Remote Desktop Connection

Introduction

A Remote Desktop Connection allows access from one computer to another computer over a network connection. You will be able to connect your SCSU laptop to a computer that is on campus while you are working off campus.

Instructions

Remote Desktop on Windows

Windows computers do not need VPN to connect to the computer. Direct Access was configured on all Windows SCSU laptops. If Direct Access stops working, the laptop needs to be restarted or it needs updates.

Configure a remote desktop connection shortcut on your Windows laptop

1. Type ‘remote’ in the Windows 10 taskbar search and click on Remote Desktop Connection, Desktop app.
2. Click Show Options to expand this menu.
3. In the Computer field, enter the full name of your remote desktop computer (including @campus.stcloudstate.edu).
4. In the User name field, enter your star ID.

• Example
  • Computer: 2ua4000000@campus.stcloudstate.edu
  • User name: starID

5. Click on Save As and choose the location where you want to save the shortcut, then click on Save.
6. Click Connect to sign into the remote computer.
7. Enter your StarID Password.

Disconnect: When you are completed with your work on the remote computer, please sign out of the remote computer.

Note: To connect to the remote desktop in the future, double click on the remote desktop shortcut created during steps 2-5.

Remote Desktop on Mac

Mac computers need both VPN and Remote Desktop software installed. Additionally, SCSU employees need assistance from ITS to get configured to sign into the VPN network. VPN must be connected before the laptop can connect to a remote computer. While you are on VPN, you will not be able to access the Internet on your Mac.

Install Remote Desktop software on your Mac laptop

1. Open Self Service to locate the installer
2. Click Microsoft from the side bar
3. Locate Microsoft Remote Desktop (this will indicate open or install for remote desktop)
4. If the software was not installed yet, click Install.  

Access the remote computer via Mac laptop

1. Launch VPN and sign in using your StarID credentials.
2. Launch Remote Desktop

After you launch Remote Desktop, make sure that the “PCs” tab is selected

3. Click the plus + button and select “Add PC”
4. The PC Name field needs the Computer Name. If you do not have this information, please contact your campus technician.
5. Click the “Add” button at the bottom right of the window
6. Double click the PC in your “PC Name” list

Note: You might see a notification about a certificate. If so, click the “Continue” button and you'll get connected to the PC.

Disconnect: When you are completed with your work on the remote computer, please sign out of the remote computer, then disconnect your Mac from VPN.

Common Problems

“Remote Desktop Connection. Remote Desktop can’t find the computer”.

This message will appear if:

1. The computer name is incorrect.
2. Either the laptop or the desktop computer on campus needs updates and to be restarted.
3. Your Windows laptop is no longer connected to Direct Access. If so, update and restart the laptop.
4. The desktop computer was turned off. If so, someone will need to power it on.

“Remote Desktop Connection. The connection was denied because the user account is not authorized for remote login”.

If you see a message, confirm that you have the correct computer name. If you have the correct computer name, contact your campus technician to get permission to connect to this computer.