As a faculty, staff, or student, you can access remote computers (e.g., a desktop at work that you do not have physical access to) from your local device (e.g., a computer at home that you are using) using Remote Desktop technology. These instructions will guide you through accessing your remote desktop securely from outside of the UConn network.
ITS is turning on two-factor authentication (DUO) for the Remote Desktop service to enhance security. We will implement this change for ITS on Thursday, December 10 and for the rest of the University in 2021.
Instructional Guides
For assistance choosing a guide, view our recommendations.
Important Reminders
The computer that you want to connect to remotely MUST:
- Remain on
- Remain connected via hard-wired ethernet to the internet
- Cannot go into hibernation or sleep mode
If you have been able to connect to a computer remotely, but have lost access, there is the unfortunate likelihood that the machine has disconnected and needs to be checked in-person.
VPN: Pulse Secure VPN is not necessary to use Remote Desktop provided you have properly configured using the remote gateway with the full computer name.
Limitations:
- If you are using a personal computer, this service is still possible and you may follow these guides as they are written. However, ITS cannot offer direct support for personal machines in the event of problems that may arise. Please also be aware of security recommendations and best practices for using a personal device for work.
- Pulse Secure VPN / Direct Access are not necessary to use this service. If you are using a personal device, most likely you will not have either options. Simply follow the guides below, paying specific attention to setting up the remote gateway on your local machine.
- If the remote machine is running OSX (Mac) or Linux, you will not be able to remotely connect using supported software unless you also have a corresponding Mac/Linux local machine.
That means it is possible to connect to your work PC from a Mac at home, but it is not possible to connect to your work Mac from a PC at home. This can be resolved using third part software, such as TeamViewer. However, ITS does not support installation or troubleshooting of third party software.
Gaining Access:
If you are an admin on your own machine, as is standard for machines managed by ITS, you will not have issues remotely connecting. If you are not an admin, you should follow the articles as written, paying specific attention to the sections where you allow remote users to connect.
Configuration Table
Use the following table to quickly find the guides that best fit what you need.
| I want to connect to: | Using: | Best Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 | Windows XP/7/10 | Follow Setting up Remote Desktop on Windows as a Remote Machine, then follow Setting up Remote Desktop on Windows as a Local Machine |
| Windows 10 | Mac OSX | Follow Setting up Remote Desktop on Windows as a Remote Machine, then follow Setting Up Remote Desktop for Mac OSX as a Local Machine |
| Windows 10 | iOS (iPhone/iPad) | Follow Setting up Remote Desktop on Windows as a Remote Machine, then follow Setting up Remote Desktop on iOS as a Local Device |
| Windows 10 | Android | Follow Setting up Remote Desktop on Windows as a Remote Machine, then follow Setting up Remote Desktop on Andrdoid as a Local Device |
| Mac OSX | Windows XP/7/10 | Not possible without unsupported third-party software, such as TeamViewer. |
| Mac OSX | Mac OSX | Follow Setting up Remote Desktop on Mac OSX as a Remote Machine, then follow the "Screen Sharing" section on Setting Up Remote Desktop for Mac OSX as a Local Machine |