---
title: Windows Install (deprecated)
weight: 5
description: "Legacy guide for installing RustDesk Server Pro on Windows. Includes prerequisites, license setup, and download steps, but Linux or Docker is recommended instead."
keywords: ["rustdesk server pro windows", "rustdesk pro windows install", "rustdesk self-host pro windows", "rustdesk windows install deprecated", "rustdesk pro license windows"]
---

This is the legacy Windows installation path for RustDesk Server Pro. Use Linux or Docker instead when possible.

{{% notice note %}}
Windows security policy is tricky, if this tutorial does not work for you, or you encounter unstable connection, please migrate to a Linux server.
{{% /notice %}}

{{% notice note %}}
The GUI version, `RustDeskServer.setup.exe` has not been maintained any more, not recommended.
{{% /notice %}}

## Should you use the Windows install path?

Use this guide only when your RustDesk Server Pro host must stay on Windows. For new self-hosted deployments, Linux or Docker is the better default because it is easier to automate, update, and operate reliably.

## Windows install quick answers

- Treat this as a legacy path, not the preferred deployment method.
- Install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable before starting.
- The old GUI installer is no longer maintained.
- If you need a long-term stable deployment, move to Linux or Docker.
- If you stay on Windows, plan how you will run the services and proxy the web console.

## Install

The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable is required to run rustdesk on Windows. You can download it [here](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist)

1. Get your license from [https://rustdesk.com/pricing.html](https://rustdesk.com/pricing.html), check [license](https://rustdesk.com/docs/en/self-host/rustdesk-server-pro/license/) page for more details.
2. Download the the Windows installer from [GitHub](https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk-server-pro/releases/latest).
3. Unzip the Windows installer.
4. Run the Installer and follow the steps on screen. Or manually install with [PM2 or NSSM](https://rustdesk.com/docs/en/self-host/rustdesk-server-oss/windows/).
5. Once its completed open RustDesk Server.
6. Follow the prompts as they guide you through the install.
7. Click `Services` and then `Start`.
8. Once the install is complete go to `http://youripaddress:21114`.
9. Log in with the username `admin` and password `test1234`.
10. Enter your license code purchased in step 1.

## Use IIS as Proxy

Please ensure `Dynamic Content Compression` is installed (this is an IIS Feature which can be installed with Server Roles).
1. Open IIS (Or install it).
2. Create a new website for RustDesk with the bindings (Ideally 443) and relevant certificate. Basic settings should point this to a blank folder. (If you use the default site, make sure there are no other files in the folder).
3. On IIS, install [Application Request Routing](https://www.iis.net/downloads/microsoft/application-request-routing) and [URL Rewrite](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/iis/extensions/url-rewrite-module/using-the-url-rewrite-module).

## Application Request Routing

1. Under the IIS Server Host open Application Request Routing.
2. Go to Server Proxy Settings.
3. Enable proxy and all settings will appear, you can leave them as the defaults.
4. Save the settings and we can go to the next step: URL Rewrite.

## URL Rewrite

1. Open the site on IIS on the left pane and double-click on URL Rewrite.
2. Click `Add rules`.
3. Set up a new reverse proxy rule.
4. Setup the local address (the 21114 address) \
Inbound Rule – the RustDesk internal 21114 address \
Outbound Rules – `From` is the RustDesk internal 21114 address and `To` is the external address. \
Note: No http / https before the addresses – they are automatically handled. Also, ensure all the addresses are accessible both internally and externally.

## Compression

1. Disable `Dynamic Content Compression`.

## Troubleshooting

If you have an error 500.52 add the mentioned variables: [IIS acting as reverse proxy: Where the problems start](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/iis-support-blog/iis-acting-as-reverse-proxy-where-the-problems-start/ba-p/846259).

You maybe need to change your SSL Settings to "Require SSL → Ignore".
