Windows Remote Access

Owned by Cody Janak (Unlicensed), created
Last updated: Jun 02, 2022 by Donald Birnbaum
3 min read

Remote Desktop Protocol (also known as RDP) is the required method of remoting into a Windows desktop on campus. These instructions will show you how to remote into an office or research lab PC.

The remote computer you are accessing must be connected to the TAMU network via Ethernet.

You will need to know your computer name or IP address to connect to the remote computer.

 

Connecting from Windows

  1. Connect to the TAMU Network:

    1. If you are on campus, connect to the Wi-Fi network TAMU_WiFi or eduroam

    2. If you are off campus, connect to your local Wi-Fi network. Open the Cisco AnyConnect VPN application and log in with your NetID and password.

  2. If you do not know the IP address of the remote device, launch Command Prompt and use the ping command to get the last known IP address e.g. ping <Computer-Name>

    1. If you do not get a response, the device may be powered off, disconnected from the network, or have an invalid IP address. Please contact IT for assistance in obtaining the IP address.

  3. Open the Remote Desktop Connection from the Start Menu

    1. If you are running Windows 10 Home, you will need to install the Remote Desktop client from the Windows Store.

    2. In the pop up window, enter the following information:

      1. Computer: IP address of remote computer e.g. 10.125.234.178

    3. Click Show Options and enter the following credentials:

      1. Username: AUTH\NetID

      2. Click Connect

    4. Enter your NetID password and check the Remember me box. Click OK.

    5. Select Don’t ask me again for connections to this computer and then click Yes to connect to the remote device

Connecting from Mac

  1. Connect to the TAMU Network:

    1. If you are on campus, connect to the Wi-Fi network TAMU_WiFi or eduroam

    2. If you are off campus, connect to your local Wi-Fi network. Open the Cisco AnyConnect VPN application and log in with your NetID and password.

  2. Open your preferred RDP client (e.g. Microsoft Remote Desktop, Jump Desktop, etc.). For these instructions, we will use Microsoft Remote Desktop since it is a free product available in the App Store.

  3. Click the + icon > Add PC

  4. Enter the following information under Add PC:

    1. PC name: IP address of remote computer e.g. 10.125.234.178

    2. Friendly name: e.g. My Computer

    3. You may save the PC to a Group id desired. You may also configure the Display settings.

    4. Click Add

    5. If you do not have a user account saved yet, open the dropdown menu and select Add User Account…

      1. Enter your NetID in the Username field in AUTH\NetID format along with your NetID password. You can add a Friendly name as well.

  5. Click Save and then double-click the icon that appeared on the main menu.

  6. Click Continue on the Certificate page to finish connecting to the remote machine.