Remote Desktop - Configuring and Using Remote Desktop and TAMU Gateway for macOS

Overview

If you need to access your work computer from off campus using an Apple computer, you can do so using Microsoft Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop. You do not need to connect to VPN to use rds.tamu.edu as your remote desktop gateway.

Instructions

Configuring Microsoft Remote Desktop

  1. Download the Microsoft Windows App from the App Store.  
    A sreenshot showing the Microsoft Windows App displayed in the App Store.
     
  2. Launch the Microsoft Windows App.
     
    1. Launch via Spotlight by pressing CMD+Space and typing remote, or
    2. Open Finder > Applications > Microsoft Windows App 
      A screenshot showing how to launch the Windows App using Spotlight. 
       
  3. Click Add PC.
    A screenshot showing to select Add PC in the upper right.
     
  4. Enter COMPUTERNAME.ad.tamhsc.edu in the PC Name field.
  5. Enter Work PC (or similar) in the Friendly Name field.
  6. Click No Gateway and choose Add Gateway.
    A screenshot of the Add PC options page.
     
  7. Enter rds.tamu.edu in the Gateway name field.
  8. Click on Use PC User Account and choose Add User Account.
    A screenshot of the Add a Gateway options screen.
     
  9. Enter auth\YourNetID in the Username field.
  10. Enter your NetID password in the password field.
    A screenshot showing the Add Credentials screen.
     
  11. Click Add.
  12. Click Add on the Add a Gateway screen.
  13. Click Add on the Add a PC screen. It should show rds.tamu.edu in the Gateway field.

Connecting to Your Work Computer

  1. Double-click on Work PC in the Microsoft Windows App .
    A screenshot oshowing the remote PC selection screen
     
  2. You will be sent a Duo push notification to authenticate. During this time, the "Connecting to" screen will appear to hang while securing connection to gateway.
     
    1. If you have not set up Duo for your TAMU NetID, visit https://duo.tamu.edu to do so.

      A screenshot showing an in-progress remote connection
  3. Enter auth\YourNetID  in the Username field.
  4. Enter your NetID password in the Password field. 
    A screenshot showing the authentication screen

  5. Click Continue.
  6. Click Continue on the certificate verification screen.
    A screenshot showing the warning message when connecting to the RDP host for the first time.

You will now be accessing your work computer from your Mac. To end your remote session, simply close the remote desktop window on your Mac.

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