LightSail Windows Server 2022 VM - Unable to connect using RDP - Administrator user is disabled and cannot be accessed error

To resolve the issues you are encountering while trying to access your Windows VM on LightSail using RDP, follow these steps:

Step 1

1. Reset the Administrator Password: Go to the LightSail console -> Navigate to your instance -> Select the "Connect" tab -> Click on "Manage" under the "Windows password" section -> Reset the password and make sure the account is not disabled.

2. Use the LightSail Browser-based RDP: If you are unable to connect via the browser-based RDP due to the CLIENT_FORBIDDEN [771] error, ensure that your network security groups and firewall settings are correctly configured to allow RDP connections.

Step 2

Check Security Group Settings: Go to the LightSail console -> Select the instance -> Click on the "Networking" tab -> Ensure that there is a rule allowing inbound traffic on port 3389 (RDP).

Check Windows Firewall:

• Once you have access, check the Windows Firewall settings on the VM to ensure that it allows RDP traffic.

Step 3

Verifying Network Connectivity:

• Ensure that your local machine can reach the LightSail instance.
• Use tools like ping or telnet to check connectivity to the instance's IP address on port 3389.
• Sometimes, rebooting the instance can resolve connectivity issues.

Step 4

Review Logs:

• Check the Windows Event Logs on the LightSail instance for any relevant error messages related to RDP or account login.