rdesktop

RDP client for Windows NT/2000 Terminal Server and Windows Servers

Matches ATT&CK tactic: Lateral Movement ↗

Platforms: Linux · Last verified September 6, 2026

rdesktop is an open source client for Windows NT/2000 Terminal Server and Windows Server 2003/2008. Capable of natively speaking its Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) in order to present the user’s Windows desktop. Unlike Citrix ICA, no server extensions are required.

Only use this tool against systems you own or are explicitly authorized to test — see the disclaimer.

Getting started

See the official Kali tool page and upstream homepage linked above for installation and usage details.

Commonly preinstalled on

Kali Linux

Debian-based distribution built for penetration testing and security auditing