Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac
Please note that Microsoft Remote Desktop should only be used for connecting to office computers on campus running Windows. For access to library databases and online journals from off-campus, use the library instructions for EZProxy instead. To access tamba and other file shares (zep, tcdata, tbos) from off-campus, please use Mac Forticlient VPN instead. A staff guide to working remotely is also available.
1.) First, you will need to set your MFA Authentication to default to the Microsoft Authenticator App (at this time, this is the only method you can use with MS Remote Desktop). To change your default authentication to the Authenticator App:
1.a) Login to https://aka.ms/mfasetup
1.b) Select Security Info in the left navigation (if it isn’t selected already). For Default sign-in method click the Change link.
1.c) Select Microsoft Authenticator – notification from the drop down menu. If you do not see this as an option from the list, you will need to add this method. Close this window, click the plus symbol Add Method to add another method and follow the instructions on the screen.
2.) Ensure that your office computer can allow for remote access and you know the PC name. (If this has already been done, skip to step 6 to continue setup.)
3.) On the desktop of the office computer you will be remoting into, right click on This PC and select Properties.
4.) Note the Full computer name listed. You will need this name to setup remote access.
5.) Click on Change settings.
6.) Click on the Remote tab at the top. Check the option Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure). NOTE: Your office computer’s Power and Sleep settings may need to be adjusted so the computer does not automatically shut down/sleep when not in use.
Close these windows and switch to the Mac computer you will be remoting in with.
7.) On your Mac, go to the App Store and download the “Microsoft Remote Desktop” software.
8.) Follow the instructions for the installation. Once the installation is successful, you may close the App Store window.
9.) Launch the Microsoft Remote Desktop.app from the Applications menu.
10.) Click on the + icon and then Add PC.
11.) In the Add PC window, click on the User account drop down menu and select Add User Account.
12.) Enter the following information:
- Username: cmpcntr\username (replace username with your username)
- Password: (your Trinity password)
- Friendly name: Trinity Office Computer (or a name of your choosing)
13.) Click Add when complete. You will return to the Add PC window.
14.) Enter the following information:
- PC Name: computername.cmpcntr.tc.trincoll.edu (replace computername with your office computer name from step 4)
- Friendly name: Trinity Computer
15.) In the Gateway drop down list, select Add Gateway. A new window opens. Enter the following information:
- Gateway name: rdg.trincoll.edu
- Friendly name: Trinity Gateway
- User account: Use PC User Account
16.) Close this window by clicking on the Add button. Uncheck the box Bypass for local addresses and click Save.
17.) Click on the new remote desktop you just created to connect. Enter your Trinity credentials. Approve MFA when prompted.
FAQ: I have 2 monitors at home. How can I use both with Remote Desktop?
- Open Microsoft Remote Desktop and click on the More option (pencil icon) within the bottom left corner of your remote connection window. A new window opens.
- Click on the Display tab and check the option Use all monitors.
- Click Save. When you connect, you will now have access with both monitors.
