Remote Desktop Protocol or RDP, by default is disabled on Windows Server 2012. But enabling it is quick and simple and provides a great way of accessing your servers or machines on the network.

To get started, you will need the Server Manager console opened on the Local Server window.

From there, next to Remote Desktop click where is says Disabled.

The System Properties box will appear where you can then change the settings for Remote Desktop. You will need to check the button next to Allow remote connections to this computer. Windows will warn you that its going to enable the Remote Desktop Firewall exception automatically, you can just say OK to that.

And that's RDP enabled on Windows Server 2012.

However, depending on your environment, if your using a Public or Guest network you may need to adjust the firewall settings accordingly. From the Windows Firewall screen, on the left hand side click, Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall. Scroll down to Remote Desktop and check the public box. This could be a security risk depending on your environment setup, please consider this option carefully before allowing it.