The most reliable and fastest way to connect to any Windows server is using the built-in Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection tool, known technically as mstsc or mstsc.msc.
If you’ve recently purchased a Windows RDP VPS, this guide will show you exactly how to launch mstsc, connect to your server, and use advanced features like mapping local drives.
What is mstsc?
mstsc stands for Microsoft Terminal Services Client. It is the executable file (mstsc.exe) built directly into all modern versions of Windows that runs the Remote Desktop Connection application.
You don’t need to download or install anything to use it—it’s already on your Windows PC!
How to launch mstsc
There are two primary ways to open the Remote Desktop Connection using the mstsc command:
Method 1: Using the Run Dialog (Fastest)
Open the Run window
On your keyboard, hold down the Windows key and press R.
Run the command
In the box that appears, simply type mstsc (or mstsc.msc) and press Enter.
Method 2: Using the Command Prompt or PowerShell
If you are already working in a terminal, you can just type mstsc and press Enter to instantly launch the connection window.
Connecting to your FlashRDP Server
Once the mstsc window is open, connecting is straightforward:
- Enter the IP Address: In the “Computer” field, paste your FlashRDP server’s IP address (e.g.,
192.168.1.50).
- Connect: Click the Connect button.
- Enter Credentials: A prompt will appear. Enter your username (usually
Administrator) and the password provided in your FlashRDP welcome email.
- Accept Certificate: You may see a security certificate warning. Check “Don’t ask me again for connections to this computer” and click Yes.
Advanced mstsc Features (Local Resources)
Before you click connect, click on Show Options at the bottom left of the mstsc window to reveal advanced settings.
1. Share Local Drives (Copy & Paste Files)
Want to drag and drop files from your personal computer to your FlashRDP server?
- Go to the Local Resources tab.
- Click More… under the “Local devices and resources” section.
- Check the boxes next to the local Drives you want to make visible inside the remote server.
- Click OK. Now, when you connect, your local hard drives will appear under “This PC” on the server!
2. Change Display Resolution
If the RDP window is too big or too small:
- Go to the Display tab.
- Move the Display configuration slider.
- Dragging it all the way to the right will use Full Screen (meaning the remote server will act exactly like your local PC screen).
3. Save Connection Shortcuts (.rdp files)
If you connect to your FlashRDP server every day, you shouldn’t have to type the IP address every time.
- Go to the General tab.
- Under Connection settings, click Save As….
- Save the file to your Desktop. This creates a
.rdp file.
- In the future, simply double-click that file on your desktop to instantly run
mstsc and connect to your server!
Command Line Arguments for mstsc
If you are a power user, you can run mstsc from the command line with specific arguments to speed up your workflow:
mstsc /v:192.168.1.50 : Instantly connect to the specified IP address.mstsc /f : Starts the remote desktop connection in full-screen mode.mstsc /admin : Connects to the server for administrative management purposes.
Ready to test out mstsc? Deploy a high-performance Windows RDP VPS with FlashRDP today. Last modified on June 19, 2026
