How to Create Free Windows 10 RDP VPS with GitHub

How to create a free Windows 10 RDP VPS with GitHub, Creating a free Windows 10 RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) VPS (Virtual Private Server) using GitHub is a practical and cost-effective solution for developers, students, and tech enthusiasts. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that even beginners can follow along and set up their own VPS without any issues. By the end of this article, you’ll have a fully functional Windows 10 VPS that you can access remotely.

What You Need

Before we start, ensure you have the seeing:

  1. A GitHub account (free to create if you don’t have one).
  2. A Heroku account (also free to create).
  3. Basic understanding of Git and GitHub.
  4. A reliable internet connection.

Step 1: Fork the GitHub Repository

First, you need to find a suitable GitHub repository that provides the necessary scripts and configurations for creating a Windows 10 RDP VPS. One such popular repository is Microsoft/windows-10-rdp-vps.

  1. Go to GitHub & log in to your profile or account.
  2. Search for Microsoft/windows-10-rdp-vps.
  3. Click on the repository to open it.
  4. Click the “Fork” button on the top-right corner of the page to create a copy of this repository in your own GitHub account.

Step 2: Configure the Repository

Now that you have your own copy of the repository, you need to configure it according to your needs.

    1. Navigate to your forked repository.
    2. Click on the “Settings” tab.
    3. Scroll down to the “Secrets and variables” section and select “Actions”.
    4. Click on “New repository secret”.
    5. Add the following secrets:
      • HEROKU_API_KEY: Your Heroku API key. You can find this in your Heroku account settings.
      • HEROKU_APP_NAME: A unique name for your Heroku app.
      • HEROKU_EMAIL: Your Heroku account email address.

These secrets are necessary for the GitHub Actions to deploy your VPS to Heroku.

Step 3: Deploy to Heroku

With the repository configured, the next step is to deploy your VPS to Heroku using GitHub Actions.

  1. Go back to the main page of your forked repository.
  2. Click on the “Actions” tab.
  3. Find the workflow named “Deploy to Heroku” and click on it.
  4. Click on “Run workflow” to start the deployment process.

The GitHub Actions will now use the secrets you provided to create a Heroku app and deploy the Windows 10 RDP VPS to it. This process may take a some minutes.

Step 4: Access Your VPS

Once the deployment is complete, you can access your Windows 10 VPS.

  1. Log in to your Heroku account & navigate to the “Dashboard”.
  2. Find your newly created app and click on it.
  3. Go to the “Settings” tab and scroll down to the “Config Vars” section.
  4. Find the RDP_URL variable. This URL will be used to connect to your VPS.

To connect to your VPS, follow these steps:

  1. On your local machine, open the Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) application.
  2. Enter the RDP_URL obtained from the Heroku app settings.
  3. Click “Connect”.
  4. When prompted, enter the username and password provided in the repository’s documentation.

Step 5: Manage and Maintain Your VPS

Congratulations! You now have a fully functional Windows 10 RDP VPS. Here are a few tips to manage and maintain your VPS:

  • Backup Your Data: Regularly backup your data to avoid any loss due to unforeseen issues.
  • Update Software: Keep your software and applications up to date to ensure security and performance.
  • Monitor Usage: Heroku offers a free tier with limited resources. Monitor your usage to avoid any interruptions.
  • Secure Your VPS: Implement security measures such as strong passwords and enabling firewalls to protect your VPS from unauthorized access.

Benefits of Using GitHub and Heroku

Using GitHub and Heroku to create a free Windows 10 RDP VPS offers several benefits:

  • Cost-Effective: Both GitHub and Heroku offer free tiers, making this solution very affordable.
  • Scalability: Heroku allows you to scale your application easily as your needs grow.
  • Flexibility: With full control over your VPS, you can install any software and configure it to meet your requirements.
  • Community Support: GitHub has a large community of developers who contribute and maintain repositories, ensuring you have access to the latest tools and resources.

Conclusion

Setting up a free Windows 10 RDP VPS with GitHub and Heroku is a straightforward process that can save you money and provide a flexible, scalable solution for your needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create your own VPS and enjoy the benefits of remote access and control. Whether you’re a developer looking to test applications or a student needing a remote desktop solution, this method provides a reliable and cost-effective option.

Remember to regularly maintain and secure your VPS to ensure its longevity and performance. Happy computing!