When talking about a Windows workspace, most people think of a local computer running Windows that they use for their work. However, a Windows VPS can serve the same purpose as a remote workspace, allowing you to access your Windows environment from anywhere with an internet connection.
The basic remote workspace setup is like this: Your device connects via a secure remote access tunnel to the Windows VPS, where all your applications and daily works located.
By configuring and securing a remote desktop and installing all the needed applications, you can create a consistent workspace that you can access from your mobile, laptop, tablet, or any other device.
What Is a Windows Workspace?
A Windows workspace is a normal Windows environment where you keep the applications, files, settings, and tools you use for your daily work.
When setting up a workspace on a Windows VPS, the Windows desktop runs on a remote server instead of your local computer, and all the things are same. You can connect to it remotely and interact with it almost as if you are sitting in front of your own computer.
But the main difference is that your applications and files remain on the VPS, while your own device acts as the interface you use to access the workspace.
What Do You Need to Build a Windows Workspace?
You don’t need a complicated infrastructure for a personal or small-business workspace. The basic requirements are a Windows VPS or Windows Server with a public IP, a secure Windows user account, and a reliable internet connection.
Most VPS providers give you remote desktop access to the VPS server, which is pre-configured and ready to use, and you don’t need to configure it manually.
The resources like RAM, CPU, and storage you need depend on what you plan to run on your online workspace. For basic office work, using low system resources can be ok, while development tools, design software, or running multiple applications at the same time require more CPU, RAM, and storage resources.
How to Build a Windows Workspace on a VPS
Building a Windows workspace on a VPS is not complicated. You mainly need to choose the right VPS resources, connect to the server, create a separate user account, and install the applications you need.
1. Choose Windows VPS Specifications
First, you need to start by choosing a Windows VPS plan that suits your needs, but you should consider some other factors when choosing it:
- Windows Version: A VPS can run Windows desktop, Windows Server, or any Linux distribution; you should choose the one that is easy for you to use.
- RAM and CPU resources: Depending on your use case and workload, you should choose how much RAM and CPU resources you need. But also consider that it is always better to get a little bit more resources than what you need, so you don’t get into trouble later.
In the table below, you can see the needed resources for every use case, but these values are the minimum needed values and not fixed and can be changed for each user.
| Use Case | CPU | RAM |
| Basic remote work | 1 – 2 core vCPU | 2GB – 4GB |
| Web Browsing & Office work | 1 – 2 core vCPU | 2GB – 4GB |
| Small Web Server | 2 vCPU | 4GB |
| Forex or Crypto trading | 2 vCPU | 4GB – 6GB |
| Light Game Server | 2 – 4 core vCPU | 4GB – 8GB |
| Using Multiple Applications | 2 – 4 core vCPU | 4GB – 8GB |
- Storage (SSD, NVMe): You typically have two storage options: SSD and NVMe. NVMe is faster, but for most basic Windows VPS tasks, the difference is not significant.
- Server Location: The main thing you should pay attention to is the server location. If you want a smooth connection with minimal lag and delay, choose a VPS location that is close to you or offers the best connection speed and latency.
2. Connect to the Windows VPS
After choosing your VPS plan, your hosting provider normally gives you the server’s IP address and credentials to log in. You should use the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect to your VPS.
To connect to RDP, you can use windows built in remote desktop application or any other third-party applications. Once you’ve connected to your VPS, you should start configuring your workspace like your normal computer.
3. Create a Separate User Account
VPS providers often give you access to the server with an Administrator account, but it’s not recommended to use it for everyday work.
Instead, create a separate user account for your normal activities and give it only the permissions it needs.
You can keep the Administrator account for administrative tasks while using the standard account as your daily workspace; this helps to make your server more secure.
4. Install the Applications You Need
Once the Windows VPS is secured, configure it as your personal workspace.
Install only the software you actually need and set up your Windows VPS to work like your own computer. This way, everything you need is available in one place, so you don’t have to constantly switch between your VPS and local computer.
5. Organize Your Files
One of the good things about using a remote workspace is that you can keep all your files in one central place. Create a clear folder structure for your projects and documents instead of keeping everything on the desktop.
For important files, you can also use additional storage or a cloud storage service and make regular backups. Keep in mind that a VPS is not a backup system by default. If the server fails, gets deleted by mistake, or your files become corrupted, having a separate backup makes it much easier to recover your data.
So make sure you have a backup or copy of important files on your local system or any cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.
How to Access the Workspace From Different Devices
Once your Windows workspace is configured, you can connect to it from many types of devices with their built-in apps or any installed third-party apps.
Windows
Windows includes a built-in Remote Desktop Connection client, so you can connect to your Windows VPS without installing any additional software.
If you prefer using third-party apps, there are also several applications available for connecting to your VPS through RDP.
macOS
Mac users can use a compatible Microsoft official Remote Desktop client to connect to their Windows VPS.
Linux
Linux users can use RDP clients such as Remmina or other compatible applications to connect to their Windows VPS.
Android and iPhone
Mobile RDP applications allow you to connect to the Windows workspace from a smartphone or tablet.
However, a remote Windows desktop is generally more comfortable on a larger screen, especially when using applications designed for a desktop environment.
But when you don’t have access to a laptop or any other desktop devices, a mobile phone or tablet is the only solution.
Web Browser
Another option is a browser-based remote desktop gateway.
Some VPS providers give you access to your VPS through a website using VNC, or if you don’t have this access, you can setup web based logins on your server yourself, which can be helpful when you’re using a device where installing an RDP application isn’t practical.
Windows VPS vs Local Computer for a Remote Workspace
A Windows VPS and a local computer work differently as a workspace. With a local computer, your files, applications, and processing are all running on your own device. With a Windows VPS, these things run on a remote Windows server, and you simply connect to it through Remote Desktop.
This makes a VPS useful when you want to keep the same Windows environment available from different devices. You can install your applications, store your files, and configure your workspace once, then access the same environment from your laptop, tablet, or another computer.
Furthermore, you can use the VPS remote desktop system in place of a regular VPN solution. This option comes in handy when you’re working with Upwork, Fiverr, Outlier.ai, and other big services that frown on VPN usage.
Summary
A Windows VPS can be used as a remote Windows workspace that you can access from different devices. By choosing the right VPS resources, securing the server, configuring Remote Desktop, and installing the applications you need, you can create a workspace that stays available wherever you have an internet connection.
Instead of keeping your files and applications on different devices, you can keep them in one central Windows environment and access the same workspace from your computer, laptop, tablet, or phone.
