> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://flashrdp.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to use mstsc (Remote Desktop Connection)

> A complete guide on how to launch, use, and configure mstsc.exe (Microsoft Terminal Services Client) to connect to your FlashRDP Windows VPS.

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](https://flashrdp.com/windows-rdp), 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)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Run window">
    On your keyboard, hold down the **Windows key** and press **R**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the command">
    In the box that appears, simply type `mstsc` (or `mstsc.msc`) and press **Enter**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 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:

1. **Enter the IP Address:** In the "Computer" field, paste your FlashRDP server's IP address (e.g., `192.168.1.50`).
2. **Connect:** Click the **Connect** button.
3. **Enter Credentials:** A prompt will appear. Enter your username (usually `Administrator`) and the password provided in your FlashRDP welcome email.
4. **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](https://flashrdp.com/windows-rdp) with FlashRDP today.*