How to connect to the Remote Desktop Service (CONNECT)

How to set up and connect to the Remote Desktop Service on Windows, Mac, iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android

Keeping your device secure

It is your responsibility to ensure that any device you use to access the remote staff desktop is properly secured. This includes applying all relevant operating system and application security patches, configuring appropriate security features, and maintaining effective antivirus software. We look after this for you on managed staff desktops, but if you are using your own device then please consult InfoSec's guidance on how to protect your computer.

 
Windows

Initial setup

  1. Submit a Request for CONNECT Remote Desktop Access
  2. Set up the Oxford VPN

Connect (each time)

  1. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  2. Visit the Remote Desktop Gateway
  3. Provide your CONNECT username and password
  4. Click on the CONNECT Remote Desktop icon
  5. If prompted, enter your CONNECT username and password again
  • Applies to Microsoft Windows 10 on desktop, laptop, and mobile
  • Users with access to department specific remote desktop services (such as Research Services) may have to select a different icon
  • If prompted to open or download a Remote Desktop Connection file, select Open with > Remote Desktop Connection then OK
  • If prompted for your credentials by an additional Windows Security window, provide your username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password
macOS

Initial setup

  1. Submit a Request for CONNECT Remote Desktop Access
  2. Set up the Oxford VPN
  3. Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the App Store (if prompted, enter your Apple ID and password to allow the installation)
  4. Connect to the Remote Desktop Gateway
  5. Provide your CONNECT username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password
  6. Double click on the CONNECT Remote Desktop icon and save the downloaded file
  7. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop application and choose Connections > Import desktops
  8. Select the downloaded file and click Import
  9. (Optional) If you will need access to your local files, printers and clipboard then right-click the Remote Desktop Service icon under the Saved Desktops area and select Edit to enable this

Connect (each time)

  1. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  2. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop application and choose Saved Desktops > Remote Desktop Service
  3. Enter your CONNECT username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password
  • Applies to Apple macOS X 10.8 and onwards
iPhone/iPad

Initial setup

  1. Submit a Request for CONNECT Remote Desktop Access
  2. Set up the Oxford VPN
  3. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  4. Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the App Store (if prompted, enter your Apple ID and password to allow the installation)
  5. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop application, tap the + menu at the top right and select Add Workspace
  6. For the Workspace URL enter https://remotedesktop.connect.ox.ac.uk/rdweb/feed/webfeed.aspx
  7. Provide your CONNECT username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password

Connect (each time)

  1. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  2. Tap the CONNECT Remote Desktop Service icon to start your session
  • When using the service, tap the black bar at the top to open the options on either side of the screen. Use the Mouse Pointer option at the bottom right to use the touch-screen as a mouse pad
Android

Initial setup

  1. Submit a Request for CONNECT Remote Desktop Access
  2. Set up the Oxford VPN
  3. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  4. Install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Google Play store
  5. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, tap the + menu at the top right and select Remote Resource Feed
  6. For the E-mail or URL field enter https://remotedesktop.connect.ox.ac.uk/rdweb/feed/webfeed.aspx
  7. Select User Name > Add user account, then enter your CONNECT username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password

Connect (each time)

  1. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  2. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app and select CONNECT Remote Desktop Service
  • When using the service, tap the black bar at the top to open the options on either side of the screen. Use the Mouse Pointer option at the bottom right to use the touch-screen as a mouse pad

CONNECT NOW (WINDOWS)

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