How to connect to your remote desktop server from any device

Once your remote desktop server is provisioned, connecting to it is the same idea on every device: you open a remote desktop app, enter the server address and your username and password, and your Windows desktop appears. The app differs by device, but the experience on screen is identical — the same files, the same software, the same setup, every time.

Below are the steps for each platform. If you ever get stuck, the live chat bubble in the corner of this page reaches us during business hours, or you can send us a message and we will walk you through it.

What you will need

• Your server address (something like your-server.remoteserver.com.au or an IP address) — we provide this at setup.
• Your username and password for your account on the server.
• An internet connection. A stable connection matters more than a fast one.

Windows PC

Windows includes a Remote Desktop client, so there is nothing to install.

1. Click Start and type Remote Desktop Connection, then open it.
2. In the Computer field, enter your server address.
3. Click Connect, then enter your username and password when prompted.
4. Tick Remember me if it is your own device, and you are in.

Mac

Macs use Microsoft's free Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop), available from the Mac App Store.

1. Install Windows App from the Mac App Store.
2. Open it and click Add PC (the + button).
3. Enter your server address as the PC name and save.
4. Double-click the saved connection and sign in with your username and password.

iPad and iPhone

1. Install Windows App from the App Store.
2. Tap Add PC, enter your server address, and save.
3. Tap the connection and enter your credentials. On iPad, a keyboard and mouse make it feel like a full computer.

Android and Chromebook

1. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop (or Windows App) from Google Play.
2. Tap + and add your server address.
3. Sign in with your username and password.

Tips for a smooth session

• Use a wired or strong Wi-Fi connection where you can — it keeps the desktop feeling instant.
• Sign out, do not just close the window, when you finish for the day, so your account frees up cleanly. Use Start → your name → Sign out inside the server.
• Printing and local files can be redirected from your own device into the session — ask us to enable this if you need it.
• Multiple monitors are supported on the Windows and Mac clients; turn it on in the client's display settings before connecting.

If you cannot connect

Most connection problems come down to one of three things: a mistyped server address, a password that needs resetting, or a local network that blocks the connection (some public or corporate Wi-Fi networks do). Double-check the address, try a different network such as a phone hotspot, and if it still will not connect, get in touch — we can see the server side and sort it quickly.

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