Problem

How do I install an SSL Certificate onto RDP for Windows Server 2008?

Solution

This knowledge base articles describes how to configure an SSL certificate to encrypt an RDP session.

You will need to have a certificate installed with both the private and public key into the computer account of the server.  This can be created through various means; OpenSSL, IIS or as a PKCS#12 file (*.p12 or *.pfx file).

1. First open the Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration.  You can find this by navigating to Start > All Programs > Administrative Tools > Remote Desktops Services > Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration.


2. In Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration, right-click on the RDP-Tcp connection in the middle pane and select Properties from the drop down menu.




3. In the RDP-Tcp Properties window, click on the General tab.


4. In the General tab, click on the Select button.




5. Choose your certificate from the list and click the OK button. You should see the Common Name of the certificate next to the Certificate: field.  Click on OK or Apply.



Note:OK




6. In order to view your certificate, click on the padlock symbol in your RDP bar.  This will allow you to view the certificate currently being used to encrypt the session.