Remoting into a Desktop from Home (macOS)

Owned by David Blood
Last updated: Feb 26, 2024 by Susan Palmer
2 min read

How to remote into a Windows computer on-campus from a macOS computer at home.

 

Are you connected to the VPN?

Make sure that you are connected to the Geneseo VPN before attempting this.

If you are not and have never been connected to the VPN before, follow the steps outlined in Virtual Private Networking (VPN) to get connected to the VPN.

Steps for Installing Microsoft Remote Desktop

For a Geneseo-owned Computer

Before you start, you will first need to be added as an Administrator to the remote computer. Please contact the CIT HelpDesk at 585-245-5588 for assistance or submit a request directly. Information needed to complete this request is the name of the computer you are trying to connect to and the account you wish to connect to the computer with. 

  1. Open CIT Self Service

  2. Find Microsoft Remote Desktop 10

    1. Check under the category: All under Browse

  3. Click Install.

  4. Another screen should pop up. If the app is not already installing, click Install again.

  5. Once the app finishes, click Close.

  6. Microsoft Remote Desktop should now be installed on your computer.

For a Personal Computer

  1. Open the App Store

  2. Search for "Microsoft Remote Desktop"

  3. Click Get next to Microsoft Remote Desktop 10

    1. Enter the username and password for your Apple ID, if prompted.

  4. Once the app finishes installing, click Open.

  5. Microsoft Remote Desktop should now be installed on your computer.

Steps for Creating a new Remote Desktop

  1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop.

  2. Click on the Add PC button or the plus sign (+) and select Add PC

  3. For PC Name: enter <computername>.w2k.geneseo.edu

  4. User account: This can be left as is or you can set up a user account so that you do not have to put in your username and password every time.

    1. Click on the drop down next to User account

    2. If you already have a saved login, select it. Otherwise, select Add User Account...

    3. Enter GENESEO\<yourusernamehere> and your Geneseo password.

    4. Enter a Friendly Name, such as the display name of your account, if you want.

    5. Click Add

  5. You can set a Friendly name for the connection so it is easier to find your device if you have more than one. The rest of the settings are option and the desktop should now be configured.

  6. Click Add.

  7. The Remote Desktop should now be created. Double click on it to connect.

Steps for Connecting to a Remote Desktop

  1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop.

  2. Double click on a saved desktop.

    1. Enter your Geneseo username (GENESEO\<yourusernamehere>) and password if prompted.

    2. Click Trust if prompted.

  3. You should now be connected to your Remote Desktop.

Notes

Don't Know Your Computer Name?

You can ask CIT to look up your computer name. You will need to have a general idea of what computer it is (i.e. the computer's location and/or model) for us to do so effectively.

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