Remote Desktop access
Remote Access is Changing. IT Services are migrating remote access away from the existing system to a dedicated remote access tool. This includes migrating the lab availability system as well.
The new tool – Splashtop is designed specifically for remote access and allows you to access lab computers on campus via a web browser from any device.
The migration has started and will be completed during October 2025 in good time for the Christmas vacation. In the mean time there are still some computers remaining on the Keyserver system - https://keysrvr.lboro.ac.uk/ for those who need to use remote access as they are unable to attend campus. Instructions for remote access via Keysever is at the bottom of this page.
Remote Access
The performance of lab computers will always be better in person, however remote access to computer labs machines on campus is provided to support students who need to access the computers when rooms are closed or who are not able to attend campus, for example during vacations or closure days.
Remote access is not intended for use when on campus (i.e. between computers labs, or from Halls) unless there you have difficulties accessing the labs in person.
All computer labs reboot everyday at 06:00 and any unsaved data at this point may be lost. Standard lab computers are not intended for running extended simulations or computational work as they will restart each day.
If you use remote access you must make sure you save your work to One Drive – do not save it to the local machines as their storage is cleared out on a regular basis it can not be recovered if it is deleted.
IT Services provide a lot of software for students to load directly on to their computers via Learn https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/welcome/preparing-for-study/it-software/
Access to Labs
The following labs are available for in person access for all students 24/7, 365 days a year. Other computer labs may be available out of hours but access to the building is restricted to students in particular schools.
- Design School – LDS003 – Windows (41 machines)
- Haselgrave – N001/N002/N003/N004 – Dual Boot Linux/Windows (138 machines)
- Haslegrave – N005 – Windows (38 machines)
- Haslegrave - Lobby – Mac (10 Machines)
- James France – D003 – Mac (18 machines)
- London – 1st floor – Windows (25 machines)
- S Building – S006 – Windows (88 machines)
- STEM Labs – WPL001 – Win
- dows (44 machines)
- Wavy Top -WAV001 – Windows (55 machines)
There are also 184 Windows and 55 Macs in the Library available during opening hours.
How to connect to a campus computer using your Windows or MacOS device.
To use the Remote Desktop Connection to access a computer on campus remotely, you will need to make sure you have completed Steps 1 to 3.
Step 1:
Connect to the VPN (Cisco Secure Client)
IMPORTANT - you will not be able to connect to a campus computer without connecting to the VPN first.
If you need help with the Cisco Secure Client VPN or with DUO, please click the links below. Once you have got these working, continue with Step 2.
Step 2:
What type of campus computer are you connecting TO - Windows or MacOS?
- Open the Software & PC Availability system (Keyserver) by clicking the button below
- Make a note of the operating system of the computer you wish to connect to – Windows or MacOS. This is displayed as either a Windows logo or an Apple logo on the Keyserver site.
- The majority of campus computers are Windows machines. MacOS computers are available in Haslegrave - N006 and James France - CC128.
Step 3:
What type of personal computer are you connecting FROM - Windows or MacOS?
You can connect to a campus Windows or MacOS computer from either a Windows or MacOS device. We are not currently able to support remote connections from other operating systems such as Linux.
If you are connecting from a MacOS personal device, you will need to download the Windows app from the App store (this application was formerly known as “Remote Desktop").
If you are connecting from a Windows personal device, the Remote Desktop Connection application will be pre-installed on your Windows computer.
IMPORTANT – when connecting to a campus computer, ALWAYS use the connection file that you have just downloaded. NEVER use an old file, as that machine may be in use.
Connecting to a Windows computer with Microsoft Remote Desktop
Important: Please ensure the machine you wish to use is available (green) before attempting remote access.
(NOTE – these screenshots are taken when connecting from a Windows computer. If you are connecting from a Mac, the screenshots will be different, but the process for connecting is the same)
- Go to the Software & PC Availability system.
- From the Availability Dashboard, click on your room choice.
- Check which machines are available. The colour coding will help with this. Green is 'Available' and Red is 'In use'.
- Click on the icon of a free computer and then click ‘Connect’ to reserve it.
- Click the ‘Download’ button to download the file. This should automatically open the Remote Desktop Connection application, if it doesn’t, open your Downloads folder and double click on connect.rdp file.
- Click “Connect” on the Remote Desktop Connection box
- When prompted, enter your University username and password, with LUNET\ before your username, then click OK. You may need to select “More choices” then “Use a different account” to be able to amend your username. IMPORTANT - the connection WILL NOT WORK if you do not include the LUNET\ before your username.
8. Next, click ‘Yes’
9. You will now be connected to the campus computer, which you will be able to operate as if you were sat at the machine.
10. Once you have finished the session you must log out to release the machine, by clicking the X on the blue bar at the top of your screen. ** BEFORE LOGGING OUT, MAKE SURE ALL DOCUMENTS HAVE COMPLETELY FINISHED SYNCING TO YOUR ONEDRIVE **
Connecting to a MacOS computer
Important: Please ensure the machine you wish to use is available (green) before attempting remote access.
- Go to the Software & PC Availability system.
- From the Availability Dashboard, click on your room choice.
- Check which machines are available. The colour coding will help with this. Green is 'Available' and Red is 'In use'
- Click on the icon of a free computer and then click ‘Connect’ to reserve it.
5. Click the ‘Download’ button to download the file
6. Open your Downloads and double click on the ‘connect.rdp’ file.
7. Click “Connect” on the Remote Desktop Connection box.
8. Click ‘Yes’, then ‘Yes’ again.
9. You will now be connected to the campus computer, which you will be able to operate as if you were sat at the machine. (You may need to sign in at the first screen)
10. Once you have finished the session you must log out to release the machine, by clicking the X on the blue bar at the top of your screen. ** BEFORE LOGGING OUT, MAKE SURE ALL DOCUMENTS HAVE COMPLETELY FINISHED SYNCING TO YOUR ONEDRIVE **
Software & PC Availability system
The availability dashboard displays information on real-time computer lab bookings:
- Current live bookings (red)
- Self-service 24/7 computers (Orange)
- Teaching labs – Taught (Blue)
- Remote access computers (Purple)
Software availability - The Software section presents an A-Z listing of software installs.
Maps - Search for computer labs close to your current location. Please check the digital signage outside the room to see details of upcoming bookings.