Use Remote Desktop to Connect to Your Office PC
Overview
Remote Desktop lets you sign in to your office computer from somewhere else, like home or a hotel, and use it as if you were sitting in front of it. Your office PC must be on and configured for remote access first.
Before You Begin
- Your office PC powered on and connected to the office network.
- The full name of your office PC (something like OFFICE-PC-01). IT can provide this if you do not know it.
- VPN connected, if your company requires it for Remote Desktop. See Connect to the Company VPN on Windows.
- Your work username and password.
- The Windows App (formerly Remote Desktop) installed on the device you are connecting from. It is built into Windows 11 and available free for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android.
Steps
- Connect to the company VPN if required by your IT team.
- Open the Windows App on your laptop, phone, or tablet.
- Click Add or the plus icon, then choose PC or Computer.
- Enter your office PC's full name in the PC name field.
- Under User account, choose Add user account and enter your work username and password. Click Save.
- Click Save again to store the connection.
- Double-click the new connection tile to start the session.
- Approve any certificate prompt if it appears.
- Your office desktop will appear in a window. Use it like you would in person.
- When you finish, click Start > your name > Sign out. This frees the PC for any other use.
Troubleshooting
- If you see "The remote computer could not be found": confirm the PC name and that you are connected to VPN. Ask a colleague if the office PC is on.
- If you see "Your credentials did not work": retype your username as domain\username or username@yourcompany.com, depending on your setup.
- If the session disconnects often: your internet may be unstable. Switch to a wired connection or a stronger Wi-Fi signal.
- If the screen looks blurry: in the Windows App connection settings, raise the resolution or quality.
- If you cannot copy and paste between your laptop and the office PC: in connection settings, enable Clipboard under local resources.
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Need More Help?
Submit a ticket at support.bostonmit.com or email support@bostonmit.com.