How to Access Remote Desktop

Description

Connecting to your Windows computer from another Windows device or MacOS device through Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection.

Table of Content:

• Preparing Work PC to Connect Remotely
• Find your computer name on your Windows computer
• Remoting in from Windows
• Download and configure Remote Desktop Connection from Mac
  • Configure Remote Desktop Connection
  • Remoting in after configuration on Mac:
• How to Disconnect from the remote Desktop connection

More Information

• If off-campus, SonicWall NetExtender VPN connection is required to remote into any Gannon computers.
• Employee getting the error: "The connection was denied because the user account is not authorized for remote login." when trying to remote into a Gannon-owned computer, please reach out to the Help Desk at 814-871-7501.

Resolution/Troubleshooting

Preparing Work PC to Connect Remotely:

1. Press "Windows key" and the "X" key simultaneously
2. Select "System" > "Remote Desktop"
   • Turn on "Enable Remote Desktop"
     • Select "Confirm"

Note: If you are unable to come on campus to do this, please submit a request to the Help Desk and a technician can assist you.

Find your computer name on your Windows computer:

• On the computer you want to remote into go to 'Settings' (gear icon) from your 'Start Menu'
  • Select 'System' then 'About'
    • Your computer name will be listed as 'Device Name'

Remoting in from Windows:

• For all versions of Windows, open a Search Field, and type in Remote Desktop.
• On the Remote Desktop Connection window enter the "full computer name" of  your office computer.
• Press: "Connect". Connecting to: "full computer name" as entered screen appears.
• If a message appears: "The identity of the remote computer cannot be verified." Do you want to connect anyway? Press: "Yes".
• Upon a successful connection the "Logon to Windows" screen appears. Enter your network password and click: "OK".
• The connection will now be established and you will have to enter your credentials to actually logon to your office PC. 

Download and configure Remote Desktop Connection from Mac:

• Download and install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the app store.

Configure Remote Desktop Connection:

• Click through the grey "Launchpad" icon and click on the Remote Desktop app icon.
• Open the New or Edit settings:
• Click the "+" new button.

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• Click "Desktop" from the drop down.
• Enter your Gannon PC name or IP address that you want to connect to in the "PC name:" text box shown in photo below.

• Leave the following setting:
  • User account: leave as "Ask me every time"
  • Under General tab leave “Gateway” set as the default (No gateway configured)
  • Leave the remaining selections set as their defaults
• Click "add"
• Once configured, it should then show up in the Remote Desktop app like the photo below; double click the "Saved Desktop'.

Remoting in after configuration on Mac:

• Select computer name in 'Saved Desktops' list 
  • Enter your Gannon login credentials 
    • Username: Network ID
    • Password: same as Gannon portal and email 
  • Note: You may get a warning to verify the Security Certificate, click Continue.

How to Disconnect from the remote Desktop connection:

• Go to the Start Menu and click “sign off” to disconnect.
  • DO NOT click shut down or that will shut down your Gannon PC.