How to install and use Microsoft Windows App (previously known as Remote Desktop) on a Mac
Intended for:
Mac users
Scenario/Use case:
This article details how to install and use Microsoft Windows App (previously known as Remote Desktop) on a Mac.
Note: In September 2024, Microsoft renamed Remote Desktop to Windows App. For more info, visit this page created by Microsoft: What is Windows App?
Instructions:
Installing Microsoft Windows App
Fermilab-owned Mac:
- Microsoft Windows App is available for install in the Self Service app found in the Applications folder.
Personal Mac:
- Microsoft Remote Desktop app can be installed from the Mac App Store.
Configuring Microsoft Windows App
1. Open Windows App from /Applications folder
2. If nothing has been previously configured, you may be prompted to add a new PC. Otherwise click the "+" icon in the upper right corner and select "Add PC".
PC Name:
Enter the URL of the PC in the PC Name field.
Credentials:
Leave as the default "Ask When Required" unless you know that should be configured differently.
General tab:
- You may optionally give the PC a meaningful or memorable name in the Friendly Name field.
- You may optionally group PCs if you have many PCs and want to keep similar PCs grouped together.
- Leave other settings as default unless you know what you need to change.
Display tab:
- Settings can be left as default or changed as desired.
Devices & Audio tab:
- Important: Ensure that Smart Cards is enabled.
- Clipboard mode set to Bidirectional allows copy/paste between both the local and remote computers. This includes both text and files.
- Other settings can be left as default or changed as desired.
Folders tab:
- No changes are required. Settings can be left as default or changed as desired.
Connecting to remote servers or PCs with Microsoft Windows App
1. Open Windows App from /Applications folder.
2. Double click on the remote system you want to connect to.
3. Enter username and password when prompted.
4. You may be prompted to acknowledge an unverified certificate. If the remote system is confirmed, this can be accepted by clicking "Continue".
5. Remote connection will open in a new window.
6. If prompted, click read and then click "OK" on the "Fermilab - Notice to Users" screen.
7. You will be prompted if Yubikey/Smart Card is required for authentication. Click "OK".
8. If credential is connected and detected your username will be displayed.
9. Enter PIN in the appropriate field.
Note: If you want to use a different account, enter the account you wish to authenticate with in the "Username hint" field. Typically this occurs when you need to connect with a -admin or similar account using your assigned YubiKey. The other account must be configured to use your certificates to connect successfully. Open a request in ServiceNow if this hasn't already been completed.