Remote desktop programs for connecting to a Windows Researcher Desktop

Question(s)

• Which remote desktop program should I use to connect to my Windows Researcher Desktop?

• How do I use the .rdp file that downloads when I press "Open Windows Remote Desktop"?

Answer

You need to use a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client to connect to your Windows Researcher Desktop. There are many programs that can do this depending on what computer you are using to connect to the Desktop.

From a Windows computer:

Use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection. This application is installed on all Windows computers by default.

To connect to your Windows Researcher Desktop:

• Go to the Research Computing Portal and click on "Open Windows Remote Desktop"

• Open the downloaded .rdp file by clicking on it (double-click if selecting from Windows Explorer)

• Remote Desktop Connection will open and you will see your Windows Researcher Desktop

If you do not believe it is installed on your computer, you may install it from Microsoft Store for free:

• Open Start menu / Start-search bar and enter "Microsoft Store"

• Open the Microsoft Store app

• Search for "Remote Desktop Connection"

• Install the app

From a Mac OSX computer:

Use Microsoft Remote Desktop. It is free to install.

To install on a University provisioned Mac MOE:

• Open Self Service app (it is in your dock bar or you can search for it using Command-space)

• Login with your University credentials

• Search for "Microsoft Remote Desktop"

• Click “Install”

To install on a Standard Mac:

• Open App Store (it is in your dock bar or you can search for it using Command-space)

• Login with your Apple ID if you have not already done so

• Search for "Microsoft Remote Desktop"

• Click “Install”

To connect to your Windows Researcher Desktop:

• Go to the Research Computing Portal and click on "Open Windows Remote Desktop"

• Open the downloaded .rdp file by clicking on it

• Microsoft Remote Desktop will open and you will see your Windows Researcher Desktop

From a Linux computer:

Use Remmina.

• If you are on a Ubuntu Linux computer, Remmina should already be installed.

• If you do not have Remmina, see https://remmina.org/  for instructions on how to install on your linux distribution.

To connect to your Windows Researcher desktop:

• Go to the Research Computing Portal and click on "Open Windows Remote Desktop"

• Open the downloaded .rdp file by clicking on it

• Remina will open and you will see your Windows Researcher Desktop (you may have to first select Remina as the default program to open .rdp files)