don't need PuTTY for this anymore. Windows 10 (build 1809 and later) and Windows 11 both ship with an OpenSSH client built in, so the simplest method is to open a terminal and use it directly.
1. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt
Click Start, type PowerShell or Command Prompt, and open the app.
2. Run the SSH command
Type the following, replacing the username and IP with your own details:
ssh root@203.0.113.42
3. Verify the server fingerprint
The first time you connect, you'll be asked to verify the server's fingerprint. Type yes and press Enter to continue.
4. Enter your password
Type your password when prompted and press Enter. The cursor won't move as you type, but that's normal. You're now connected to your Linux VPS.
Connect from Windows using PuTTY
If you prefer a graphical client, or if you're managing multiple saved sessions, PuTTY is still a solid choice.
1. Download and open PuTTY
Download PuTTY from the official site, install it and open the app.
2. Enter your VPS details
Enter your VPS IP address in the Host Name field. Leave the port at 22 unless your provider has set a different one, and make sure the connection type is set to SSH.
3. Open the connection
Click Open to start the session. On the first connection, accept the host key when PuTTY prompts you.
4. Sign in
Enter your username (usually root) and password in the terminal window. The password won't show as you type.
Connect from Mac or Linux
Both macOS and Linux have an SSH client built into the terminal, so no extra software is needed.
1. Open Terminal
On macOS, open Terminal from Applications > Utilities. On Linux, open your distribution's terminal app.
2. Run the SSH command
Type the following, replacing the username and IP with your own:
ssh root@203.0.113.42
3. Sign in
Accept the server fingerprint on first connection, then enter your password when prompted.
Using SSH key authentication
Passwords work, but SSH keys are more secure and don't require typing anything once they're set up. A key pair has two halves – a private key that stays on your local machine, and a public key that lives on the server. When you connect, the two are checked against each other.
If your provider gave you a key file, connect with the -i option:
ssh -i /path/to/private_key root@203.0.113.42
If you'd rather generate your own pair, run ssh-keygen in your terminal, then copy the public key (~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub) into the server's ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file. Once that's in place, you can disable password logins entirely for a much tighter setup.
Securing your VPS connection
The default settings work, but they're not the safest defaults. A few small changes make a real difference, especially on a server exposed to the public internet.
- Change the SSH port. Moving SSH from port 22 to a non-standard port cuts down on the volume of automated login attempts hitting your server.
- Disable root login over SSH once you've created a separate admin user. Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config and set PermitRootLogin no.
- Use SSH keys instead of passwords, then set PasswordAuthentication no in the same config file.
- Configure your firewall to only accept connections on the ports you use. On Linux, ufw or firewalld make this straightforward. On Windows, use Windows Defender Firewall to restrict RDP to known IP addresses where possible.
- Keep the server updated. Apply security patches as soon as they're available.
Common connection errors and how to fix them
If you can't connect, the problem is usually one of these:
Connection timed out
The server isn't reachable. Check that the IP address is correct, confirm the server is running in your provider's control panel, and make sure the relevant port (3389 for RDP, 22 for SSH) is open on your firewall.
Connection refused
The server is reachable but isn't accepting connections on that port. The service may be stopped or listen on a different port. Check with your provider.
Authentication failed
Your username or password is wrong. Double-check both, and if you're certain they're right, ask your provider to reset the password. Repeated failures can lock the account temporarily.
Host key verification failed
The server's identity has changed since the last time you connected, usually because the server was rebuilt. Remove the old entry from your local ~/.ssh/known_hosts file and try again.
RDP shows a black screen
Disconnect and reconnect. If it persists, restart the VPS from your provider's control panel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use SSH for both Windows and Linux VPS?
Yes. SSH works on Windows servers too, but you'll need to install OpenSSH Server on the Windows side first. It isn't enabled by default. Most people stick with Remote Desktop for Windows VPS administration because the graphical interface is easier to work with.
What if I've lost my VPS login details?
Contact your hosting provider's support team. They can reset the password or resend the original provisioning email. Don’t try guessing because repeated failed logins can trigger an account lockout.
Do I need a static IP address to connect to my VPS?
No. Your VPS has a static IP, but the device you're connecting from doesn't need one. You can connect from any internet connection. If you've restricted access to specific IP addresses for security, you'll need to update that allow-list when your local IP changes.
Why can't I connect even though my credentials are correct?
The most common cause is a firewall blocking the port. Check that port 3389 (RDP) or port 22 (SSH) is open on both your local network and your VPS. If you've changed the SSH port, make sure you're using the new one in your connection command.
Explore our VPS plans
Your hosting setup affects everything, from page speed and uptime to how much control you have over the server itself. If you're choosing a VPS for the first time or moving from another provider, compare Fasthosts VPS plans to find one that fits your project, or talk to our sales team for help picking the right setup.
Want to learn more about Virtual Private Servers? Two great places to start are our blog posts ‘What is a VPS?’ and ‘What to do with a VPS?’.
