Remote Desktop

VPN Remote-Desktop VNC linux

Description

Remote desktop is a technology that allows users to connect to a specific computer from a remote location as if they were sitting in front of it. Once the connection is established, users can perform a wide range of tasks as if they are actually physically using the computer in person.

If you need to remotely control a CALS OIT supported work computer from off-campus, you've come to the right place. Below are the instructions you'll need to establish a Remote Desktop connection.

If you have any questions or would like assistance with any of the content below, please submit a help request.

Procedure

Prerequisites

University data stored on a computer you use, whether the computer is owned by you or the university, is subject to the same policies as data located on campus. Per university policy, you are the custodian responsible for all Cornell data on any computer you use.

Before you can connect via a Remote Desktop session to your on-campus Cornell computer, there are some prerequisites for both the on-campus computer and the remote computer.

On-Campus Computer

The on-campus computer is the computer you wish to remotely connect to. These are two important steps:

Determine the IP address of the host computer - You’ll need this address to configure your Remote Desktop session.
Submit a help request to configure the host computer for Remote Desktop - Some changes to your CALS OIT supported host computer are required before you can establish a Remote Desktop session. Please submit a request and we'll help configure your computer to accept incoming Remote Desktop requests.

Remote Computer

CALS OIT recommends, whenever possible, to use a CALS OIT managed laptop when connecting to campus-based resources. Please read more about our recommendations on our Remote Work Resources page.

From the remote computer:

Launch the Cornell VPN software and log in

If you’re using a CALS OIT managed laptop, you’ll find the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility VPN client in the start menu. Launch this and log in with your Cornell NetID credentials.

If you’re connecting from a personally-owned computer, you may first need to download and install the Cisco AnyConnect software. CIT maintains it on their website. Once installed, launch the VPN and log in with your NetID credentials.

Establish a Remote Desktop Session

After the above prerequisites have been met, follow the links below for instructions on how to establish a Remote Desktop session from your remote computer.

From a PC

PC to PC

If you’re attempting to connect to a Cornell PC from another PC, follow the directions below for your version of Windows. To find out which version of Windows you're using see our page on that.

From Windows 10/11 Professional/Enterprise

Professional and Enterprise versions of Windows 10/11 come with a built-in remote desktop app called Remote Desktop Connection. If you're using a CALS OIT managed laptop, this is the version of Windows you have.

In the Start Menu, type "Remote Desktop" and select Remote Desktop Connection from the list.
Click "Show Options".
Enter the IP address of the computer you wish to connect to. For Username, type "cornell\NetID", where NetID is replaced with your own. Click "Connect".
Enter your NetID password, and optionally select "Remember Me". Now click "OK".

From Windows 10/11 Home

The Home version of Windows 10/11 does not come with a built-in remote desktop app. You must download the free Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store. After you've downloaded the free app above, follow these instructions.

In the Start Menu, type "Remote Desktop" in the search and launch the app.
Click "+ Add", then select "PCs".
Enter the IP address of the computer you wish to connect to and give your connection a friendly nickname.
From the "Saved Desktops" menu, select the connection you just created. This is where the friendly name helps.
For Username, type "cornell\NetID", where NetID is replaced with your own. Enter your password, then click "Connect".

PC to Mac/Linux

If you’re attempting to connect to a Cornell Mac, or Linux computer, from a Windows PC, follow the directions below.

First, if you don't have a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) client installed, you must download and install one. We recommend VNC Viewer app, it's free.

After you've installed VNC Viewer, follow the steps below.

From the Start Menu, search for VNC Viewer and launch the app.
Click "Use RealVNC Viewer without signing in"
Enter the IP address of the on-campus Mac in the VNC Server Address field.
You will be presented with an "Insecure Connection" warning. This is okay to ignore. Press "Continue".
For Username enter your NetID. Then type your password and click "OK".

From a Mac

Mac to Mac/Linux

If you’re attempting to connect to a Cornell Mac or Linux computer from a Mac, follow the directions below.

From the Finder app, click the Go menu and select "Connect to Server".
In the Server Address field, type vnc://IP address, where the IP address is that of the remote computer.
Type your Cornell NetID in the Name field, enter your password, and click "Connect".

Mac to PC

If you’re attempting to connect to a Cornell PC from a Mac, follow the directions below.

First, if you don't have the Microsoft Windows App (previously called Remote Desktop App) installed, you must download and install it. You can find it for free on the Apple App Store.

After you've installed Windows App, follow the steps below.

Do a Spotlight search for Microsoft Remote Desktop, and launch the app.
Click on "Add PC".
Under the "PC Name" field enter the IP address of the computer you wish to connect to and give the connection a friendly name.
Double-click the connection you just created to begin a Remote Desktop session.
In the Username field, type cornell\NetID, where NetID is your own. Enter your password and click "Continue".

From a Linux

Linux to Mac/Linux/PC

If you’re attempting to connect to a Cornell Mac/Linux/PC from a Linux, follow the directions below.

Note: The example below uses Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS, which comes with Remmina preinstalled.

Install Remmina. First, make sure you have snapd installed. Then install the last release from the Ubuntu Software Center by looking for Remmina, or install it from a terminal with:

sudo snap install remmina

You can find the details at https://remmina.org/how-to-install-remmina/
Open Remmina by clicking the waffle button on the left bottom of the Desktop, search Remmina, and open it.
Click New connection profile button on the left top.
In the Protocol field, choose Remmina VNC Plugin if you are trying to connect to Mac or Linux. Choose RDP - Remote Desktop Protocol if you are trying to connect to a PC.
In the Server field, type IP Address, where the IP address is that of the remote computer, type your NetID@cornell.edu in the Username field, and click Save and Connect.
Type your NetID password in the Password field, and click OK.

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