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Bardmaster's avatar
Bardmaster
Copper Contributor
Jul 09, 2023

Windows Server 2022 remote web access without a domain? (private server)

Hi, I only use Windows Server as a home server for personal use, such as a fileshare for family and friend use and to stream home movies and other personal content.  95% of the time this is only need...
NikolinoDE's avatar
NikolinoDE
Platinum Contributor
Jul 10, 2023

Bardmaster 

In Windows Server 2022 Standard, the Remote Web Access feature is not available out of the box as it was in Windows Server Essentials. However, there are alternative options you can explore to enable remote access to your server without a domain and without purchasing an SSL certificate. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. VPN (Virtual Private Network):
    • Set up a VPN server on your Windows Server 2022. This allows you to securely connect to your home network remotely.
    • Configure your router to allow VPN traffic to pass through to your server.
    • Connect to the VPN from your remote location using VPN client software on your device.
    • Once connected, you can access your file shares and RDP into your server using its local IP address.
  2. Dynamic DNS (DDNS):
    • Register for a free dynamic DNS service that assigns a domain name to your home network's public IP address.
    • Set up your router to update the dynamic DNS service with your current IP address.
    • Configure port forwarding on your router to forward the necessary ports (e.g., 3389 for RDP) to your server's internal IP address.
    • Use the assigned domain name to remotely access your server, such as using RDP software and entering the domain name as the destination.
  3. Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway):
    • Install and configure the Remote Desktop Gateway role on your server.
    • Configure your router to forward port 443 (HTTPS) to your server's internal IP address.
    • Obtain a free SSL certificate from Let's Encrypt or use a self-signed certificate.
    • Use a remote desktop client to connect to your server using the RD Gateway and the server's public IP address.

Regarding using your existing Windows Server Essentials 2016 license, it's not possible to use the @remotewebservices.com domain from that version on a Windows Server 2022 Standard edition. The Essentials features, including the domain name, are specific to the Windows Server Essentials edition.

Remember to take appropriate security precautions, such as using strong passwords, enabling firewall rules, and keeping your server and router firmware up to date, to ensure the security of your remote access setup. The text and steps were created with the help of AI.

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

Hope this will help you.

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