How to Create a 1-Click Desktop RDP Connection Shortcut (.rdp) with Auto-Login

Tired of typing your IP address, Administrator username, and long complex password every single  time you connect to your Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) VPS? 

By creating a 1-click desktop .rdp shortcut with saved credentials, you can launch a direct,  encrypted connection to your server in under 1 second without ever seeing a password prompt  again. 

Step-by-Step Visual Walkthrough (Steps 1–8) 

Follow these 8 visual steps to configure and save your 1-click RDP desktop connection file with automatic login. 

Step 1: Launch MSTSC & Open Connection Options 

Press Win + R, type mstsc, and press Enter. In the Remote Desktop Connection window, click Show  Options in the bottom left corner to expand all connection settings. 

Step 1: Click ‘Show Options’ at the bottom left to expand parameters.

Step 2: Enter Computer IP & Enable ‘Allow me to save credentials’

Enter your VPS IP address in the Computer box (e.g. 66.xxx.xx.xxx) and your server username (e.g.  Administrator). Check the box for Allow me to save credentials. 

Step 2: Enter IP address, username, and check ‘Allow me to save credentials’. 

Step 3: Click ‘Save As…’ to Export Shortcut File 

Under the Connection settings panel, click the Save As… button to export your configured  connection settings into a standalone .rdp file.

Step 3: Click ‘Save As…’ to create your shortcut file. 

Step 4: Choose Desktop Folder & Save as Default.rdp 

In the file picker dialog, select your Desktop (or a designated folder), name the file Default.rdp (or  your server name), and click Save. 

Step 4: Save the .rdp file to your Desktop. 

If you are setting up a U.S.-based virtual server, you can buy USA RDP from DashRDP and use the provided server IP and Administrator credentials to create your desktop shortcut.

Step 5: Click Connect to Initiate First Connection 

Return to the Remote Desktop window and click the Connect button at the bottom.

Step 5: Click Connect to start your initial sign-in. 

Step 6: Type VPS Password & Check ‘Remember me’ 

When the Windows Security prompt appears, type your Windows VPS password and check the box  for Remember me. Click OK. 

Step 6: Check ‘Remember me’ when typing your server password. 

For official guidance on safely using remote-access tools, review the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Guide to Securing Remote Access Software. Credentials should only be saved on a trusted and access-controlled computer.

Step 7: Verify 1-Click .RDP Shortcut Created on Desktop

Your new Default.rdp desktop shortcut is now created! Double-clicking this icon will automatically  authenticate and log into your server without asking for credentials. 

Step 7: Your 1-click auto-login shortcut is now ready on your Desktop. 

Step 8: Confirm Local Resource Redirection & Connect 

On the Remote Desktop Connection security warning dialog, verify that required local resources  (Drives, Clipboard, Cameras, Microphones, Printers) are checked, and click Connect.

Step 8: Select local resources and click Connect to launch your remote session.