Free Windows 10 RDP VPS: A GitHub Guide

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Free Windows 10 RDP VPS: A GitHub Guide

Hey guys! Ever needed a Windows 10 environment for testing, development, or just general use, but didn't want to shell out cash for a VPS? Well, you're in luck! This guide will walk you through the process of creating a free Windows 10 RDP VPS using GitHub Actions. It's a bit of a hack, but it's a totally legit and awesome way to get a temporary Windows environment up and running. Let's dive in!

What is RDP and Why Use It?

Before we get started, let's clarify what RDP is and why it's super useful. RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol. It's a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that allows you to connect to another computer over a network connection. Basically, you're controlling a computer remotely as if you were sitting right in front of it. This is incredibly handy for a bunch of reasons:

  • Accessing Resources Remotely: Need to run a Windows-specific application but you're on a Mac or Linux machine? RDP to the rescue! You can access all the resources and applications on the remote Windows machine as if they were installed locally.
  • Troubleshooting and Support: IT professionals often use RDP to remotely troubleshoot issues on users' computers. It's much easier than walking over to their desk every time something goes wrong.
  • Centralized Computing: Businesses can use RDP to provide employees with access to a centralized computing environment. This makes it easier to manage software updates and security.
  • Testing and Development: Developers can use RDP to test their applications on different operating systems and configurations without having to install multiple virtual machines locally. You can test on a clean Windows 10 environment without messing up your main system.
  • Bypassing Geographic Restrictions: Sometimes, services or content are only available in certain regions. By using an RDP server located in that region, you can bypass these restrictions.

Using RDP provides a ton of flexibility and convenience, making it a valuable tool for both personal and professional use. Plus, with this method, you can get a free Windows 10 RDP VPS, which is a total game-changer!

Prerequisites

Okay, before we jump into the nitty-gritty, make sure you've got these things squared away:

  • GitHub Account: You'll need a GitHub account to create a repository and set up GitHub Actions. If you don't have one, head over to GitHub and sign up – it's free!
  • Basic Understanding of GitHub: Knowing how to create repositories, commit changes, and understand the basics of GitHub Actions will be helpful. Don't worry if you're a total newbie; we'll walk you through the essentials.
  • Patience: This isn't a click-and-go solution. It requires a bit of setup and tweaking. So, grab a coffee, put on some tunes, and get ready to tinker!

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Free Windows 10 RDP VPS

Alright, let's get down to business! Follow these steps carefully to create your free Windows 10 RDP VPS.

Step 1: Create a New GitHub Repository

First things first, you need to create a new repository on GitHub. This is where all the magic will happen.

  1. Log in to your GitHub account.
  2. Click on the "+" icon in the top right corner and select "New repository."
  3. Give your repository a descriptive name (e.g., windows-rdp-vps).
  4. Choose whether you want the repository to be public or private. Keep in mind that if it's public, anyone can see your workflow files.
  5. Important: Check the box that says "Add a README file." This will create a README.md file in your repository, which is necessary for the workflow to run correctly.
  6. Click "Create repository."

Step 2: Add the Workflow File

Now, you'll need to add a workflow file to your repository. This file tells GitHub Actions what to do.

  1. In your repository, click on the "Actions" tab.
  2. GitHub will suggest some starter workflows. Ignore these and click on "set up a workflow yourself."
  3. This will create a new file named .github/workflows/main.yml in your repository. You can rename main.yml to something more descriptive if you like (e.g., rdp.yml).
  4. Replace the contents of the main.yml file with the following code:
name: Windows RDP

on:
  workflow_dispatch:

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: windows-latest
    timeout-minutes: 360

    steps:
    - name: Enable RDP
      run: |
        Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server' -name "fDenyTSConnections" -Value 0
        Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"

    - name: Create user
      run: |
        $user = "runneradmin"
        $pass = "P@sswOrd123"
        New-LocalUser $user -Password $pass
        Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member $user

    - name: Download Ngrok
      run: Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://bin.equinox.io/c/4VmDzA7iaHb/ngrok-stable-windows-amd64.zip" -OutFile "ngrok.zip" ; Expand-Archive ngrok.zip

    - name: Tunnel to server
      run: .
grok authtoken $Env:NGROK_AUTH_TOKEN

    - name: Connect to your RDP!
      run: .
grok tcp 3389

    env:
      NGROK_AUTH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.NGROK_AUTH_TOKEN }}
  1. Commit the changes to your repository. Make sure the file is saved in the correct directory (.github/workflows).

