Remote into Your FAU Windows Computer

This article explains how to use Remote Desktop to connect to your FAU Windows office computer from another Windows computer or from a Mac.
Important: Remote Desktop is intended for employees connecting to their own assigned FAU computer. If you are off campus, you must connect to the FAU VPN using FortiClient before using Remote Desktop.
Computer name format: You may connect using the computer name, the full computer name such as computername.ad.fau.edu, or the IP address of the office computer.

Before You Begin ▾

Before attempting to remote into your FAU computer, confirm the following:

  • You have been approved for VPN access, if connecting from off campus.
  • FortiClient is installed on the computer you are using to connect.
  • You are connected to the FAU VPN before attempting to connect to your office computer from off campus.
  • Remote Desktop has been enabled on your FAU office computer.
  • Your FAU office computer is powered on and connected to the FAU network.
  • You know the computer name, full computer name, or IP address of your office computer.

If you need VPN access, your supervisor may need to request access for you: Request VPN Access.

If you need to install FortiClient, review the FortiClient VPN instructions: Install FortiClient VPN.

Find Your FAU Computer Name ▾

You will need the name of your FAU office computer to connect with Remote Desktop.

  1. On your FAU office computer, select the Windows search bar.
  2. Search for About your PC.
  3. Open About your PC.
  4. Locate the Device name.
  5. Write down the device name. In some cases, you may need to use the full name, such as computername.ad.fau.edu.

About your PC showing the full device name

Connect from a Windows Computer ▾

Use these steps from the Windows computer you are using to connect to your FAU office computer.

  1. If you are off campus, connect to the FAU VPN using FortiClient.
  2. Open the Windows search bar.
  3. Search for Remote Desktop Connection.
  4. Open Remote Desktop Connection.

Windows Remote Desktop Connection search result

  1. In the Computer field, enter the computer name, full computer name, or IP address.
  2. Select Connect.
  3. When prompted, sign in using FAU\username and your FAU password.
Tip: If the computer name does not work, try the full computer name using .ad.fau.edu, such as computername.ad.fau.edu.

Connect from a Mac to a Windows Computer ▾

Use Windows App on your Mac to connect to your FAU Windows office computer.

  1. If you are off campus, connect to the FAU VPN using FortiClient.
  2. Open the App Store on your Mac.
  3. Download and install Windows App, if it is not already installed.
Uploaded Image
  1. Open Windows App.
     Uploaded Image
  2. Select + in the top right corner, then select Add PC.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  3. Enter the full computer name (name.ad.fau.edu) or IP address of your FAU office computer.
  4. For the user account, select Ask when required.
Uploaded Image
  1. Select Add.
  2. Open the saved desktop connection and enter your FAU credentials to connect.
    Uploaded Image

 

Optional: Connect Using the IP Address ▾

If the computer name does not work, you may be able to connect using the IP address of your office computer.

Important: You must know the IP address of the office computer you are trying to remote into. If you need help finding the IP address, submit a Remote Desktop support request.
  1. Sign in to a computer connected to the FAU network or connected to the FAU VPN through FortiClient.
  2. Open the Windows search bar.
  3. Search for CMD and open Command Prompt.
  4. Type NSLOOKUP computername, replacing computername with the office computer name.
  5. Press Enter.
  6. Write down the IP address listed after the second Address line.

NSLOOKUP command showing a computer IP address

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection.
  2. Enter the IP address in the Computer field.
  3. Select Connect.
  4. Sign in using your FAU credentials.

Remote Desktop Connection using an IP address

Uploaded Image
 

Disconnect Without Turning Off the Office Computer ▾

Windows: When you are finished using Remote Desktop, disconnect from the session instead of shutting down the office computer.

  1. At the top of the Remote Desktop window, select the white X in the blue Remote Desktop bar.

Remote Desktop disconnect X in the blue session bar

  1. When prompted that the remote session will be disconnected, select OK.

Remote Desktop disconnect confirmation prompt

 

Mac: When you are finished using Remote Desktop, disconnect from the session instead of shutting down the office computer.

1. From the menu bar, click on Windows App

2. Select Quit Windows App

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

The Remote Desktop session will close. The office computer should remain powered on for the next time you need to connect.

Troubleshooting ▾

  • If you are off campus, confirm that you are connected to the FAU VPN using FortiClient before opening Remote Desktop.
  • If the computer name does not work, try the full computer name using .ad.fau.edu.
  • If the full computer name does not work, try connecting with the IP address.
  • If Remote Desktop cannot connect, the office computer may be powered off, asleep, disconnected from the network, or Remote Desktop may not be enabled.
  • If you were recently connected and then lost access, restart the computer you are using, reconnect to the VPN, and try again.
  • If you need assistance, submit a Remote Desktop support request.

Still Need Help?

If you need help connecting to your FAU computer using Remote Desktop, submit a Remote Desktop support request or contact the Help Desk at 561-297-3999.

Submit a Remote Desktop support request

Print Article