Remote Desktop
Access your Questrom Windows office computer remotely when you need the applications, files, or resources available on that machine.
BEFORE YOU CONNECT
Make Sure Your Office Computer Is Ready
Remote Desktop connects you directly to your Questrom Windows office computer. Before working remotely, make sure the computer can be identified, reached through the BU network, and is configured for remote access.
Know Your Office Computer
You will need the computer name or IP address of your Questrom office PC. If you’re setting up Remote Desktop
for the first time and don’t know this information, contact the Questrom Helpdesk.
Connect Through VPN
When you’re off campus, connect to the BU VPN before starting Remote Desktop. This gives your device secure access to BU’s internal network.
Leave Your Computer Available
Your office computer must remain powered on and connected to the BU network for Remote Desktop to reach it.
Windows
Connect from Windows
Connect to BU VPN first, then use Windows Remote Desktop Connection to reach your Questrom office PC.
01
Connect to VPN
Open Cisco Secure Client and connect to BU VPN. Complete BU Login and Duo authentication before continuing.
02
Open Remote Desktop Connection
From the Windows Start menu, search for Remote Desktop Connection and open the application.
03
Enter Your Office Computer
Enter the computer name or IP address for your Questrom office computer in the Computer field, then select Connect.
04
Sign In
When Windows Security appears, enter your username as ad\username, enter your BU password, and continue.
MACOS
Connect from a Mac
A Mac can connect to your Questrom Windows office computer using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop client together with the BU VPN.
01
Install Microsoft Remote Desktop
Download and install Microsoft’s Remote Desktop client for macOS if it is not already installed.
02
Connect to VPN
Open Cisco Secure Client and connect to BU VPN. Complete BU Login and Duo authentication before continuing.
03
Add Your Office Computer
In the Remote Desktop Connection Center, create a new desktop connection and enter the PC name provided for your Questrom office computer.
04
Start the Session
Open the saved desktop connection and authenticate using your BU credentials. When prompted for the Windows account, use the AD\username format.
SECURITY
Use Remote Desktop Securely
Remote Desktop provides direct access to an office computer, so it should be used only through approved BU access methods and with the appropriate security configuration.
Always Use VPN
When working away from campus, connect to the BU VPN before opening Remote Desktop. This avoids exposing Remote Desktop directly to the Internet.
Don't Expose RDP Directly
Remote Desktop should not be opened directly to the public Internet. If Remote Desktop has not already been configured for your office computer, contact Questrom ITS before enabling or changing the service.
Use BU-Supported Access
Avoid unapproved third-party remote-access tools. Use the BU VPN and supported Remote Desktop workflow
for access to your Questrom office computer.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT ACCESS METHOD
Do You Actually Need Remote Desktop?
Remote Desktop is useful when you need the office computer itself. If you’re trying to reach files, shared resources, or cloud applications, another access method may be simpler.
Need Files from a Shared Drive?
Files stored on BU servers managed through Active Directory can often be accessed remotely without connecting to your entire office computer. When you’re off campus, this generally requires the BU VPN.
Need a Departmental Resource?
Shared drives, remote printing, server-based databases, and other departmental resources may be available directly after connecting to the BU VPN. Remote Desktop may not be necessary.
Using a BU-Issued Laptop?
If your role allows you to take your BU-issued laptop home, using the laptop directly is generally preferable to leaving it on campus solely so you can Remote Desktop into it.
Setting up Remote Desktop for the first time? Remote Desktop availability and configuration can vary by department, role, and computer. Contact Questrom ITS before enabling Remote Desktop or changing security settings on your office computer.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick Answers
Do I need VPN before using Remote Desktop?
Yes when connecting from off campus. BU recommends connecting through the campus VPN before starting a Remote Desktop session.
What username should I use?
For the Questrom Windows Remote Desktop workflow, use ad\username with your current BU password.
Can I connect from a Mac?
Yes. Use Microsoft Remote Desktop on macOS, connect to the BU VPN, then create a desktop connection to your Questrom office Windows computer.
Do I need Remote Desktop just to access files?
Not necessarily. Shared Active Directory network drives and other departmental resources can often be accessed directly after connecting to the BU VPN.
Need Help Connecting to Your Office Computer?
If Remote Desktop has not been configured, you don't know your office computer name or IP address, or you can connect to the VPN but still cannot reach your office computer, contact the Questrom Helpdesk.
Get IT Support
questromhelp@bu.edu
Visit The Helpdesk
617-353-9858
Mon – Thurs: 8am – 6pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm