Remote Desktop access
There are over 2,000 computers across campus. Some are managed by IT Services and are mostly accessible by all students. School-managed computer labs have restricted access and are only available to those that belong to the specific school/department.
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.
Instructions for different devices can be found via the link at the bottom of the page. To connect to the VPN, you will be required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
For details on how to enrol your mobile device with Duo Mobile app, please use the link below.
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.
Step 3: What type of personal computer are you connecting FROM - Windows or MacOS?
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.
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.
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 before attempting remote access.
- Go to the Computer & Software 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 to reserve it.
- Click the ‘Download’ button to download the file.
- This will automatically open Remote Desktop Connection.
- When prompted, enter your username and password with ‘LUNET\’ before your username.
- Then, click ‘Continue’
- Finally when prompted by the message, click ‘Continue’.
- Once you have finished the session you must log out to release the machine.
Connecting to a MacOS campus computer
Important: Please ensure the machine you wish to use is available before attempting remote access.
- Go to the Computer & Software Availability system
- From the Availability Dashboard, click on your room choice. MacsOS are only available in Haslegrave - N006 and James France - CC128.
- 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 to reserve it
- Click the ‘Download’ button to download the file
- Open the file from your downloads (This will download the .rdp file to Downloads. You will need to open this file for it to open in Microsoft Remote Desktop)
- You may receive a prompt saying the identity of the PC can't be verified. This is normal, and you can select Connect anyway
- When prompted, enter your username and password
- Then, click ‘Continue’
- Finally when prompted by the message, click ‘Continue’
- Once you have finished the session you must logout to release the machine
Computer and Software 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.