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Microsoft Remote Desktop setup for Macs

Microsoft Remote Desktop setup for Macs

Requirements: UT Austin Mac and Windows computers

Membership in the Remote Users Group on Windows campus computer

Applications:

  • Windows App

  • Cisco Secure Client

  • DUO Multi-Factor Authentication

Connect your Mac to remote Windows Computer with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Steps to complete on the remote Mac Computer

  1. Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac & Cisco Secure Client VPN are required on the Mac.

    • Please review your applications and install any that are missing.

  2. Install the Remote Desktop client

    • Download Windows App for Mac from the App Store or from Self Service

 

 

App Store Page for Windows App
Self Service Page for Windows App

 

  1. Connect using the UT VPN service

    1. If you are off campus, please start the VPN (Cisco Secure Client).

    2. Getting started with UT VPN tutorial

 

Steps to complete on the Windows campus computer

  1. Configure Campus PC for Remote User

  2. By default, UT Austin Windows computers are not configured for remote access. Please contact LAITS to be set up as a Remote User.

  3. Identify the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) for the Windows campus computer3.

    1. The name should follow this format: Dept-tag.austin.utexas.edu (IE: ECON-123456.austin.utexas.edu)

    2. LAITS recommends that the campus computer you intend to connect to should be connected via Ethernet.

    3. LAITS may need to set auto-power on after power loss

 

Open Windows App on your remote Mac

  1. Open the App: Once installed, open the app from your Applications folder in Finder

  2. Set Up Your PC: Ensure the PC you want to connect to is set up to accept remote connections

  3. Add a Connection: Select Devices and then the '+' Icon, then ‘Add PC’

 

  1. Enter Windows (FQDN) computer name: Dept-tag.austin.utexas.edu (IE: ECON-123456.austin.utexas.edu) Or use a more reliable, long term address: MACAddress.dynamic.utexas.edu

    1. (IE: 00BE43E06498.dynamic.utexas.edu)

    2. Find my MAC address

    3. Click on the Gateway drop down and select Add gateway. Enter gateway address: rdg.austin.utexas.edu. Click add.

User Account: 

  • Username: AUSTIN\your-eid

  • Friendly Name: Use your computer's name

Note: If you experience display issues, try changing the 'Color Quality' to '16-bit' under the Display tab."

  1. Connect: The connection you just created and select ‘Add’

  • Connect your remote Windows computer

  • Double click the computer's Friendly Name

  1. If you get this message, select "Continue"

connection message

If you receive an 'access denied' error message, please ensure that you have entered your username and password correctly.

Please note: If you receive an error message indicating the computer is unreachable or offline while you are off-campus, ensure you are connected to the UT VPN and that the campus computer is powered on.