Remote Desktop is a program or an operating system feature that allows a user to connect to a computer in another location, see that computer's desktop and interact with it as if it were local. There are some items that need to be set up prior to first use. You will need a Windows based PC or a Mac and be connected to the Internet to use Remote Desktop. The product in this category can be used on a Windows based PC, Macintosh, iPads and smartphones (via a mobile app).  Check with your local IT representative before attempting to use Remote Desktop.  

Some considerations for your local IT:

• Is Remote Desktop turned on for your office computer?
• Is your Gatorlink account configured to “remote” onto your office computer?
• Are the Power settings of your office computer set so the device never turns off or goes into Sleep or Hibernate mode?
• Has your local IT representative restarted your office computer and checked after restart to ensure all configuration settings are still in place?
• Have you asked your local IT representative to practice using Remote Desktop first, on campus, before you attempt off campus?

Instructions for how to use Remote Desktop Connection:

When off-campus, a VPN connection is required to access to your office computer via Remote Desktop.  To download the Gatorlink Anyconnect VPN client to your home system, please click on the link below. You will need to log on with your GatorLink username and password:

https://net-services.ufl.edu/provided-services/vpn/clients/ 

We recommend you append /campus to your VPN logon Username (i.e., username@ufl.edu/campus).

Once you login and connect, the VPN Client is virtually placing your home system on the campus network. This is needed to allow you to connect to your work computer.

Use your PC Computer Name/IP Address as provided to you by your local IT representative.

There are two ways to remotely access your office computer while using a Microsoft Windows based computer:

Use the preconfigured Remote Desktop shortcut attached to the email you received from your local IT representative when your RDP file was set up (e.g. TSS-FA-352.rdp), Or

Manually enter the connection settings

Assuming the computer you are using is running Windows 10:

1. Click on the Start button >> Scroll down the Programs list to Windows Accessories >> Remote Desktop Connection.
2. Enter the provided computer IP as the Computer (this is your office computer’s full computer name e.g. TSS-FA-352.ad.ufl.edu).
3. Click on "Show Options" in the lower left hand corner and enter your username as username@ad.ufl.edu or ufad\username.
4. Click on Save and then click on the Connect button.

If you are using a Mac with macOS Catalina:

1. Open the App Store
2. Make sure you are signed in to the App Store with your Apple ID
3. In the Search box, type Microsoft Remote Desktop and click enter to begin the search
4. Click “Get” next to the Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 search result
5. Click “Install”
6. Microsoft Remote Desktop App will now appear in Applications
7. Click on Microsoft Remote Desktop to open the App
8. Click through any prompts until the Microsoft Remote Desktop App opens in its own window
9. Click “Add PC”
10. Enter the provided computer name in the “PC name:” text field (this is your office computer’s full computer name e.g. TSS-FA-352.ad.ufl.edu)
11. Enter a “Friendly name:” in the corresponding text field (e.g. Office Computer at Work)
12. There are options you can choose to customize your remote experience.  Please consult with your local IT representative before making any custom changes.
13. Click Add
14. Your remote connection is now permanently added to the Microsoft Remote Desktop display window.
15. Click on remote connection you just created (e.g. Office Computer at Work)
16. Enter your Gatorlink username (username@ad.ufl.edu) and password
17. Click Continue
18. Click Continue to the certificate prompt (possibly twice)
19. You are now logged onto your work computer

When you are done working remotely you can click your Start button and either Logoff or Disconnect. Disconnecting will leave your office computer in the state when you disconnected (open programs and files will be left active, essentially like walking away from your computer and letting it lock, not logged off).