Get Free RDP Today
Getting a free RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) virtual machine (VM) involves utilizing services that offer free trials or free tiers of their cloud-based virtual machines. Many cloud providers allow you to spin up a virtual machine and access it via RDP, but there are typically limitations on resources (like CPU, RAM, storage, or duration). Below are some options for obtaining a free RDP virtual machine:
1. Microsoft Azure (Free Trial)
Microsoft Azure offers a free tier with access to a limited set of resources. You can set up a virtual machine and connect to it via RDP. They also provide a $200 credit for the first 30 days, allowing you to explore more powerful VMs.
Steps to get a free RDP VM:
- Sign up for a Microsoft Azure account at Azure Free.
- You will receive $200 in credits for the first 30 days.
- Create a virtual machine through the Azure portal, selecting the free tier VM (such as B1S instance).
- When configuring the VM, make sure you enable RDP during setup by allowing port 3389.
- Once the VM is deployed, you can connect to it using the Remote Desktop client by entering the public IP and login credentials.
Limitations:
- The $200 credit lasts for 30 days.
- After the trial ends, you will need to switch to a paid plan or downgrade to a limited set of services.
2. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Free Tier
AWS offers a free tier with the ability to run a basic EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) instance for up to 750 hours per month. You can use this instance to set up an RDP VM.
Steps to get a free RDP VM:
- Sign up for an AWS account at AWS Free Tier.
- Choose the free tier EC2 instance (t2.micro or t3.micro, depending on the region).
- Once the instance is running, connect to it by setting up RDP access.
- You will need to create and download an RDP file from the AWS console and use your Windows credentials to log in.
Limitations:
- 750 hours per month of t2.micro/t3.micro instances (enough for continuous use for one month).
- After the free tier period ends, you will incur charges.
3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Free Tier
Google Cloud offers a free tier with a $300 credit for the first 90 days. You can use this credit to set up an RDP-enabled VM. GCP also has a smaller always-free VM (f1-micro), but it doesn't come with Windows by default.
Steps to get a free RDP VM:
- Sign up for a Google Cloud account at Google Cloud Free.
- Use the $300 credit for the first 90 days to create a virtual machine.
- Select a Windows-based image when setting up the VM.
- Make sure the RDP port (3389) is open in the firewall settings.
- After the VM is created, you can access it via RDP using the credentials provided by GCP.
Limitations:
- The $300 credit lasts for 90 days.
- After the credits are used up, you'll need to pay for additional usage.
4. Oracle Cloud Free Tier
Oracle Cloud offers a free tier that includes two Always Free compute instances (VMs). These can be used to set up an RDP connection, though you may need to use Linux by default (you can install Windows with some extra setup, but it's not a simple task).
Steps to get a free RDP VM:
- Sign up for Oracle Cloud at Oracle Cloud Free Tier.
- Use the Always Free compute instances to create a VM.
- By default, the free tier offers Linux-based VMs, but you can manually install Windows Server if needed (it requires some technical know-how).
- Enable the RDP port for the Windows VM after installation.
Limitations:
- The Always Free tier offers 2 VMs with limited resources.
- You may need technical expertise to set up Windows manually.
5. Vultr (Free Trial)
Vultr offers cloud computing services and has a limited free trial offering up to $100 in credits. You can create a Windows VM and access it via RDP.
Steps to get a free RDP VM:
- Sign up for Vultr at Vultr.
- Get the $100 credit for the free trial.
- Create a Windows virtual machine instance.
- Connect to it using RDP by enabling the RDP port (3389) and using the provided credentials.
Limitations:
- The $100 free credit is only valid for 30 days.
- After the credits are used up, you need to pay for additional usage.
6. Free RDP Services (Limited, Not Ideal for Long-Term Use)
Some free RDP services may offer limited access, but most have restrictions, unreliable uptime, and limited resources. It’s essential to carefully read the terms and conditions, as these services may not be suitable for business or important tasks. Examples include:
- FreeRDP: Some free RDP hosting services provide access to a limited number of users but often have restrictions on the amount of time you can use them daily or monthly.
- Trial RDP providers: Some RDP providers offer trials or free access for limited periods.
7. Setup Your Own Free RDP (Self-Hosted VM)
If you have access to a physical server or another computer with enough resources, you can create your own virtual machine and set up RDP access. You would need virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation to create a VM, install Windows Server or a compatible operating system, and enable RDP.
Steps:
- Install a hypervisor (VirtualBox, VMware, etc.) on your host machine.
- Create a new VM and install a Windows OS or Linux if you prefer.
- Enable RDP access by configuring the machine’s firewall and user accounts.
- Connect using your local IP or configure the router for remote access.
Limitations:
- You need a powerful host machine to run the VM.
- Networking setup may be complex, especially if you're trying to make it available remotely.
Conclusion
Getting a free RDP virtual machine is possible through cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud, all of which offer free tiers or trial credits. However, these services typically come with limitations, such as resource caps and trial periods. Alternatively, setting up your own self-hosted RDP VM is an option if you have the necessary hardware and technical knowledge.
If you're looking for long-term or reliable RDP access, you might eventually need to transition to a paid plan once the free credits or free tiers expire.