To access a virtual machine from another computer, connect to the VM using the protocol that fits its operating system and the interface you need: SSH for a Linux terminal, or RDP for a graphical desktop on Windows or a configured Linux VM. The VM must be running, your account must be authorized, and the network must provide a permitted route to its connection service. A public IP is not always required; private networking or a managed bastion can provide access instead.
Choose a connection method for the VM
SSH and RDP solve different problems: SSH gives you a command-line session, while RDP provides a graphical desktop. Start by identifying the guest operating system, the kind of session you want, and whether the VM is cloud-hosted or running on a computer you manage.
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| VM and goal | Typical method | What must be in place |
|---|---|---|
| Linux terminal | SSH | A running VM, a reachable address or private route, an authorized username and SSH key, and a network rule permitting SSH. The Azure guide describes TCP 22 as the usual port. Microsoft Learn |
| Windows desktop | RDP | A running VM, valid guest sign-in credentials and account permission, a reachable address or route, and network access to the RDP listening port. The Azure guide describes TCP 3389 as the usual port. Microsoft Learn |
| Linux desktop | RDP through xrdp | A Linux desktop and xrdp service configured in the guest, a local user password, and a permitted route to the service. Azure’s guide discusses TCP 3389 for direct access and an SSH tunnel as an alternative. Microsoft Learn |
These port numbers are defaults cited in Azure guidance, not guarantees about every VM. Check the guest service and its firewall or network configuration if the listening port has been changed.
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Linux terminal with SSH
Microsoft describes SSH as the most common way to access a Linux VM hosted on Azure. For a VM with a public IP, use an SSH client on the other computer and the VM’s address, username and matching private key. The VM must be running, and its network rules must allow SSH traffic from the client. Azure’s guide uses TCP 22 as the usual SSH port. Read Microsoft’s Linux VM connection guidance.
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If the VM has no public IP, do not assume that you need to expose one. Azure identifies Bastion as an option for reaching a VM without a public address.
Windows desktop with RDP
Use an RDP client on the other computer with the connection details for the Windows VM. The guest must accept the credentials you enter, and your account must have permission to sign in. Network controls must permit a route from your client to the VM’s RDP listening port; Azure’s guide describes TCP 3389 as the usual port and calls for a network rule that allows the connecting computer’s IP. See Microsoft’s Windows VM RDP instructions.
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- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
Linux desktop with xrdp
A Linux VM can provide a graphical RDP session if its desktop environment and xrdp service are configured. Microsoft’s Azure instructions specify that xrdp uses a local account password; an SSH key is not a substitute for that login credential. Direct RDP requires network access to the service, with TCP 3389 described as the usual port. The guide also explains an SSH-tunnel approach that avoids opening RDP directly, and notes that xrdp does not support Network Level Authentication. Follow Microsoft’s xrdp guidance.
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A public IP and an open-to-the-internet SSH or RDP port are not the only way to connect. A brokered service or private network route can keep the VM’s access private.
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Azure Bastion
Azure Bastion brokers RDP or SSH connections to VMs in its virtual network without exposing their RDP or SSH ports to the public internet. Browser-based connection is available, and supported native-client options are also documented. Microsoft’s Bastion RDP guide and SSH guide explain the connection options.
Private IP through a connected network
Google Cloud documents connecting to a Windows VM through its private IP when the client network reaches the VM’s VPC using Cloud VPN or Cloud Interconnect and the firewall permits TCP ingress on port 3389. This is a private-network route, not a public RDP connection. See Google Cloud’s Windows connection guidance.
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Access a VM running on a computer you control
For a home-hosted VM, the connection steps depend on the hypervisor, host and guest operating systems, VM network mode, and whether both computers are on the same local network or separated by the internet. Those details determine whether the other computer can reach the guest directly or needs a route through the host or a private network. There is no single reliable set of port-forwarding instructions that applies across VirtualBox, VMware, Hyper-V and every network setup.
- Identify the hypervisor and the VM’s network mode.
- Confirm the guest is running the SSH or RDP service you intend to use.
- Find out whether the other computer is on the same LAN or needs remote access over a separate network.
- Use instructions for that exact hypervisor and network design; do not expose a service to the public internet without understanding the security implications.
Troubleshoot a failed connection
Check the basic requirements in this order so you can distinguish an address or route problem from a service, firewall or sign-in problem.
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- Confirm the VM is running. A stopped VM cannot accept a remote connection.
- Check the address and route. Verify the public IP if using one, or confirm that the VPN, private network or Bastion route is available.
- Match the client to the service. Use SSH for a Linux terminal or RDP for a graphical session, and check the configured listening port rather than relying on a default.
- Review network rules. Confirm the firewall or cloud network rule permits the required traffic from the connecting computer or network to the VM. Azure’s guides cite TCP 22 for SSH and TCP 3389 for RDP as usual ports.
- Check the guest service. Make sure SSH, RDP or xrdp is installed, enabled and listening on the guest.
- Verify credentials and rights. Check the username, key or password, and whether the account is allowed to sign in. For xrdp, use a local user password rather than an SSH key.
Microsoft’s connection guides cover running-state and port-rule checks for Linux SSH, RDP reachability for Windows, and xrdp service troubleshooting: Linux SSH, Windows RDP and Linux xrdp.
Quick Recap
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