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C&IT Computing & Information Technology

How do I use Remote Desktop Protocol to connect to my office computer from another location?

Wayne State employees who use a university-owned Windows desktop computer can use Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to do university business from an off-campus location. Your campus computer must be powered on to connect.

Review the RDP FAQ before proceeding. Security precautions must be followed:

  • Your local IT support team must approve RDP access and provide the hostname for your university-owned office computer.
    • If you use a C&IT-managed computer, fill out the request form.
  • Your personally-owned computer must meet the RDP system requirements
    • Windows 10 or macOS 10
    • Regular security updates and virus scans
    • VPN software installed
    • RDP program installed
  • Internet connection–wired preferred. Avoid public Wi-Fi.

How to set up your personally-owned computer (one-time)

  1. Set up MFA on your phone.
  2. Install the GlobalProtect VPN software.
  3. Find the RDP program on your personally-owned computer.
    • Windows: Type Remote Desktop Connection in the Search box on the Taskbar.
    • macOS: Download and install the Microsoft RDP v10 client from the App Store.

How to find RDP to connect your personally-owned computer to your office desktop computer

  1. Connect to the GlobalProtect VPN. Keep your mobile phone handy to respond to the MFA prompt. Sometimes macOS may get stuck.
  2. Open the RDP program
    • Windows: Type Remote Desktop Connection in the search box on the taskbar
    • macOS: Launch the Microsoft RDP v10
  3. In the Computer box, enter the hostname for your university-owned office computer provided by your local IT support team. Click Show options to save the connection for future use.
  4. You will be prompted to enter your username and password; use your AccessID and password.
    • If Remote Desktop Connection is trying to use your personal computer credentials click on More Choices, then click Use a different account, enter your username using this format: AD\AccessID, and enter your password.
  5. Connection should then be established and you will see your office desktop computer in an app window on your personally-owned computer.

How to prepare your university desktop for a remote connection

  • Enable Remote Desktop (default setting).
  • Disable Hibernate and/or Sleep Mode.
  • Connect to the university internet with a hard connection; If your desktop is connected to the VPN, that connection will drop when you connect to the VPN with your credentials on your home device.
  • Locate the full name of your device at Control Panel> System > About.
  • Install Global Protect on your home computer to connect to the VPN.
  • Pass local resources (speakers and mic) to your remote computer. When you connect to your remote computer, click Show Options > Local Resources > Settings >Configure remote settings and choose Record from this computer.