Creating your own RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) server in Microsoft Azure for free is possible using Azure’s free tier offerings. While Azure typically requires a credit card for sign-up, you can use the free credits provided in the free tier to set up a virtual machine (VM) and configure RDP access. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create your own free RDP server in Azure.
Step 1: Sign Up for Microsoft Azure Free Account
- Go to the Microsoft Azure Free Account page.
- Click on Start free.
- Sign up using your Microsoft account (or create one if you don’t have one).
- Provide the required details, including a phone number and credit card for identity verification.
- Note: Azure requires a credit card to prevent abuse, but you won’t be charged if you stay within the free tier limits.
- Once signed up, you’ll receive $200 in free credits for 30 days and access to free services for 12 months.
Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine (VM)
- Log in to the Azure Portal.
- In the search bar, type Virtual Machines and select it.
- Click on Create and choose Azure virtual machine.
Configure the VM:
- Subscription: Ensure you’re using the free trial subscription.
- Resource Group: Create a new resource group or use an existing one.
- Virtual Machine Name: Choose a name for your VM.
- Region: Select a region close to you (some regions may not be available for free tier).
- Image: Choose a free-tier eligible OS, such as Windows 10 Pro or Ubuntu Server.
- Size: Select a free-tier eligible VM size, such as B1s (Burstable).
- Note: The B1s VM is included in the free tier and provides 1 vCPU and 1 GB RAM.
- Username and Password: Set up an admin username and password for the VM.
- Public Inbound Ports: Allow RDP (3389) for Windows or SSH (22) for Linux.
- Click Review + Create, then Create to deploy the VM.
Step 3: Configure Network Security Group (NSG)
By default, Azure blocks inbound RDP traffic for security reasons. You’ll need to allow RDP traffic manually.
- Go to the VM you just created in the Azure portal.
- Under Settings, click on Networking.
- Click on Add inbound port rule.
- Source: Any
- Source port ranges: *
- Destination: Any
- Destination port ranges: 3389 (for Windows) or 22 (for Linux)
- Protocol: TCP
- Action: Allow
- Priority: 100
- Save the rule.
Step 4: Connect to Your RDP Server
- Go to the VM in the Azure portal.
- Click on Connect and select RDP (for Windows) or SSH (for Linux).
- Download the RDP file (for Windows) or copy the SSH command (for Linux).
- Open the RDP file and enter the username and password you set up earlier.
- Click Connect, and you’ll be logged into your Azure VM.
Step 5: Optimize for Free Tier Usage
To avoid exceeding the free tier limits and incurring charges, follow these tips:
- Use B1s VM Size: The B1s VM is included in the free tier and provides 750 hours of usage per month.
- Stop/Deallocate the VM When Not in Use: Stop the VM from the Azure portal to avoid consuming free hours.
- Monitor Usage: Regularly check your usage in the Azure portal to ensure you stay within the free tier limits.
- Delete Unused Resources: Remove any resources you no longer need to avoid unnecessary charges.
Free Tier Limits to Keep in Mind
- 750 Hours of B1s VM Usage: You can run a B1s VM for free for up to 750 hours per month.
- 15 GB of Bandwidth: Free tier includes 15 GB of outbound data transfer per month.
- 5 GB of Storage: Free tier includes 5 GB of standard storage.
Alternative: Use Azure for Students (No Credit Card Required)
If you’re a student, you can sign up for Azure for Students, which provides $100 in Azure credits and free services for 12 months without requiring a credit card.
Steps:
- Visit the Azure for Students page.
- Sign up using a valid school email address.
- Verify your student status.
- Follow the same steps above to create a VM and set up RDP.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you can create your own free RDP server in Microsoft Azure using the free tier. While Azure requires a credit card for sign-up, you won’t be charged if you stay within the free tier limits. Be sure to monitor your usage and optimize your resources to avoid unexpected charges.
If you’re unable to use Azure, consider exploring free alternatives like Google Cloud Platform, Oracle Cloud, or setting up a local VM using tools like VirtualBox. Always prioritize security and compliance when using cloud services.
