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Home > Help & Support > Knowledge Base > Network, Internet & Telephone > Virtual Private Network (VPN) > How to Use Remote Desktop on a Mac

How to Use Remote Desktop on a Mac

George Mason University VPN allows you to connect to Mason networks as if you were on campus, making access to restricted services possible. To connect from your remote Mac to your Windows machine on campus, you will need to use Microsoft Remote Desktop.

You will need the computer name and/or IP address of the machine you are remoting to, so obtain that information before leaving campus.

Checking if Microsoft Remote Desktop is Installed on a Mac

Step 1

Connect to the VPN using Cisco AnyConnect.

Step 2

From the Finder, navigate to the Go Menu > Applications.

Step 3

Look for Microsoft Remote Desktop.

Installing Microsoft Remote Desktop on a Mac

Step 1

From the Finder, navigate to the Go Menu> Applications.

menu

Step 2

Click on the App Store.

app store

Step 3

Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop.

Step 4

Select Microsoft Remote Desktop and click Install.

microsoft remote desktop

Step 5

If prompted, input your AppleID and password and click Sign In.

app store sign in

Step 6

Once Microsoft Remote Desktop is installed, click Open, or access it from the Applications window.

Microsoft Remote Desktop

Using Remote Desktop on a Mac

Step 1

Connect to the VPN using Cisco AnyConnect.

Step 2

From the Finder, navigate to the Go Menu > Applications.

menu

Step 3

Open Microsoft Remote Desktop.

Step 4

The Microsoft Remote Desktop window will appear.

Step 5

If you have already saved your work computer's information, you can select it and click Start to connect. Otherwise, click New.

Step 6

For the Connection Name, type MasonPC (if you prefer another name, use that instead).

Step 7

Put your Mason computer's name or IP address in the PC name box.

Step 8

Enter the following information and then click OK:

Username: Your Mason NetID

Password: Your Mason Patriot Pass Password

Step 9

You can leave all the other settings at their defaults.

Step 10

Close the Edit Remote Desktops window.

Step 11

Click the saved connection.

Step 12

Click Start.

Step 13

If there is a certificate error, click Continue.

Step 14

You are now connected to your Mason Windows Machine.

Last modified: August 16, 2018

Previous

How to Install Cisco AnyConnect VPN on Linux

Next

How to Install Cisco AnyConnect VPN on an iPhone

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George Mason ITS @georgemasonits ·
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After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for Windows 10 systems. As a result, all Windows 10 systems must be upgraded to Windows 11 or removed from the Mason network. Learn more ⬇️

https://its.gmu.edu/bulletins/microsoft-windows-11-announcement/

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