Connect to your Mac from outside with Tailscale and RDPyon

RDPyon connects Windows Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc) directly to your Mac, without an RDPyon relay server. Away from your local network, a VPN such as Tailscale can provide the network path. This guide uses the free Tailscale Personal plan for non-commercial use.

Set up the connection in four steps

1. On the Mac, install Tailscale from tailscale.com/download and sign in.

2. On the Windows PC, install Tailscale and sign in to the same Tailscale account. Keep Tailscale running on both devices.

3. Open the RDPyon menu bar menu and choose "Enter this address in mstsc". Click the Tailscale 100.x address marked "VPN" to copy its ip:port value. RDPyon's default port is 3389.

4. On Windows, open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc) and paste that address into the Computer field.

Company work: use a paid Tailscale plan or your company VPN

Important: Tailscale Personal is free for up to 6 users, with unlimited devices per user, but it is for non-commercial use only. If you use this setup for company work, choose a paid Tailscale plan or your company VPN instead.

If it does not connect

Check that Tailscale is running on both devices and that both are signed in to the same account. Then copy the Mac's 100.x VPN address from the RDPyon menu again.

On the Mac, check System Settings > Network > Firewall if it is on. Turn off "Block all incoming connections", or set RDPyon to "Allow incoming connections".

The Mac must be awake and logged in. Connections fail with the lid closed and right after a logout or reboot (before FileVault unlock). Before you leave, keep the power adapter connected and the lid open.

Tailscale connects devices directly when possible. If a direct connection is not possible, traffic goes through a Tailscale DERP relay, which may be slower.

Why not open port 3389?

We do not recommend forwarding port 3389 from your router to the Mac. Use a trusted network or a VPN instead. With Tailscale, mstsc uses the Mac's VPN address, so you do not need to open that router port.

Frequently asked questions

What does Tailscale Personal cost?

It is free for up to 6 users, with unlimited devices per user, for non-commercial use only. Check Tailscale's pricing page for the current terms.

Can I use Tailscale Personal for company work?

No. Its Personal plan is for non-commercial use only. For company work, use a paid Tailscale plan or your company VPN.

Does RDPyon use an account or relay server for the connection?

No. RDPyon connects mstsc directly to the Mac and has no account or relay server for the connection. Tailscale is separate: it connects devices directly when possible and otherwise uses its DERP relay.

Can I use another VPN?

Yes, if it gives the Windows PC a network path to the Mac. Connect to the Mac's address on that VPN as usual. This page uses Tailscale as one example.

Checked November 2026. Sources: https://tailscale.com/pricing, https://tailscale.com/download, https://tailscale.com/kb/1257/connection-types. Vendor plans and prices change, so check the vendor's page.

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