Step 3: Configure Ngrok Authentication Token

Ngrok is a tool that creates secure tunnels to expose your local server to the internet. To use Ngrok, you need an authentication token.

  1. Sign up for a free Ngrok account at Ngrok.
  2. Once you're logged in, go to your dashboard and find your authtoken. It's usually located in the "Your Authtoken" section.
  3. In your GitHub repository, go to "Settings" -> "Secrets" -> "Actions."
  4. Click on "New repository secret."
  5. Name the secret NGROK_AUTH_TOKEN and paste your Ngrok authtoken into the "Value" field.
  6. Click "Add secret."

Step 4: Run the Workflow

Now it's time to run the workflow and get your free Windows 10 RDP VPS up and running!

  1. Go to the "Actions" tab in your repository.
  2. You should see your workflow listed there (e.g., "Windows RDP").
  3. Click on the workflow.
  4. Click on the "Run workflow" button. You might need to select the branch you want to run the workflow on (usually main).
  5. Click "Run workflow" again to confirm.

Step 5: Connect to Your RDP VPS

Once the workflow is running, it will take a few minutes to set up the Windows environment and establish the Ngrok tunnel. You can monitor the progress by clicking on the workflow run and viewing the logs.

  1. Wait for the workflow to complete successfully. This might take around 10-15 minutes.
  2. In the logs, look for the line that says "Connect to your RDP!". Below that, you'll find the Ngrok TCP address and port (e.g., tcp://0.tcp.ngrok.io:12345).
  3. Open the Remote Desktop Connection application on your local machine (search for "Remote Desktop Connection" in Windows, or use an RDP client on Mac or Linux).
  4. Enter the Ngrok TCP address and port as the computer name (e.g., 0.tcp.ngrok.io:12345).
  5. When prompted for credentials, use the following:
    • Username: runneradmin
    • Password: P@sswOrd123
  6. Click "Connect." You might get a warning about the certificate not being trusted. You can safely ignore this and click "Yes" to continue.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Free Windows 10 RDP VPS!

That's it! You should now be connected to your free Windows 10 RDP VPS. You can use it for whatever you need – testing, development, or just messing around. Keep in mind that the VPS is temporary and will be terminated when the workflow run ends (usually after 6 hours).

Important Considerations

While this method is super cool, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • Temporary: The RDP VPS is only available for the duration of the workflow run (up to 6 hours). After that, it will be terminated, and you'll need to run the workflow again to get a new one.
  • Security: This is not a secure solution for sensitive data. Anyone with access to your GitHub repository can potentially access the RDP VPS. Do not store any personal information or confidential data on the VPS.
  • Rate Limiting: GitHub Actions has usage limits. If you run the workflow too frequently, you might get rate-limited. Use this method responsibly.
  • Ngrok Limitations: The free version of Ngrok has some limitations, such as connection limits and bandwidth restrictions. If you need more resources, you might consider upgrading to a paid plan.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any issues, here are a few things to try:

  • Check the Workflow Logs: The workflow logs contain valuable information about what's going on. Carefully review the logs for any error messages or warnings.
  • Double-Check Your Configuration: Make sure you've followed all the steps correctly. Pay close attention to the Ngrok authtoken and the workflow file syntax.
  • Try Again: Sometimes, things just go wrong for no apparent reason. Try running the workflow again. It might work the second time around.
  • Search Online: There are many online resources and communities that can help you troubleshoot issues with GitHub Actions and Ngrok. Search for your specific error message or problem.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A free Windows 10 RDP VPS using GitHub Actions. It's a neat trick that can come in handy in various situations. Just remember to use it responsibly and be aware of the limitations. Happy RDP-ing!