How do I find my Windows Remote Desktop?

If you are using Windows 10, 8.1, or 7 at a remote location, you can use Windows Remote Desktop to securely access your Windows work computer off-campus. You will need to set up your Windows work computer to allow incoming Remote Desktop Connections:

About the VPN service

Windows 10

1. Go to your Start menu and type Allow Remote Access to your Computer into the Search box.
2. Click on the result from the Control Panel.
3. In the System Properties dialogue box, in the Remote tab, under Remote Desktop select the Allow remote connections to this computer radio button and the Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication check box and click OK.
4. Click on your Settings cog, System > Power & Sleep. Make sure the Sleep option is is set to Never.
5. Still in Settings, go to About and note down the device name [e.g. Joe_Bloggs_PC]. You will need this to access your computer remotely.

Windows 8.1

1. Bring up Search and type Allow Remote Access to your Computer into the Search box.
2. Click on the result from the Control Panel.
3. In the System Properties dialogue box, in the Remote tab, make sure the Allow remote connections to this computer button is selected.
4. Turn off your sleep and hibernation settings.
5. Find your full computer name under System > Computer name, domain and workgroup settings. Note this down so you can use it to access your computer remotely.

Windows 7

1. Go to your Start menu, right-click on Computer and select Properties > Remote Settings and type Allow Remote Access to your Computer into the Search box.
2. Click on the result from the Control Panel. In the System Properties dialogue box, in the Remote tab, under Remote Desktop select the Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication radio button and click OK.
3. In your Control Panel, go to System and Security > Power Options. Click on Change when the computer sleeps in the left-hand list and update the Put the computer to sleep option to Never.
4. Find your full computer name under System > Computer name, domain and workgroup settings. Note this down so you can use it to access your computer remotely.

Connecting from the remote computer

1. Go to the Search box on your remote computer and type in Remote Desktop Connection to bring up the desktop app.
2. Type the fully qualified domain name* into the Computer field, and click Connect.
3. A Windows dialogue box will prompt you for authorisation. Enter your username and password in the format registry\username and your usual staff password. You may need to click onUse a different account if other credentials are already populated.

*To connect to the desktop you will need the fully qualified domain name see the answer below for instructions:

Fully qualified domain names for VPN

If you have any queries, or if you want to enable extra security by only allowing connections from the Otago VPN service, contact AskOtago:

Freephone 0800 80 80 98 [within New Zealand]
Tel +64 3 479 7000
Email

Related answers

• Installing and connecting to AnyConnect VPN
• Fully qualified domain names for VPN
• Remote access for macOS
• Accessing computers from off-campus
• About the VPN service