Remote Desktop Access Instructions

Remote Desktop Access Instructions

Overview

The following are instructions for connecting to a desktop located on a USF campus.

You must be connected to the USF VPN to remote connect to any device, regardless of method.

For download, installation, and setup instructions, visit VPN - Palo Alto GlobalProtect.

If your job duties require remote access, contact the USF IT Service Desk while on campus and in front of the machine you’ll be connecting to so setup and configuration can be completed.

Please call 813-974-4357 or visit https://itchat.usf.edu to have the setup and configuration completed for you.

Finding your computer's IP information - Windows OS

You will need the IP address of the USF machine to connect to it remotely from another location.

Windows 10/11

  1. Select the Windows logo in the lower left.

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  2. Type CMD in the search bar to find Command Prompt. Select it, then click Open.

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  3. Type ipconfig /all and hit enter.

    image-20260316-181544.png

     

  4. The IP address will be listed as IPv4 Address 

    image-20260316-181603.png

Finding your computer's IP information - macOS

WiFi instructions:

To quickly find your Mac's local WiFi IP address, hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon in the top menu bar, the IP address will be displayed.

Ethernet/LAN instructions:

  1. Click the Apple Menu () and choose System Settings.

  2. Select Network in the sidebar.

  3. Click on your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

  4. The IP address will be displayed - click Details next to the connected network for more information.

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Connecting from a Remote Computer

Windows

Remote Desktop Connection

  1. Select the Windows logo in the lower left.

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  2. Type Remote Desktop Connection in the search bar. Select it, and click Open.

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  3. Enter the on-campus computer’s IP address in the Computer field.

     

  4. Select Yes to connect to the on-campus computer.

    image-20260316-181710.png

     

Enter your USF email address and password just as you normally do to sign into the computer.

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Apple/Macintosh Computers

If you are using a Macintosh computer from home to connect to your newly deployed PC on campus, you must contact USF IT Remote Support to have a configuration adjustment made to your work system.

This adjustment must be completed while you are on campus and logged into the newly deployed machine.

Please call 813-974-4357 or visit itchat.usf.edu to have this work done for you.

Now called Windows App for Mac

The application name has changed from Microsoft Remote Desktop to Windows App for macOS.

If you already have the Windows App for macOS installed on your Mac, skip to Step 5

  1. Launch the App Store 

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  2. Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop, select GET, and then select Install.

  3. Enter your Apple ID credentials to complete the installation.

  4. Launch Windows App

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  5. Select your preference.

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  6. Select Continue.

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  7. Select OK.

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  8. Select OK.

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  9. Select either Skip or Next.

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  10. Under Devices, select the + icon at the top right, then choose Add PC.

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  11. Enter the on-campus computer’s IP address in the PC Name field.

    image-20260316-181927.png



  12. Click the drop down next to Credentials and select Ask when required.

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  13. Enter the following information and then select Add.

    1. Username: AzureAD\<netid>@usf.edu

    2. Password: Your NetID Password

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  14. Click the drop down next to Gateway and select Add Gateway....

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  15. Enter USF as the Gateway name.

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  16. Click the drop down next to User Account and select the AzureAD account created earlier.

    image-20260316-182044.png

     

  17. Select Add.

    image-20260316-182058.png

     

  18. Select Add.

    image-20260316-182110.png

     

  19. Double-click the connection you created to begin connecting to the on-campus computer.

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  20. The connection will start.

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  21. Enter your USF email address and password as you normally would to sign into the computer.

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