How to Use Remote Desktop on Windows

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 Windows machine to your Windows machine on campus, you will need to use 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.

Enable Remote Access function between computers

Instructions on how to enable Remote Access function on a computer that you would like to connect to remotely.

Step 1

Left-click on the Start Window/Start button and then type Control Panel to search for the Control Panel.

Enable RDP Step 1

Step 2

In a Control Panel window, search for Remote Access in a top-right box:

Enable RDP Step 2

Step 3

Select Allow remote access to your computer:

Enable RDP Step 3

Step 4

In the System Properties window, under the Remote Desktop section, select Allow remote connections to this computer to enable remote access to a computer, then click on OK.

Enable RDP Step 4

Using Remote Desktop on Windows 7/10

Step 1

Connect to the VPN using Cisco AnyConnect.

Step 2

Start Remote Desktop:

  • Windows 7: Click Start. Navigate to All Programs > Accessories. Click Remote Desktop Connection.
  • Windows 10: Click Start. Navigate to All Apps > Windows Accessories. Click Remote Desktop Connection.

Step 3

Put your Mason computer’s name or IP address in the Remote Desktop ConnectionWindow.

remote desktop

Step 4

Click Connect.

Step 5

Enter the following information and then click OK:

Username: MESA\Your Mason NetID

Password: Your Mason Patriot Pass Password

patriot pass credentials

Using Remote Desktop on Windows 8

Step 1

Open Remote Desktop by clicking the Start Screen, then clicking Search.

magnifying glass

Step 2

Type Remote.

remote desktop connection

Step 3

Click on Remote Desktop Connection.

Step 4

Put your Mason computer’s name or IP address in the Remote Desktop Connection window.

remote desktop connection

Step 5

Click Connect.

Step 6

Enter the following information and then click OK:

Username: MESAYour Mason NetID

Password: Your Mason Patriot Pass Password

cisco anyconnect

Step 7

Once the VPN connection is established, the Cisco AnyConnect icon with a small lock will appear in the notification area located in the lower-right corner of your screen. (Note: You may need to click the arrow to show hidden icons to see it.)

cisco anyconnect

Disconnect from the Mason VPN

Step 1

In the notification area, click the Cisco AnyConnect icon with a small lock.

cisco anyconnect

Step 2

At the prompt, click Disconnect.

disconnect