Connect to Remote Desktop Services (MacOS and Windows 11)

MacOS

Connecting to LETU Remote Desktop Services (RDS) from a Mac

Purpose

These instructions describe how to configure the Windows App on macOS to connect to rds.letu.edu through the RD Gateway at remote.letu.edu.

Requirements

• A Mac running a current version of macOS
• A LETU domain username and password
• Access to the App Store

Steps

1. Install the Windows App
   Open the App Store on the Mac and search for "Windows App" (previously called Microsoft Remote Desktop). Install it, open it, and sign in with a Microsoft account if prompted.
2. Add the RDS server as a PC
   In the Windows App, click the + button, then select Add PC. 
   
   In the PC name field, enter rds.letu.edu. We recommend making the "Friendly name" field the same. Leave the other fields at their defaults for now.
   
   
3. Add the RD Gateway
   Still in the Add PC settings, find the Gateway field and select Add Gateway (or open Gateways from the app's settings menu). 
   Enter remote.letu.edu as the gateway server name.
   
4. Set the gateway login and bypass option
   In the gateway configuration, select "credentials" and choose "Add credetntials."
   
   Enter your username in the form username@letu.edu and select "Add" .
   
   This will take you back to the previous screen. Uncheck "Bypass for local addresses" This ensures all traffic, including local connections, routes through remote.letu.edu. 
   
5. Return to the PC entry for rds.letu.edu and confirm the gateway you just created, remote.letu.edu, is selected under its Gateway setting. Click "Add" to save the changes as a new connection profile.
    
6. Connect and confirm MFA
   Click the connection you just selected to launch it. The first time you do this you will receive a screen reminding you of the requirement to use MFA when connecting via remote desktop services. Select both acknowledgement boxes and continue.
   
   You will now receive a prompt from your Authenticator App on your phone asking you to confirm the connection you are trying to make. Select "Approve" 
   
7. Connect and enter credentials
   You will be prompted for your credentials to access the remote computer (the previous credentials you entered were for the secure vpn gateway used to connect to the computer). Enter your credentials and connect. to your session. 
   
   You may receive a warning like the below the first time you connect if you are connecting to a secure desktop other than rds.letu.edu. If you receive this notice you may select "continue" safely. You should not receive this notice again.
   
   
   
    

Notes

• If an older PC entry for rds.letu.edu already exists on the Mac, edit that entry instead of creating a duplicate.
• The gateway can be created once and reused for other PC entries if additional LETU servers are added later.
• If credentials fail after setup, confirm the account is entered in DOMAIN\username format rather than username@domain.com.

Windows

Connecting to LETU Remote Desktop Services (RDS) from Windows 11

Purpose

These instructions describe how to configure Remote Desktop Connection on Windows 11 to connect to rds.letu.edu through the RD Gateway at remote.letu.edu.

Requirements

• A computer running Windows 11
• A LETU domain username and password
• Access to the built-in Remote Desktop Connection app (mstsc)

Steps

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection
   Select Start, type Remote Desktop Connection, and open the app. Alternatively, press Windows+R, type mstsc, and press Enter.
    
2. Enter the RDS server name
   In the Computer field, enter rds.letu.edu. Do not select Connect yet.
    
3. Open Advanced settings
   Select Show Options to expand the dialog, then select the Advanced tab.
    
4. Open the gateway settings
   Under Connect from anywhere, select Settings.
    
5. Configure the RD Gateway server
   Select "Use these RD Gateway server settings." In the Server name field, enter remote.letu.edu.
    
6. Set the gateway logon method
   Under Logon method, select "Use my RD Gateway credentials for the remote computer" or the option consistent with LETU's standard configuration.
    
7. Confirm the bypass option is disabled
   Confirm the checkbox labeled "Bypass RD Gateway server for local addresses" is cleared. This ensures all traffic, including local connections, routes through remote.letu.edu. Select OK to close the gateway settings.
    
8. Enter user credentials
   Return to the General tab. In the User name field, enter the domain username in the format letnet\username. Windows will prompt for the password when the connection is initiated.
    
9. Save the connection (optional)
   Select Save or Save As to store the connection settings as an .rdp file for future use.
    
10. Connect
    Double-click the rds.letu.edu entry in the Windows App to start the session. You will receive an MFA prompt to your mobile authenticator - approve it and confirm your password on your computer and then proceed to your session

Notes

• If a saved .rdp file already exists for rds.letu.edu, edit that file's settings instead of creating a duplicate connection.
• Gateway settings entered once apply only to that saved connection. A new connection to a different LETU server requires the gateway to be configured again unless the same .rdp file is reused as a template.
• If credentials fail after setup, confirm the account is entered in DOMAIN\username format rather than username@domain.com.