Remote Desktop Protocol ( RDP ) enables users to remotely access and control physical and virtual devices running on Windows. Find out how to make it safer. How does remote desktop protocol work? To use a remote desktop session, a user or admin must employ RDP client software to connect to the remote Windows PC or server running RDP server software. A graphical user interface enables the remote user or admin to open applications and edit files as if they were sitting in front of the desktop. Remote Desktop Protocol ( RDP ) enables a computer user to access another computer in a different location. Discover how RDP works and how to secure RDP traffic. RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol, a secure network communication protocol for remote access to virtual desktops and applications. Learn how RDP works, its features, and how to connect to a remote desktop on Windows with this post from MiniTool.