Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) (2024)

Note: Once you complete the steps below and make a remote connection, be sure to save all work before disconnecting or stepping away from the computer for an extended period of time. When the connection is disconnected, the host computer may close all open applications and log off. If this happens any unsaved work will be lost.

RDP for Windows 11

Remote Desktop is disabled by default in Windows 11. There are instances where access to your computer from off-campus is needed, here are detailed instructions on connecting to your computer from an off-campus location.

Enable RDP on your Windows 11 Computer

These steps need to be completed on the computer you wish to remote into before you attempt to remote into it.

1. Open the search bar and search for Software Center and open the app
2. Run the Remote Desktop - Enable app - this will automatically configure your IT Managed computer to enable RDP

Connect to your Windows Computer with RDP

Once you have completed the steps above, you are now ready to connect to the computer from another computer. Follow the steps below to remote into the computer (we advise testing this before going off campus):

1. Open the search bar and search for Remote Desktop Connection and open the app
2. Enter the ComputerName.ad.ndsu.edu or IP Address of the computer you are connecting to in the Computer: field
   Note: Computer Name is the preferred method of connecting since your IP address may change
   • To find your Computer Name
     • In the search bar type PC Name
     • Open View your PC name
     • You will find your Computer Name on the Device Name line
       Reminder: Enter ComputerName.ad.ndsu.edu on the Computer field on the Remote Desktop Connection app
   • To find yourIP Address:
     • In the search bar type cmd
     • Open Command Prompt
     • Typeipconfig /all and press Enter
     • Find yourIPv4 Address under the Ethernet Adapter heading
3. Enter your first.last@ndsu.edu for the Username
   Note: If the connection fails, you may need to enter your first.last@ad.ndsu.edu in the username field
4. Click Connect
5. You will then need to approve a Duo MFA prompt before the connection will complete
   • If you need to set up or make changes to your Duo MFA devices, please visit https://kb.ndsu.edu/99732

Connect to a Windows PC from a Mac

Once you have completed the steps to enable RDP on a Windows computer above, follow the steps below to connect to the Windows computer from your Mac (we advise testing this before going off campus):

1. Install the Microsoft Remote Desktopapp
   • If you have an IT Managed Mac, open the Self Service app
   • Install Microsoft Remote Desktop
   • The app can also be found in the Apple AppStore at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop-10/id1295203466?mt=12
2. Launch the Microsoft Remote Desktop app
3. Click the +symbol to set up a new connection
4. Select Desktop
5. Enter the IP Address of the computer you are connecting to
6. Enter the Computer Name of the computer in the Friendly name field
7. Click Add
8. Double click on the tilewith the name you entered in the Friendly name field
9. Enter the username and password of the computer you are connecting to

Screen Sharing for Macs

Enable Mac to Mac Remote Access

Follow these instructions to enable remote access when connecting to a Mac from a Mac. Again, this will need to be done beforeyou attempt to connect to the computer from off campus.

1. Open System Preferences
2. Search Sharing
3. Toggle it on for Screen Sharing
4. Click the information icon to enable Allow access for:
5. Click the +symbol
6. Select your user account and click Done

Connect to your Mac from a Mac with Screen Sharing

Once you have completed the steps above, you are now ready to connect to the Mac computer from another Mac computer. Follow the steps below to remote into the computer (we advise testing this before going off campus):

1. You will need the IP address of the computer you want to connect to
   • Go to the Apple menu and open System Preferences
   • Click Network
   • Select your Ethernet Connection
   • Write down what is listed as theIP Address:
2. Now go to the computer you want to connect from
3. Click the magnifying glass icon in the upper right hand corner and search for for Screen Sharing and open it
4. Click the + icon. Enter the IP Address in theConnect to Server prompt and click Connect
5. Enter the username and password for the computer you are connecting to
6. Enter your first.last@ndsu.edu for the Username
   Note: If the connection fails, you may need to enter your first.last@ad.ndsu.edu in the username field

Tips

Remote Connection Using Multiple Monitors on Windows

If you have multiple monitors from the remote location, you can tell your Windows remote connection to use them. Without doing this your remote connection will only be displayed on one monitor. This has to be set before connecting

1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app
2. Click the Show Options arrow to see the advanced options if they do not automatically display
3. Enter the connection information as described above if it is not already populated
4. Click the Displaytab
5. Check the Use all my monitors for the remote session
6. Click Connect

Extend your Display for Multiple Monitor Experience

If you have multiple monitors or if you are using a TV as an additional "monitor," it may default to mirror your display which shows the same display on both monitors. You can change this setting to extend your monitors which allows you to use each monitor as it's own display, providing the multiple monitor experience.

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Display. Your PC should automatically detect your monitors and show your desktop.
2. Scroll down to the Multiple displays heading
3. Click the Multiple displays drop down and change it from Duplicate these displays to Extend these displays
4. You may also need to move the monitors to the correct position in the Rearrange your displays at the top

Configuring Audio or Video Devices When Using RDP

If you are connected remotely to your computer and running into audio or video problems when using apps such as Teams, or Zoom, you may need to configure the RDP session to use the local mic and camera on the computer you are physically at for it to work properly. This has to be done before connecting

1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app
2. Click theShow Options arrow to see the advanced options if they do not automatically display
3. Click the Local Resources tab
   • Audio
     • Click Settingslocated in the Remote audio section
     • Select Play on this computer and Record from this computer
     • Click OK
   • Video
     • Click Moreunder the Local devices and resources section
     • Check the Video capture devices box
     • Click OK
4. Click Connect
5. You may have to configure the specific apps to use those devices in the app settings (ex. Teams, Zoom)