Remote Desktop Connection

vpn remote-access remote-desktop Mac

A remote desktop connection allows users to access a remote computer virtually from another computer. This is helpful when you are working from home or away from your office. The instructions below show how to connect to your work PC from a Mac computer.

Step-by-Step Guide for MacOS

How to Configure Your Work Computer for Remote Access

Type “Remote Access Settings” into the Windows search bar and select the Remote Access Settings option.
Ensure that Enable Remote Desktop is switched to the “On” position.
Under How to connect to this PC you will find your PC name, which you will need when connecting remotely. So, be sure to save this information.

Please Note: You must leave your work computer on. If it is turned off, you will not be able to use a remote desktop connection.

How to Use Remote Desktop Connection

Sign in to the University VPN. See the VPN how-to articles for more information.
If you haven't already, download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Mac App Store.
Once the download is complete and the application is open, you might be prompted to allow access to your microphone and camera.
Click the Add PC button on the Microsoft Remote Desktop screen.
When the Add PC window appears, type your work computer's PC name into the PC name box.
Next, in the User Account drop-down menu, select Add User Account.
In the Username box type SGF\abc123 (your Missouri State Account ID). Make sure you enter SGF \ username with no spaces (West Plains users should enter WP instead of SGF). In the Password box type your MSU password and click Add.
Your remote desktop will appear in the PCs area of Microsoft Remote Desktop. Double click to open.
You may see a warning about your certificate. Click Continue. Enter your password again if prompted.
Your remote desktop connection will open.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows

How to Configure Your Work Computer for Remote Access

Type “Remote Access Settings” into the Windows search bar and select the Remote Access Settings option.
Ensure that Enable Remote Desktop is switched to the “On” position.
Under How to connect to this PC you will find your PC name, which you will need when connecting remotely. So, be sure to save this information.

Please Note: You must leave your work computer on. If it is turned off, you will not be able to use a remote desktop connection.

How to Use Remote Desktop Connection

Sign in to the University VPN. See the VPN how-to articles for more information.
Type "Remote Desktop Connection" into the Windows search bar and select the Remote Desktop Connection app.
When the Remote Desktop Connection window appears, type your work computer's PC name (step 3 above) into the Computer box.
Select the Show Options button to expand the menu.
In the User name box, type SGF\abc123 (your Missouri State Account ID). Make sure you enter SGF \ username with no spaces (West Plains users should enter WP instead of SGF).
Click Connect.
In the pop-up window, enter your Missouri State Account ID password.
If the below screen appears, select Yes to confirm that you are logging into your work computer.
Your remote desktop connection will open.