Free Windows 11 RDP Setup Guide 💻
If you’ve ever wanted your own Windows 11 Remote Desktop (RDP) setup without paying a dime, this guide walks you through every step — from creating your GitHub repository to connecting your device securely through Tailscale. Follow carefully, and by the end, you’ll not only have your own free RDP but also learn a few secrets to make it last a lifetime.
Step 1: Create Your GitHub Repository
Start by heading over to your GitHub account.
Click on “Create Repository” and give it any name you like. It doesn’t really matter what you call it, as long as you can remember it.
Once done, scroll down and hit “Create Repository.”
Step 2: Visit Tailscale and Connect Devices
Next, open a new tab and go to Tailscale.com.
Make sure you’re on the official page, then look for the button that says “Start Connecting Devices” and click it.
When prompted, choose “Sign up with GitHub.” Authorize Tailscale to connect to your account, and carefully follow each step.
At this point, select the options that fit your setup best and click “Add Your First Device.”
Step 3: Skip Optional Features (For Now)
When Tailscale offers extra setup options, you can safely skip them for now.
Simply click “Skip.” You can explore those features later if you wish — but for now, skipping keeps things clean and simple.
Step 4: Generate Your Auth Key
Now, click on Settings in Tailscale. Under Personal Settings, select “Keys.”
If you’re using your phone, go to Settings → General → Keys.
Click “Generate Auth Key.” When the pop-up appears, don’t change anything — just hit “Generate Key.”
Wait a few seconds, and your new key will appear. Copy it somewhere safe.
Step 5: Add the Key to GitHub Secrets
Return to your GitHub account. Go to Settings → Secrets and Variables → Actions, then click “New Repository Secret.”
RDP Code Link: View Document
Paste the auth key you copied earlier into the value box. Name the secret exactly as shown in your guide — any spelling mistakes will break your setup. Finally, click “Add Secret.”
Step 6: Set Up Your Workflow
In your GitHub repository, click the Actions tab, then click “Set up a workflow yourself.”
Paste the workflow code (from the reference guide) and click “Commit Changes.”
Go back to Actions → find your workflow name (you can call it “RDP”) → click “Run Workflow.”
Step 7: Connect Your Account
While the workflow runs, open the provided link and log in with your GitHub account.
Authorize and connect. Once you see a success message, you’re good to go.
Back on your GitHub workflow page, you’ll notice a connection has been created — complete with a username and password.
Step 8: Install Tailscale on Your Computer
Now, install Tailscale on your Windows PC or MacBook. Download it directly from the official website and sign in with the same account.
Once installed, open Remote Desktop Connection on your PC.
Copy the IP address or connection details from your GitHub workflow output and paste them into the Remote Desktop app.
Step 9: Important Tips and Secrets
Here’s the secret I promised: You can create and manage this same Windows 11 RDP setup using your smartphone. It’s faster, easier, and perfect if you don’t have access to a computer.
I’ll be breaking that down in my next tutorial — so keep an eye out for it!
Final Thoughts
You just created a working free Windows 11 RDP that can handle tasks like browsing, testing software, or running lightweight apps — all without paying for a VPS or server.
This is just the beginning. In the next guide, I’ll show you how to manage and automate your RDP directly from your smartphone.