How to Change the Remote Desktop (RDP) Port
A guide to customizing the default RDP listening port on Windows Server.
By default, Remote Desktop listens on port 3389. Administrators often change this to enhance security ("security through obscurity") or to resolve port conflicts.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING:
Before you restart the service or the server, you MUST configure the Windows Firewall to allow traffic on the new port. Failure to do so will lock you out of the server remotely.
Method 1: The Manual Method (Registry + Firewall)
This method involves manually editing the Windows Registry and creating a new firewall rule.
Step 1: Modify the Registry
- Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, typing
regedit, and pressing Enter. - Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp
- Locate the key named PortNumber in the right pane.
- Double-click it, select Decimal as the base, and type your new port number (e.g.,
3390). - Click OK.
Step 2: Update Windows Firewall
- Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
- Click on Inbound Rules > New Rule.
- Select Port and click Next.
- Select TCP and enter your specific local port (e.g.,
3390). - Select Allow the connection.
- Apply the rule to Domain, Private, and Public profiles (as needed).
- Name the rule (e.g., "RDP Custom Port 3390") and click Finish.
Step 3: Restart Service
Restart the server to apply changes. Alternatively, restart the Remote Desktop service:
Restart-Service TermService -Force
Method 2: Using PowerShell (Recommended)
This is the safest and fastest way, as it handles the registry and firewall in one go.
Run the following script as Administrator. (Replace 3390 with your desired port):
$port = 3390 # 1. Set the new port in Registry Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp' -Name "PortNumber" -Value $port # 2. Create the Firewall Rule New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "RDP Custom Port $port" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort $port -Protocol TCP -Action Allow # 3. Restart the Service Restart-Service TermService -Force
How to Connect with a Custom Port
Once changed, you must specify the port number when connecting via Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe).
Syntax: ServerIP:PortNumber
Example: 192.168.1.10:3390
Author Bio
Microsoft Certified Professional
With over 20 years of experience deploying and managing enterprise Windows Server environments, Keloth leads technical implementation at RDS CAL Store. He specializes in Remote Desktop Services infrastructure, secure remote architecture, and helping IT teams seamlessly scale their official licensing.
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