Unable to Connect to Azure Windows VM via RDP (Azure AD User - External UPN)

Question

Hello,

I have an Azure VM running Windows Server 2022 with the Microsoft.Azure.ActiveDirectory.AADLoginForWindows extension installed (version 2.2.0).

I attempted to connect using my Azure AD user via Windows Desktop Manager (version 2024.3.10.3) from both a MacBook and a Windows laptop, but encountered the same issue on both devices. The error message states that the credentials are incorrect, but I have verified that they are correct.

Additionally, my Azure AD user is external (its UPN contains #EXT#@myorg.onmicrosoft.com) and has the Owner and Virtual Machine Administrator Login roles assigned for this VM.

Could you please provide specific guidance for both Mac and Windows on how to successfully connect? Do I need any additional extensions, settings, or tools for RDP on either platform?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi Visan, Nicolae,
Thank you for reaching out to us on the Microsoft Q&A forum.
It seems like you are having a problem with connecting Azure Windows VM via RDP
here are few troubleshooting steps
After each troubleshooting step, try reconnecting to the VM:

1. Reset Remote Desktop configuration.
2. Check Network Security Group rules / Cloud Services endpoints.
3. Review VM console logs.
4. Reset the NIC for the VM.
5. Check the VM Resource Health.
6. Reset your VM password.
7. Restart your VM.
8. Redeploy your VM.

Please refer to the below link for other troubleshooting steps for RDP
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/windows/troubleshoot-rdp-connection?form=MG0AV3

Please refer the below link to know more about the Prerequisites and more information on RDP connection on both Windows and MacOS
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/users/connect-remote-desktop-client?form=MG0AV3&tabs=macos

You can also create an RDP connection to a Windows VM using Azure Bastion by following the steps in the below link

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/bastion/bastion-connect-vm-rdp-windows

Hope this helps. For further queries do let us know.

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