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IT and Library Services

Remote Desktop for students

You may be granted rights to a remote desktop service. This will provide access to a generic desktop, which will allow you access to specific applications related to your course.

Students enrolled on programmes of study which require access to specialist software as part of their course curriculum will be granted access to the studentdesktop service.

Please note, the software available is restricted to those titles which are permitted under licencing agreements to be provided via a virtualised environment.

Accessing the studentdesktop service

The new studentdesktop service provides access to a remote (or virtual) desktop session. This can be accessed via the recommended client (available for Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS) or directly from a browser.  The virtual desktop is very similar to an on-campus university Managed Desktop.

To connect to the studentdesktop service, you will need to have been granted access. If you are unsure, please check with your lecturers.

Please remember to save your work regularly and to logout / disconnect from your remote session when you have finished.

Connect to the studentdesktop service

Listed below are a set of instructions, created to help guide you through the download (where applicable) and installation of the remote desktop client software (Microsoft Remote Desktop).

Windows

Windows PC or Laptop / Tablet

Microsoft provide links to the latest releases of their software

Step-by-Step

  • Use the link above to download and install the latest Microsoft Remote Desktop client for your operating system.
  • Run the software - and update it if asked to do so
  • Select Subscribe on the Lets Get Started page
  • If you are presented with a list of user accounts, select you University account, or select Use Another Account and enter your Çï¿ûÊÓƵ email address (including @gre.ac.uk)
  • The Remote Desktop client will search and display any remote desktop environments you have access to.
  • Select your chosen environment
  • Enter your password and approve via Multi-Factor Authentication if asked to do so
  • Please remember to end the session when you have finished, by selecting Power / Disconnect from the Start Menu

MacOS / iOS

Mac computers, laptops and iOS devices

Microsoft provide links to the latest releases of their software

Step-by-Step

  • Use the link above to download and install the latest Microsoft Remote Desktop client for your operating system.
  • Run the software - and update it if asked to do so
  • Select Workspaces and then Add Workspace, or from the main menu, select Connections and Add Workspace
  • In the Add Workspace dialog box, enter the following URL: https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery
  • Select Add
  • If you are presented with a Microsoft login screen, enter your university credentials (including @gre.ac.uk) and approve via Multi-Factor Authentication if asked to do so
  • The Remote Desktop client will search and display any remote desktop environments you have access to
  • Select your chosen environment
  • You may now be prompted to connect to a gateway server / remote PC
  • Enter your university credentials (including @gre.ac.uk)
  • Please remember to end the session when you have finished, by selecting Power / Disconnect from the Start Menu

Via a browser

Secure access via most web browsers

Step-by-Step

  • Go to the Azure Virtual Desktop at
  • If you are presented with a list of user accounts, select you University account, or select Use Another Account and enter your Çï¿ûÊÓƵ email address (including @gre.ac.uk)
  • Enter your password and approve via Multi-Factor Authentication if asked to do so
  • You will be presented with a list of any remote desktop environments you have access to.
  • Select your chosen environment
  • You will be prompted to select which local resources (such as Clipboard, printer, and file transfer) you wish to be available in the remote session.
  • Select Allow when you have completed your choice
  • Enter your username and password, and approve via Multi-Factor Authentication if asked to do so
  • Please remember to end the session when you have finished, by selecting Power / Disconnect from the Start Menu

Android

Small screen devices

The instructions below explain how to download, install and configure the Microsoft Remote Desktop client software onto devices running the Android operating systems

Microsoft provide links to the latest releases of their software

Step-by-Step

  • To install the client on your Android device, open the Google Play Store and search for Microsoft Remote Desktop
  • Select install and wait for it to download
  • Open the app and Accept the Terms and Conditions requested
  • Click on + at the top right and select Add Workspace
  • In the Add Workspace dialog box, enter the following URL: https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery
  • Select Next
  • If you are presented with a Microsoft login screen, enter your university credentials (including @gre.ac.uk) and approve via Multi-Factor Authentication if asked to do so
  • The Remote Desktop client will search and display any remote desktop environments you have access to
  • Select your chosen environment
  • You will be prompted to select which local resources (such as Clipboard, and local file storage) you wish to be available in the remote session.
  • Select Connect when you have completed your choice, and confirm if required to do so
  • Enter your username and password, and approve via Multi-Factor Authentication if asked to do so
  • Please remember to end the session when you have finished, by selecting Power / Disconnect from the Start Menu

Support

Support will be available when the IT Service Desk is open (generally, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm).

Rules and Regulations

Regulations: Before connecting to the network, you should familiarise yourself with the regulations for computing use at the Çï¿ûÊÓƵ. You are reminded that when using the Çï¿ûÊÓƵ computing facilities you are bound by the Regulations for the Use of Computing Facilities at the Çï¿ûÊÓƵ. While using the service you are also bound to the JANET Acceptable Use Policy.

Please refer to our full list of policies.

Be sure to save your work regularly, and to log off when you have finish working.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the process outlined above, please contact the IT Service Desk (itservicedesk@gre.ac.uk) via email with a subject title of "Remote Desktop for students".

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