How to connect to the Remote Desktop Service (CONNECT)

Keep your device secure

It is your responsibility to ensure that any device you use to access the service is secure.
When using your own device please consult the guidance on how to protect your computer.

 
Windows

Initial setup

  1. Submit a CONNECT Remote Desktop Access request
  2. Set up the Oxford VPN
  3. Access the Remote Desktop Gateway
  4. Provide your CONNECT username and password
  5. Click on the CONNECT Remote Desktop icon
  6. A Remote Desktop Connection file will download, which can then be moved to your desktop

Connect (each time)

  1. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  2. Double click on the Remote Desktop Connection file
  3. Provide your CONNECT username and password
  • Remote desktop services with slightly different configurations may use a different icon
  • If prompted by a Windows security window, provide your username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and CONNECT password
macOS

Initial setup

  1. Submit a CONNECT Remote Desktop Access request
  2. Set up the Oxford VPN
  3. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store
  4. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop application
  5. Select Workspaces > Add Workspace
  6. Provide the Workspace URL https://remotedesktop.connect.ox.ac.uk/rdweb/feed/webfeed.aspx
  7. Provide your CONNECT username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password
  8. (Optional) To access local files, printers and clipboard, right-click the Remote Desktop Service icon and select Edit to enable this

Connect (each time)

  1. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  2. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop application and choose Workspaces > Remote Desktop Service
  3. Enter your CONNECT username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password
  • Applies to macOS 10.8 and onwards
iOS

Initial setup

  1. Submit a CONNECT Remote Desktop Access request
  2. Set up the Oxford VPN
  3. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  4. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store
  5. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop application
  6. Select the + menu at the top right, then Add Workspace
  7. Provide the Workspace URL https://remotedesktop.connect.ox.ac.uk/rdweb/feed/webfeed.aspx
  8. Provide your CONNECT username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password

Connect (each time)

  1. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  2. Select the CONNECT Remote Desktop Service icon
  • Tap the black bar at the top to open the options on either side of the screen
  • Use the bottom right Mouse Pointer option to use the touch screen as a mouse pad
Android

Initial setup

  1. Submit a CONNECT Remote Desktop Access request
  2. Set up the Oxford VPN
  3. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  4. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Google Play store
  5. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app
  6. Select the + menu at the top right, then Remote Resource Feed
  7. For the E-mail or URL field provide https://remotedesktop.connect.ox.ac.uk/rdweb/feed/webfeed.aspx
  8. Select User Name > Add user account
  9. Provide your CONNECT username in the format CONNECT\abcd1234 and your CONNECT password

Connect (each time)

  1. Connect to the Oxford VPN
  2. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app and select CONNECT Remote Desktop Service
  • Tap the black bar at the top to open the options on either side of the screen
  • Use the bottom right Mouse Pointer option to use the touch screen as a mouse pad

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