Remote to your Windows computer

Overview

Microsoft supports the ability to remote into your Windows computer from a variety of devices, including Windows and Mac computers, iPads/tablets, and smartphones. 

Details / Instructions

To successfully remote into your Windows computer, you must first configure the computer (also known as the host computer) to accept remote connections. Once that process is complete, you will need to configure the computer or device that you are using to remote into the host computer. If you are off campus but the host computer is on campus, you will need to connect to the VPN as well prior to initiating the remote connection. 

Host Computer

Depending on the version of Windows you are running, some of the steps below may need to be modified but the end result is the same. 

1. Open Settings by navigating to the Start Menu and clicking the Settings icon (a gear icon) on the left hand-side
2. Choose System>Remote Desktop
3. Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On
   
4. On the same screen, you will see your computer's name listed under "How to connect to this PC." Write your computer's name down
5. Ensure the host computer is plugged into power (if it is a laptop) and will remain powered and on the network while you are away from your desk

Remote Device

You can remote to your Windows host computer from a wide variety of devices. Below are the general instructions for how to complete a connection, but the specific step-by-step instructions will vary depending on your device.

1. Install and launch the Microsoft Remote Desktop app
   • Windows: 
     • For the built-in app, search for Remote Desktop Connection from your Start Menu
     • For the modern app version, install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Microsoft Store
   • macOS: Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Mac App Store
   • iOS: Remote Desktop Mobile from the App Store
   • Android: Remote Desktop from the Google Play Store
2. Add a PC. Click on the + (plus) and fill out the form as appropriate. Typically the only field that is required is the PC Name field which should be the computer name that you saved above
3. If you are off campus with your remote device but the host computer is on campus, connect to the VPN first
4. Choose the host computer from your list of saved PCs and connect
5. If required, enter your netID and password. You may need to enter your netid as Richmond\netID
6. When you are done with your session, click on the Start Menu on the host computer, click the Power icon, and choose Disconnect

See Also

Remote Desktop Clients