How to Use Remote Desktop through the GlobalProtect VPN Client

Action

The instructions below will help you set up Remote Desktop access to directly use your University Windows computer that is on campus while you are at a personal or other computer that is off campus. Please confirm each group of settings is in place to allow Remote Desktop to work.

This is different from just using VPN to allow access to some other services, such as mapping network drives or some other web applications. Remote Desktop is not necessary for most services.

Instructions


Prepare on your University-owned Windows computer

Enable Remote Desktop

If your Windows computer is ITS-managed, Remote Desktop should already be enabled.

If Remote Desktop is not already enabled, set up Remote Desktop on your UAlbany work computer via these steps:

 Click here to expand steps to enable Remote Desktop...
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Keep your campus computer on and awake

 Click here to expand the instructions...
  1. Click on the Windows Start button
    Windows logo icon for Start menu

  2. Click on the Settings gear
    Gear icon for Settings choice

  3. Click on System
    Systems choice in Settings app

  4. On the left side of the window that appears, click on Power & Sleep
    Power and Sleep choice in Settings app

  5. In the Sleep section, verify the setting for 'When plugged in, PC goes to sleep after" setting is set to Never
    Sleep settings options

  6. Do not shut your computer down if you wish to remotely access your computer.


If your computer turns off due to a power outage or other reason, you will need to visit it and turn it back on.

Find your full computer name

 Click here to expand the instructions...

Access from your Home computer

Set up VPN

Direct connections (i.e., without the VPN) to Remote Desktop services from outside the University's network (off campus) are blocked.

  1. Install the GlobalProtect VPN client on the computer(s) you will use to connect to your Remote Desktop-enabled work computer.

  2. Connect the Global Protect VPN client


Connect to your work computer from Windows

 Click here to expand the instructions...
  1. In the search box on the taskbar, type Remote Desktop Connection, and then select Remote Desktop Connection.
    Remote Desktop Connection app

    Or

    Click on the Windows Start button
    Windows logo icon for Start menu

    Navigate to Windows Accessories
    Windows Accessories folder in Start menu

    Click on Remote Desktop Connection
    Remote Desktop Connection in Start menu

  2. In the Computer field, enter in either your University computer’s Full computer name or IP address from above
    Remote Desktop Connection window with computer name entered

  3. Click Connect

  4. If prompted to trust the certificate, click to View Certificate, and click Always Trust to prevent seeing this warning again for this PC


  5. If prompted, enter your ualbany\NetID (with your NetID) and password for the security credentials.

    • For Username, enter ualbany\NetID (with your NetID)
    • For Password, enter your UAlbany password
      Entering login credentials to connect


Connect to your work computer from Mac

 Click here to expand the instructions...
  1. Install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Apple App Store
  2. In the Applications folder or Launchpad, select Microsoft Remote DesktopMicrosoft Remote Desktop app icon

  3. Click the plus-sign "+" icon at the top to add a new connection and choose Add PC


  4. For PC Name, enter in either your University computer’s Full computer name or IP address from above

  5. In User Account menu, choose "Add User Account..."


  6. Enter the account information and click Add

    • For Username, enter ualbany\NetID (with your NetID)
    • For Password, enter your UAlbany password
      Screenshot showing the username and password fields being filled

  7. Review the settings, including the optional settings as you like and click Save
    Screenshot of the settings described above when adding a PC
  8. To connect, double-click on the PC Name tile that you just added
    Screenshot of the new PC name tile just added

  9. If prompted to trust the certificate, click to Show Certificate, and click Always Trust to prevent seeing this warning again for this PC again and click Continue
    Screenshot showing the certificate trust prompt with the Show Certificate button

    Screenshot showing the certificate trust window with Always Trust checked and the Continue Button



Need more help? Contact the ITS Service Desk.