Connect To Mac Using Microsoft Remote Desktop

| 30-04-2021
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You can install and set up Microsoft Remote Desktop from your Windows workstation computer to a personal Mac.

*Steps 1 and 2 require access to your Windows work computer

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on Your University Device

Over the summer we build a Remote Desktop Gateway Cluster to provide remote access to workstations for some of our clients. Initial testing worked great for Mac OS, Windows and Linux users. For Mac OS we had clients download the official Microsoft RDP App from the App Store. First of all your need to get the Application from the Mac App Store. In the dock click on the App Store Icon. Then in the top right hand corner click on the search box. In the search box type Microsoft Remote then hit enter. Find the Microsoft Remote Desktop Application like the one shown below and click install. Im running Mac OS X Yosemite and just upgraded to Win10. I used to use the Remote Desktop Connection App but after the upgrade to Win10, I couldnt connect from my Mac. I installed Microsoft Remote Desktop and now I can connect to my Win 10 machine with no issues. Thanks for the quick fix!

If you already have your computer configured to receive remote desktop protocol connections: e.g., you connect remotely already through a virtual private network (VPN connection), you can skip steps 1 and 2 and proceed to step 3.

1. Windows 7 –

a) Right click on the Computer option from the Start menu.

b) Left-click on Properties. The screen will display basic information about your computer.

Windows 10 –

a) Right Click on the Start Button and select System from the Menu

2. Left-click on Remote Settings from the left-hand side of the screen.

  1. The User Account Control pop-up window will be displayed.
  2. Click Yes to allow the program, System Remote Settings, to make changes to your computer. The System Properties window will open on the Remote
  3. NOTE: If you see the message “You must enable the Window Firewall exception for Remote Desktop” in the dialogue box, click on the provided link. The page that pops up will give you additional instructions on how to change settings for Remote Desktop Connection so that it works.
  4. Windows 7 – Verify that the third radio button is selected. If it is not, select it.
  5. Windows 10 – Verify that the second radio button is selected, as well as the checkbox underneath the second radio button.
  6. Click OK.

Windows 7 –

Windows 10 –

Step 2: Note Your Computer Name

After completing the above steps, you will be returned to the Properties (basic information about your computer) window.

  1. Write down the information listed in the Full computer name This information is needed when attempting to connect to your University computer from your remote PC.

Step 3: Installing Microsoft Remote Desktop

Compatibility: Requires OS X 10.6.8 or later

Visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id715768417# on your Mac to download and install. This will require an Apple ID password.

Connect To Mac Using Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant Windows 10

Step 4: Configuring UConn’s Remote Desktop Gateway

1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop

2. Click Preferences

3. Select the Gateway tab. Click the plus sign “+” in the lower left hand corner of the screen.

4. Enter the following information in the provided fields. You will use your NetID credentials as your username and password.

5. Close the Preferences window

Step 5: Configuring a Remote Desktop Connection

1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop

2. Click New

3. Enter the following information in the provided fields. Again, you will be using your NetID credentials.

4. Close the Edit Remote Desktop window.

5. Double-click Work PC under My Desktops

6. Click Continue on the Verify Certificate window.

7. You should now be connected to the specific window.

You can install and set up Microsoft Remote Desktop from your Windows workstation computer to a personal Mac.

*Steps 1 and 2 require access to your Windows work computer

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on Your University Device

If you already have your computer configured to receive remote desktop protocol connections: e.g., you connect remotely already through a virtual private network (VPN connection), you can skip steps 1 and 2 and proceed to step 3.

1. Windows 7 –

a) Right click on the Computer option from the Start menu.

b) Left-click on Properties. The screen will display basic information about your computer.

Windows 10 –

a) Right Click on the Start Button and select System from the Menu

2. Left-click on Remote Settings from the left-hand side of the screen.

  1. The User Account Control pop-up window will be displayed.
  2. Click Yes to allow the program, System Remote Settings, to make changes to your computer. The System Properties window will open on the Remote
  3. NOTE: If you see the message “You must enable the Window Firewall exception for Remote Desktop” in the dialogue box, click on the provided link. The page that pops up will give you additional instructions on how to change settings for Remote Desktop Connection so that it works.
  4. Windows 7 – Verify that the third radio button is selected. If it is not, select it.
  5. Windows 10 – Verify that the second radio button is selected, as well as the checkbox underneath the second radio button.
  6. Click OK.

Connect To Mac Using Microsoft Remote Desktop 8

Windows 7 –

Windows 10 –

Step 2: Note Your Computer Name

After completing the above steps, you will be returned to the Properties (basic information about your computer) window.

  1. Write down the information listed in the Full computer name This information is needed when attempting to connect to your University computer from your remote PC.

Step 3: Installing Microsoft Remote Desktop

Compatibility: Requires OS X 10.6.8 or later

Visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id715768417# on your Mac to download and install. This will require an Apple ID password.

Step 4: Configuring UConn’s Remote Desktop Gateway

Microsoft remote desktop mac setup

1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop

2. Click Preferences

3. Select the Gateway tab. Click the plus sign “+” in the lower left hand corner of the screen.

4. Enter the following information in the provided fields. You will use your NetID credentials as your username and password.

5. Close the Preferences window

Step 5: Configuring a Remote Desktop Connection

1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop

2. Click New

3. Enter the following information in the provided fields. Again, you will be using your NetID credentials.

4. Close the Edit Remote Desktop window.

5. Double-click Work PC under My Desktops

Connect To Mac Using Microsoft Remote Desktop App For Windows 10

6. Click Continue on the Verify Certificate window.

Connect To Mac Using Microsoft Remote Desktop Tool

7. You should now be connected to the specific window.