Q: After enabling Remote Desktop Services (RDS) in redirection mode, how do I RDP to my server’s console?

A: RDS can operate in two modes. In its traditional mode, it will serve up Remote Desktop sessions to requesting users. These sessions can also be used by administrators who require access to the server for administrative functions.

RDS’s redirection mode is enabled when RDS is used to host virtual desktops. Turning on redirection mode disables the server from serving up sessions in the traditional sense. Thus, to connect to a server’s console for administration, you’ll need to launch the Remote Desktop Client with the /admin switch (mstsc /admin) first.