Setting up Remote Desktop (Windows)

Setting Up Remote Desktop (Windows)

Overview

This article will discuss setting up a Windows computer to allow it to be accessed via the Remote Desktop protocol.
Remote Desktop is a feature on Windows desktops that allow users to remotely connect to and control a computer and use the computer as if in person.

Enabling Remote Desktop (i.e. office computer)

Verify the following settings (for University computers, these settings may already be set correctly)

1. Click Start  Settings System Remote Desktop
2. Enable Remote Desktop = ON
3. Keep my PC awake for connections... =  
4. Make my PC discoverable on private networks... 

Locating PC Name

After the above settings are verified, there should be a section labeled "How to connect to this PC"

Make note of the PC name listed there: example "a- 12345678.semo.edu"

This is your computer's "hostname". This will be used to connect to your computer remotely.

The computer's hostname should correspond with its network or IP address. 

While either will allow the remote connection, the hostname is the preferred address to use.

Locating IP Address - Method #1 - Control Panel

1. Click Start  Settings Network & Internet View hardware and connection properties (link)
2. Find IPv4 Address in the list and make note of it

Locating IP Address - Method #2 - Google search

1. Open web browser
2. Visit google.com
3. Search for What is my ipv4 address
4. Your computer's public IP address will be shown

Locating IP Address - Method #3 - Command Prompt

1. In the search bar to the right of ​​​​​​​type cmd
2. In the black window type ipconfig and press Enter
3. Note the IPv4 address listed (i.e. 150.201.xxx.xxx)

Verifying the Best Address Option

Now that the computer's hostname and IP address are known, the best address to use for remote access can be determined.

As in Method #3 above, access the Command Prompt

1. In the search bar to the right of ​​​​​​​type cmd
2. In the black window type nslookup ip address and press Enter
3. The Name and Address should match the hostname and IP address respectively
4. If this is not the case, use the IP Address to remotely access the computer

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