Where can I use FreeRDP and what platforms does it support?

Updated

FreeRDP is a free, Apache-licensed implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), so you can use it anywhere you need to connect to an RDP-compatible remote desktop service. The project explicitly emphasizes cross-platform use and interoperability, but the official page does not list every supported operating system, so you should confirm your specific platform against the official documentation and release downloads before committing.

What FreeRDP actually is

FreeRDP is a client-side implementation of RDP, released under the Apache license. In practice that means:

  • It speaks RDP, the same protocol used by Microsoft Remote Desktop and Windows Terminal Services.
  • It connects to RDP-compatible servers, so it is the client, not the server.
  • It is free software, and the Apache license lets you use it "wherever you want, the way you want it," in the project's own words.

If your goal is to reach a Windows machine or any RDP-capable host from a non-Windows device, FreeRDP is one of the standard open options.

Where you can use it

The project's stated purpose is interoperability and freedom of use, which is why it is commonly reached for in these situations:

  • Cross-platform remote access — connecting to an RDP server from an operating system other than Windows.
  • Embedded or custom builds — because it is Apache-licensed, it can be integrated into other software and products.
  • Scripted or automated sessions — the command-line client (xfreerdp and related binaries) fits into scripts and headless workflows.

The official page does not enumerate a platform matrix, so treat "cross-platform" as the project's design goal rather than a guaranteed list. Check the wiki and release notes for the platforms your build targets.

How to get it and verify platform support

  1. Go to the official site (freerdp.com) and use the Download Now link, or pull releases directly from https://pub.freerdp.com/releases/.
  2. Check the Wiki for build and platform documentation before you install.
  3. Confirm the current version — the latest post on the site announces 3.32.2 (the post text also references 3.32.1), described as a regression, bugfix, and security release.
  4. After installing, run the client against your target RDP server to confirm the connection works on your platform.

Security is a real consideration

The project states it has been "under close scrutiny by various security researchers" and has "hardened the code base considerably against malicious client and/or server messages." The release notes list a long series of CVE advisories fixed in recent versions.

Practical implication: run a current release. If you are on an older build, the security fixes in 3.32.x are a strong reason to update before connecting to untrusted or internet-facing RDP hosts.

Choosing whether FreeRDP fits you

If you need... FreeRDP is a good fit when...
A free RDP client Yes — Apache-licensed, no cost implied by the license itself
Cross-platform access Yes — that is the project's core goal, but verify your OS in the docs
To embed RDP in your own product Yes — the Apache license permits this
A guaranteed platform list Not directly — the site does not publish one; check the wiki
A supported commercial SLA Not from this page — no support terms are stated here

Where to get help

The project lists a Matrix room (#FreeRDP:matrix.org), an IRC channel (#freerdp on oftc, bridged to Matrix), a mailing list, and a support page. Use these if your platform question is not answered by the wiki.

The short answer: FreeRDP is a free RDP client you can use wherever you need RDP connectivity, built for cross-platform and embedded use — just confirm your specific platform in the official docs and keep it updated for the security fixes.