How do I configure my work and home computers for Remote Desktop access?

In order to access your desktop or docked laptop from home, you will need to properly configure both the host and the guest computers. The following instructions can be used to access a Windows host from either a Windows guest or a Mac guest computer. Additional software is required for accessing from a Mac guest, but the software is free and available from the Mac App Store.

In order to access your host or “work” PC, you will need to allow remote access to the machine by completing the following steps:

1. Click on the Start or Search button on the taskbar.
2. Type “Control Panel” and click on the Control Panel Application.
3. Click on System & Security
4. Click on System
5. Click on Change Settings next to the Computer Name, domain and Workgroup settings.
6. You will also want to note the Computer name. In this case, it’s DESKTOP-UKG2044, but yours will be different.
7. The System Properties window will now be visible. Click on the Remote tab.
8. On the Remote tab, under Remote Desktop, click on the radio button next to “Allow remote connections to this computer”
9. Click the OK button to finish.

For a Windows guest computer, configure the Remote Desktop application as follows:

1. Click on the Start button on the taskbar and type “Remote Desktop” and click on the Remote Desktop Connection application.
2. Enter the computer name from Step 6 above.
3. Click on the Show Options drop-down, and complete the rest of the fields.
4. Enter your BUnetID in the User name field and optionally make sure that “Allow me to save credentials” is checked.
5. Click on Save As if you would like to create a desktop shortcut. (Recommended)
6. Name the connection or leave “Default” as the file name, select Desktop from the sidebar for the location, and click Save.

You are now ready to connect to your work computer from home. If you have not already done so, you will also need to download and install the VPN client from the Service Desk website. Go to https://lydia.bradley.edu/software/vpn_download.html to download the VPN software, and follow the rest of the onscreen instructions for configuring the VPN.

You will need to be connected to the VPN for the Remote Desktop Connection to work.

If your home computer is a MacBook or iMac, you will need to download the Microsoft Remote from the Mac App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop-10/id1295203466?mt=12

1. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop application on your Mac
2. Click on the Add PC button
3. Enter in the PC name (from Step 6 above). This needs to be the fully-qualified domain name, so the format would be YOURCOMPUTERNAME.ad.bradley.edu.
4. Click on the Save button.
5. Double-click on the PC that you just configured to start the remote session.
6. You will be prompted to enter your BUnetID and password in order to access the remote PC.
7. Click continue to proceed.
8. The first time that you connect, you will need to accept the security certificate by clicking on Continue.
   

You should now be connected to your remote host PC.

If you have any issues with setting up your remote desktop connection, please contact the IT Service Desk by calling (309) 677-2964 Monday-Friday between 8AM - 5PM or you can email [email protected] or visit https://corona.bradley.edu to complete a support ticket online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will do our best to return your correspondence as soon as possible.