Most configurations for Windows Home Server can be done with the Windows Home Server Console, but occasionally you may need to log into the WHS desktop. You can actually use the Remote Desktop feature in Windows to access the desktop rather than digging up a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Note: These specific steps and screen shots are from a Windows 7 Home Premium PC.

Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection.

Type the name of the Windows Home Server into the Computer text bar and click Connect.

The Remote Desktop Connection window will open and prompt you for a password. Type it in and click OK.

You may receive a Caution Warning about logging into the Windows Home Server desktop. Simply click the “X” at the top right to close out of the window and access the desktop.

Now you have full access to your Windows Home Server without needing to plug in a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Remote Desktop should be enabled by default on Windows Home Server. At least, it was in my case. (Anyone find differently?) The “Help” in WHS refers to Windows Server 2003 and says it is disabled by default. I know that it true for 2003, but I didn’t find it so for WHS.

Anyway, if you find yourself needing to enable Remote Desktop on Windows Home Server you’ll need to log into WHS locally and turn it on. Here is how to go about it.

Click on Start > All Programs > My Computer. Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.

On the Remote Tab of the System Properties, select the check box for Enable Remote Desktop on this computer.

Most configurations that the average user will need will be available though the Windows Home Server Console. Occasionally, however, you may need access to more settings not available though the standard Windows Home Server Console. One such configuration would be applying a static IP address to your Home Server.