How to enable Remote Desktop (RDP) on Windows 10/11

The Remote Desktop or RDP feature is disabled by default so you will need to enable it
in the settings. There are several ways to do this, let’s review the easiest.


  1. Open Windows Settings:  Click on the Start menu, and then the Settings icon: 

 

 Windows 10

 Windows 11

 
      


2. Click System > Scroll down to the setting labeled “Remote Desktop”.

Windows 10

 Windows 11

 



3. Under “Enable Remote Desktop”, click to switch to an “On” state.

Windows 10

 Windows 11

4. Click “Confirm” when prompted.



5. Take note of the PC Name that is listed here, you will need it to initiate an RDP session in the future.

Windows 10

 Windows 11

 



6. Confirm the name of the account that will be able to access this computer.

Windows 10

Click on the link that says “Select users that can access this PC.”

 		 Windows 11

Click on the link that says “Remote Desktop Users”


 



7. The username that is listed here is what you will use to log in to the Remote Session:


Expert Note: You may also have to enable Remote Desktop using the System Properties. Press the Windows Key and Type: advanced system. Click View advanced system settings.



Click the Remote tab and select Allow remote connections to this computer. 
Keep the box checked for Network Level Authentication for better security.
Also, note that you will need to enable incoming remote connections on the PC you’re connecting.



How to initiate an RDP session to remotely connect to a computer


SIDE NOTE: If you are not on campus and attempting to connect to a remote computer, you MUST connect to VPN FIRST before using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

  • The above steps to enable “Remote Desktop” need to be performed prior to attempting to connect.

  • If the computer you are remoting to is a physical computer at a desk your desk on campus, the computer MUST be turned on in order to connect to it. If you perform a “Shut Down” on it while on campus, you will NOT be able to remote to it. This does not apply to a virtual machine (VM) that may have been set up for you.

PRIOR to initiating an RDP session, you will need to have the name of the computer that you are trying to remotely connect to. (See step 5 above.)

If you do not have the computer name, this information can also easily be obtained by clicking on the START button
of the computer that you are going to need to connect to. Then, enter in the search bar: ”About your PC”


Windows 10

 		 Windows 11


1. Open up the Remote Desktop Connection app.
Click on the Start Menu, and type “Remote Desktop Connection” in the search bar.
The following app should appear available:


2. When the app opens, click “Show Options” to expand the settings view.


3.  Enter the following information:

 

Computer: Enter the PC Name retrieved from when you enabled RDP on the computer. 
This MUST be followed by: admin.ads.stjohns.edu
                    Example: PCname.admin.ads.stjohns.edu


User Name: This will be your SJU email address - or the email address of the user that is authorized.


Check the box: “Allow me to save credentials”



Once filled out, click the Connect button.
          
4.  You will next be prompted to enter the password associated with the account. Then, click OK.



5. A certificate window will appear, check the box “Don’t ask me again for connections to this computer.”
Then, click YES to connect.



6. A separate window will open up with the desktop of the computer that you are remoting to,
simulating the same experience as when you are actually sitting in front of the computer.


How to end a Remote Desktop Connection

1. Simply click on the X in the upper-right corner of the Connection Window.
A confirmation screen will appear, informing you that you are about to disconnect from your session.


2. If you are connecting to a physical computer that is on campus,
Do NOT shut your computer off prior to ending your Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) session.
You will not be able to remote to it again while it is turned off.


** OPTIONAL SETTING: Viewing RDP with multiple monitors

While remote, if you are going to connect your laptop to an extra monitor and wish to view the
entire Remote Connection across 2 or more monitors, please enable the following setting prior to logging in.


If you have any issues with setting up your connection, please visit the IT Support portal:

https://ithelp.stjohns.edu, and click on “Report an Incident”.