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 responsibilty to ensure that any device you use to access the remote staff desktop is properly secured. This includes regular application of operating system and application security patches, secure configuration, and antvirus software. Guidance on how to protect your computer is available from Information Security.

 
MICROSOFT WINDOWS

Applies to Microsoft Windows 10 on desktop, laptop, and mobile

Initial setup - once only

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

Connect - each time

  1. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  2. Visit the Remote Desktop Gateway. Enter your CONNECT username and password when prompted
  3. Click on the CONNECT Remote Desktop icon. Enter your CONNECT username and password again, if promoted

Users with access to department specific remote desktop services (such as Research Services) may have a different icon to click in the step 4 above.

If you are prompted to open or download a Remote Desktop Connection file then follow these additional steps:

  1. Select Open with > Remote Desktop Connection and click OK
  2. If asked for your username and password in a Windows Security window then enter your username in the form CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password
APPLE macOS

Applies to Apple macOS X 10.8 and onwards

Initial setup - once only

  1. Submit a Request for CONNECT Remote Desktop Access
  2. Set up Oxford VPN on macOS
  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. Enter your CONNECT username and password when prompted
  5. Double click on the CONNECT Remote Desktop icon and save the downloaded file
  6. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop application and choose Connections > Import desktops. Select the file you downloaded above and click Import
  7. (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
APPLE IOS

Applies to Apple iOS

Initial setup - once only

  1. Submit a Request for CONNECT Remote Desktop Access
  2. Setup the Oxford VPN on iOS
  3. Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the App Store. If prompted enter your Apple ID and password to allow the installation
  4. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop application, tap the + menu at the top right and select Add Workspace
  5. For the Workspace URL enter https://remotedesktop.connect.ox.ac.uk/rdweb/feed/webfeed.aspx
  6. 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

Applies to Android

Initial setup - once only

  1. Submit a Request for CONNECT Remote Desktop Access
  2. Setup the Oxford VPN on Android
  3. Install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Google Play store
  4. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, tap the + menu at the top right and select Remote Resource Feed
  5. For the E-mail or URL field enter https://remotedesktop.connect.ox.ac.uk/rdweb/feed/webfeed.aspx
  6. 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)

Get support

Local IT support provide your first line of on-the-spot help

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Common requests and fault reports can be logged using self-service

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The central Service Desk is available 24x7 on +44 1865 6 12345

 

If you do not have an SSO account you can use this form to contact the Service Desk

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