---
title: "Using Remote Desktop"
canonical: "https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/10737647754/Using%20Remote%20Desktop"
format: markdown
---
Faculty, staff, and students can access on-campus Windows computers from an off-campus computer using Remote Desktop Protocol technology.

> ✅ **Most people do not need to use Remote Desktop. **
> ✅ 
> ✅ This is different from a few years ago when more apps, sites, and tools were only accessible from an on-campus computer. Oftentimes, using a remote desktop connection can hinder your work experience if it is not truly needed. **If you are working off-campus and have a university-issued computer, you most likely do not need Remote Desktop and should instead use the ****[VPN](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10726900354)****.**

## Prerequisites

The on-campus computer that you want to connect to remotely:

- Must remain powered on.
- Must remain connected to the internet via Ethernet (hard-wired).
- Cannot go into hibernation or sleep mode.
- Must not actively be used by someone else.

If you have been able to connect to a computer remotely, but have lost access, the computer is probably powered off or is offline. ITS is unable to go to your on-campus office to turn it on for you.

## Limitations

- If you are connecting from a personal computer off-campus, this service is still possible and you may follow these guides as they are written. However, **ITS cannot offer direct support for personal machines** in the event of problems that may arise. Please also be aware of [security recommendations and best practices](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/display/IKB/Security+Best+Practices+for+Telecommuting) for using a personal device for work.
- Duo 2FA is required for Remote Desktop. **You must have either the Duo app or a landline registered.** SMS, hardware tokens, and security keys are not supported.
- **You cannot remotely connect to a computer running macOS or Linux. **The Remote Desktop Protocol only supports connecting to Windows, but you can connect from other systems.
- **Only the device admin (primary user) can connect by default.** Other users will need to be added manually.

## Get started

First, you need to set up your remote (on-campus) computer to allow incoming remote desktop connection requests: [https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10784508493](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10784508493)   
Then, you can set up your local (off-campus) computer to connect to your remote desktop: [https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10784508476](https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/10784508476)