Getting started with Windows Server on your VPS

Windows Server provides a familiar environment for .NET applications, SQL Server databases, and Windows-based workloads. This guide covers essential first steps after provisioning a Windows Server VPS at UnderHost. ## 1. Connect via RDP {#rdp-access} Find your Windows Server credentials in CustomerPanel under **My Services**. Use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect: **On Windows:** - Press `Win + R`, type `mstsc`, and press Enter - Enter your server IP address - Click Connect and log in with your credentials **On Mac:** - Install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store - Create a new connection with your server IP - Connect and log in **On Linux:** - Install Remmina: `apt install remmina` - Create a new RDP connection with your server IP ## 2. Update Windows {#update-system} Keep your system secure by installing Windows updates: 1. Click **Settings** > **System** > **About** > **Advanced system settings** 2. Click **Windows Update** 3. Click **Check for updates** 4. Install all available updates and restart if required Or use PowerShell: ```powershell Get-WindowsUpdate -Install -AcceptAll -AutoReboot ``` ## 3. Configure Windows Firewall {#firewall-basics} Windows Firewall protects your server. Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security: 1. Press `Win + R`, type `wf.msc`, and press Enter 2. Click **Inbound Rules** Allow Remote Desktop (if not already allowed): - Search for "Remote Desktop" in inbound rules - Ensure the rule is **Enabled** Allow HTTP and HTTPS for web servers: 1. Right-click **Inbound Rules** > **New Rule** 2. Select **Port** > **Next** 3. Select **TCP**, enter ports `80, 443` 4. Select **Allow the connection** 5. Apply to all profiles (Domain, Private, Public) 6. Repeat for both HTTP (80) and HTTPS (443) ## 4. Install IIS Web Server {#install-iis} IIS is Windows Server's web server. Install it using Server Manager: 1. Click **Server Manager** > **Add Roles and Features** 2. Click **Next** until you reach **Server Roles** 3. Check **Web Server (IIS)** 4. Accept additional features and click **Next** 5. Click **Install** Or use PowerShell: ```powershell Install-WindowsFeature Web-Server, Web-Asp-Net45, Web-Common-Http ``` Test IIS by opening your browser to `http://your.server.ip`. You should see the IIS welcome page. ## 5. Install Additional Software {#install-software} **Windows Hosting Requirements:** **.NET Framework / .NET Core:** - Download from https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download - Run the installer **SQL Server:** - Free SQL Server Express: https://www.microsoft.com/sql-server/sql-server-editions-express - Or use Azure SQL Database for managed hosting **Node.js / Python:** - Download from https://nodejs.org or https://www.python.org - Run the installer **Git:** - Download from https://git-scm.com - Run the installer ## Next Steps {#next-steps} - Deploy your .NET application to IIS - Configure SSL certificates with Let's Encrypt or paid certs - Set up regular Windows backups - Monitor system resources in Task Manager or Performance Monitor - Read the [OS Comparison guide](/article/os-comparison/) for Linux alternatives For more help, see our [VPS management guide](/article/manage-vps/) or [contact support](/article/contact-support/). **Related:** [Getting started with Ubuntu Server on your VPS](/article/ubuntu-server-guide/) | [Getting started with AlmaLinux on your VPS](/article/almalinux-guide/) | [Linux and Windows operating systems for VPS-which to choose](/article/os-comparison/) | [How to choose the right operating system for your VPS](/article/choose-os/)

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