Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows you to control a remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it. Many users look for free RDP servers for tasks like hosting game servers, running bots, testing software, or accessing a cloud PC.
However, most free RDP services require a credit card, and some are scams. In this guide, we’ll explore legitimate ways to get a free RDP server without needing a credit card.
1. Free Cloud Providers Offering RDP (No Credit Card Needed)
Some cloud providers offer free VMs that you can convert into an RDP server.
A. Oracle Cloud Free Tier (Best Long-Term Free RDP)
✅ 4 ARM Cores + 24GB RAM (Free Forever)
✅ No Credit Card Required (in some regions)
Steps to Set Up Free RDP on Oracle Cloud:
- Sign up for an Oracle Cloud Free Tier account.
- Create an ARM-based VM instance (Ampere A1).
- Install XRDP (Linux Remote Desktop):
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install xrdp -y
sudo systemctl enable xrdp
sudo systemctl start xrdp- Connect via Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) using your VM’s IP.
⚠️ Note: Some regions require a credit card, but you can try virtual cards (like Privacy.com).
B. Google Cloud Shell (Free SSH Access, Not Full RDP)
✅ Free browser-based Linux shell
✅ No credit card needed
- Visit Google Cloud Shell.
- Provides a free Linux terminal (not full RDP, but useful for CLI tasks).
C. Microsoft Azure Free Tier (Limited, May Require Card)
✅ 12 months free Windows/Linux VM
⚠️ Usually requires a card, but some users bypass with virtual cards.
2. Free RDP from Developer & Student Programs
A. GitHub Student Developer Pack (Free RDP Credits)
✅ Free $100-$200 in cloud credits (DigitalOcean, AWS, Azure)
✅ Requires student email (.edu)
- Sign up at GitHub Education.
- Claim free credits and deploy a cloud VM.
- Install XRDP (Linux) or use Windows Server.
B. AWS Educate (Free AWS Credits for Students)
✅ Free $50-$100 AWS credits
✅ No credit card required for students
- Sign up at AWS Educate.
- Launch an EC2 instance (free tier eligible).
- Set up RDP (Windows) or XRDP (Linux).
3. Temporary Free RDP Trials (Use with Caution)
Some websites offer short-term free RDP trials, but beware of scams:
- RDPHostings.com (offers trials, but verify legitimacy).
- Goorm IDE (free cloud IDE with SSH, not full RDP).
⚠️ Warning: Many “free RDP” sites are scams or contain malware. Always use trusted providers.
4. Create Your Own Free RDP (Using Free VPS + XRDP)
If you get a free VPS from any provider, you can install XRDP (Linux Remote Desktop):
sudo apt update && sudo apt install xrdp -y
sudo systemctl enable xrdp
sudo systemctl start xrdpThen connect via Microsoft Remote Desktop (Windows) or Remmina (Linux).
5. Free RDP Giveaways & Community Servers
Some forums occasionally give away free VPS:
- LowEndTalk (lowendtalk.com)
- Reddit r/FreeRDP (check for legit offers)
⚠️ Risks: These may be unreliable or short-lived.
⚠️ Important Warnings About Free RDP Servers
❌ Avoid “100% free RDP” scams (many steal data or install malware).
❌ Free servers may be slow, limited, or shut down suddenly.
✅ For reliable use, consider cheap paid options ($5/month on DigitalOcean or Vultr).
Final Verdict: Best Free RDP Without Credit Card
| Method | Free Duration | Need Credit Card? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle Cloud Free Tier | Forever | Sometimes | Long-term RDP |
| Google Cloud Shell | Always Free | ❌ No | CLI access |
| GitHub Student Pack | 1-12 months | ❌ No | Students |
| AWS Educate | Varies | ❌ No | Students |
| Temporary Trials | Few hours | ❌ No | Testing |
Conclusion
The best free RDP without a credit card is Oracle Cloud Free Tier (if available in your region). Otherwise, student programs (GitHub/AWS Educate) are great alternatives.
For long-term reliable RDP, consider cheap VPS providers ($3-$5/month).
Would you like a step-by-step guide on setting up RDP on Oracle Cloud? Let me know! 🚀