Remote Desktop

OVERVIEW

Target audience: McGill faculty and staff.

Remote Desktop (RDP) lets you connect to your Windows work computer through the Internet and access all of your files, programs, and network resources, just as if you were actually at work. RDP software comes pre-installed with Windows.

If you have a Mac computer at home you can also connect to your work PC. See Requirements for using Remote Desktop, below, to install Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac OS.

In this article:

• Requirements for using Remote Desktop
• Connect to your work computer on Windows
• Connect to your work computer on Mac OS
• Disconnect from your work computer
• FAQs/Troubleshooting issues with Remote Desktop

Requirements for using Remote Desktop

Requirements at home:

• High-speed internet access - a wired connection is recommended
• You must be connected to McGill's VPN
• You need to know the IP address or name of your work computer 
• Install Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac (it is installed by default on Windows computers)

Before going home:

• Your work computer must be powered on - but logged off (turn off your monitor(s) to conserve energy).  Disable all power management (hibernation, sleep)
• Your work computer must have Remote Desktop enabled. Ask your local IT Administrator if Remote Desktop is allowed or blocked in your department.
• If you share a work computer with others, you should notify them that you will be connecting remotely to ensure they do not use it or turn it off while you are connected.
• You need to obtain either the IP Address or Computer Name of your work computer. If you are unsure which method to use, talk to your local IT Administrator.  
  • To get the IP address of your work computer, go to http://www.ipchicken.com/.
  • If your workstation is in the campus.mcgill.ca domain, you can use the Computer Name of your work computer to connect remotely. To find it (in Windows 10) click Start > type "This PC" > right click This PC - Properties.
  • Write down the name listed to the right of Full computer name, as shown in the image below.
    
    

Connect to your work computer on Windows:

1.     Connect to McGill's VPN.

2.     Once connected to the VPN, in the Windows 10 search box, type "remote desktop" and select the Remote Desktop Connection App.

3.     In the Computer box, type the IP Address or Computer Name of your work computer, which you wrote down earlier.

4.     Click the Show Options button and enter your McGill Username.

5.     The Display, Local Resources, and Experience tabs have optional settings which you can adjust to improve your use of the RDP window.

o    For security reasons, we do not recommend selecting any of the devices listed under Local Resources > Local devices. If you do select Printers, you will need to install your home printer driver(s) on your work computer before you can print from your RDP session to your home printer. Talk to your IT Administrator to verify if you have install rights on your work computer before attempting to do so. 

6.     Once you have finished entering your information, go to the General tab and click Save As if you want to reuse the connection settings next time without having to re-enter them.

7.     Click Connect. You will be prompted to enter your McGill password

If you are prompted to accept a security certificate, click Yes and check the box labeled "Don't  ask me again..."

Your work desktop should now open in a new window.

Note: If you receive an error message when trying to connect (as shown below), make sure you are connected to the VPN; then re-attempt to connect using the Remote Desktop Connection app. 

While you are using your work computer through Remote Desktop, it remains locked, so no one can access it from the office at the same time as you. Additionally, no one can see the work you are doing remotely.

To end your Remote Desktop session:

1.     On your work computer desktop, click Start, then Log Off.

2.     When prompted, click Log Off.

3.     Disconnect from your VPN session if you are finished using McGill resources. 

Connect to your work computer on Mac OS:

1.     Connect to McGill's VPN.

2.     Once connected, click on the Launchpad to find Microsoft Remote Desktop 10. Click to open it.

3.     The application may ask for permission to access your microphone and camera. These permissions are required by the session. Click Continue.

4.     If you are prompted to enable notifications, it is recommended to select Allow. This is because if you have enabled notifications from other applications (e.g. Outlook), they will not show up on your Mac if you have your Remote Desktop minimized or are browsing in another window.

5.     Click Add a PC. In the PC name field, type the IP address or computer name of your work computer. In the User Account field, click the drop-down menu and select Add User Account.

6.     Enter your McGill Username and McGill Password and leave the Friendly name field blank. Click Add and then click Add again in the Add PC window.

7.     Double click on your computer name. Your work desktop should now be open.

While you are using your work computer through Remote Desktop, it remains locked, so no one can access it from the office at the same time as you. Additionally, no one can see the work you are doing remotely.

To end your Remote Desktop session:

1.     On your work computer desktop, click Start, then Log Off.

2.     When prompted, click Log Off.

3.     Disconnect from your VPN session if you are finished using McGill resources. 

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