Tailscale + Remote Desktop (RDP) — Simple Desktop Setup

This guide helps you connect your computer safely to our private network using Tailscale, then remote into the office server using Remote Desktop (RDP).

Important: You can ONLY Remote Desktop into the server while Tailscale is ON (connected).

What is Tailscale and Why Do I Need It?

Tailscale is a secure connection that safely links your computer to our private server over the internet.

Think of Tailscale like a private tunnel that must be turned ON before your computer can see the server.

Important

You cannot Remote Desktop (RDP) into the server unless Tailscale is connected. If Tailscale is OFF, the server is invisible and Remote Desktop will not work.

In Simple Terms
  • Tailscale ON → Remote Desktop works
  • Tailscale OFF → Remote Desktop will NOT work

Before You Start (2 things)

  1. You will receive an email invitation to join our private Tailscale network (called a Tailnet).
  2. You need a desktop or laptop computer (Windows or Mac). We do not use phones for Remote Desktop.
Optional (Phone App)

There is a Tailscale mobile app, but it is not needed for Remote Desktop. We only use Remote Desktop on a computer.

Step 1: Install Tailscale on Your Computer

Open Tailscale Download Page

Windows

  1. Click Windows and download Tailscale.
  2. Open the downloaded file (usually in Downloads).
  3. Click Next → Install → Finish.

Mac

  1. Click macOS and download Tailscale.
  2. Open the downloaded file and drag Tailscale into Applications if asked.
  3. Open Tailscale from Applications.
You will see a small Tailscale icon

On Windows it appears near the clock (bottom-right). On Mac it appears near the top-right of the screen.

Step 2: Sign In (Create Account if Needed)

1
Click the Tailscale icon and choose Sign in.
2
A web page opens. Sign in using the button you normally use (Google / Microsoft / etc.).
3
If you do not have a Tailscale account yet, it will help you create one during sign-in. Just follow the prompts.
If asked “Allow” or “Approve”

Click Allow / Approve. This lets Tailscale connect safely.

Step 3: Accept the Invitation to Join Our Private Network

  1. Open your email (the same email you used to sign in).
  2. Find the email invitation from Tailscale.
  3. Click the button that says Accept Invitation (or similar).
  4. It will open a web page. Confirm / accept.
If you do not accept the invitation

You will NOT be able to connect to the server. The server is only visible inside our private Tailscale network.

Step 4: Make Sure Tailscale is ON (Connected)

This is the most important step. Remote Desktop only works while Tailscale is connected.

  1. Click the Tailscale icon.
  2. Make sure it says Connected or On.
Quick Check

If you see the word Connected, you are ready to Remote Desktop.

If it says “Not connected”

Click Connect (or turn it On), then try again.

Step 5: Remote Desktop (RDP) Into the Server

You will need 2 pieces of information from us:
  • Server name or Tailscale IP (example: 100.x.y.z)
  • Your username (and password)

If you don’t have these, contact us.

Windows (Remote Desktop Connection)

  1. Click Start and type Remote Desktop Connection.
  2. Open it.
  3. In Computer, type the server address we gave you.
  4. Click Connect.
  5. Enter your username and password.

Mac (Microsoft Remote Desktop)

  1. Open the App Store and install Microsoft Remote Desktop (only once).
  2. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop.
  3. Click Add PC.
  4. PC Name: enter the server address we gave you.
  5. Click Add, then click the new PC to connect.
Very Important Reminder

If Tailscale is OFF (not connected), the server will NOT work and Remote Desktop will fail. Turn Tailscale ON first, then try again.

Common Problems (Simple Fixes)

“Remote Desktop can’t connect”

I don’t see the Tailscale icon

I never received the invitation email

Tip: If you have trouble, call us and tell us what you see on the Tailscale icon (Connected or Not connected). That usually solves it quickly.