p2pRemote

Scenario guide

Connect to Windows Remote Desktop with p2pRemote

p2pRemote creates the network path between devices, while the Windows RDP service on the target provides the desktop session.

Confirm host support

Windows Pro, Enterprise, Education, and Server editions can host RDP. Windows Home can connect as a client but cannot accept built-in RDP sessions. Home users may separately evaluate third-party open-source options such as RDP Wrapper.

  • The target is powered on and online.
  • The Windows account has a non-empty password.
  • The user is an administrator or an allowed Remote Desktop user.
  • The Remote Desktop firewall rules are enabled.

Note: RDP Wrapper is not supported by Microsoft or p2pRemote, and Windows updates can affect compatibility. Evaluate licensing, stability, and security before use.

References: Microsoft: Enable Remote Desktop · Open source: stascorp/rdpwrap

Enable Remote Desktop

  1. Open Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
  2. Turn on Remote Desktop and confirm.
  3. Add non-administrator accounts under Remote Desktop users.
  4. Keep Network Level Authentication enabled unless diagnosing a known compatibility issue.

Connect through p2pRemote

  1. Create the p2pRemote tunnel to the target.
  2. Copy the detected RDP address or the peer virtual IP.
  3. Press Win + R and run mstsc.
  4. Paste the address; use IP:port for a non-default port.
  5. Sign in with an account on the target Windows PC.
mstsc /v:<peer-virtual-ip>
mstsc /v:<peer-virtual-ip>:3390
Remote Desktop address action for a connected p2pRemote device
Copy the detected Windows Remote Desktop address after connecting.

If RDP does not open

  • Run Test-NetConnection <IP> -Port 3389.
  • Check that TCP 3389 is listening on the target.
  • Use the peer virtual IP, not the controller's own address.
  • Match any custom RDP port in both the address and firewall rule.
  • Make sure the target is awake and the account is not locked.

Secure the session

  • Use a dedicated account and strong password.
  • Limit membership in Remote Desktop Users.
  • Keep Windows patched and NLA enabled.
  • Sign out and disconnect the tunnel when finished.