Enabling Remote Desktop (Windows)

Purpose 

This guide contains instructions on how to set up your computer for remote desktop access, as well as how to access that computer remotely. Off-campus devices require connection to Palo Alto GlobalProtect VPN, while On-campus devices do not require any VPN. 

Explanation 

Remote Desktop Access

Did you know that you can use your office computer remotely? UTD Windows computers can be set up to allow you to use your computer remotely. Please keep the following restrictions in mind when setting up a remote desktop.

• Currently, we do not provide a way for remote access into a UTD Mac Computer.
• You must be an administrator on the computer. If you are not an admin or do not know if you are, please contact the OIT Help Desk, and we will submit a ticket to your local techs.
• Your office computer must be left on.

In most cases, you will likely already be an administrator, the remote desktop will be on, and the computer should be set to not go to sleep when plugged in. However, if you are having issues, make sure of the following:

Set Up Your Office Computer for Remote Access

Enable Remote Desktop

1. Press the Windows button in the bottom left and click the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
2. Click the System icon under Settings.
3. In the System window, click on the Remote Desktop link from the list on the left-hand side.
4. Toggle Enable  Remote Desktop to on.
5. Follow the instructions below, Set Power Options, to keep your Computer from sleeping or hibernating so that it will be available to log into with Remote Desktop.

Set Your Power Options

Keep your computer from sleeping or hibernating to be available to be used remotely. It would help if you also kept your computer turned on.

1. Once again, press the Windows button and click the gear icon to open Settings.
2. Choose the Power and Sleep option from the list on the left-hand side.
3. In the Power and Sleep settings page, under Sleep, make sure When plugged in, the PC goes to sleep after it is set to Never.

Connect to Your Office Computer

Off-Campus

If you are off-campus, you will need to connect to VPN before connecting remotely to your computer.

• Sign up for Duo, if you have not already.
• Connect to the VPN.

On-Campus

If you are on campus and have a wired connection or are connected to a competent, you will not need to connect to the VPN.

Connect From a Windows Computer

1. Search for the Remote Desktop Connection application

2. In the Remote Desktop Connection panel, enter the full name of the computer and select Connect.

• Example: UTD123456.campus.ad.utdallas.edu.

3. Enter your username as campus\NetID and then your Password when prompted and select OK.