Remote Desktop FAQ

Note: To install the Microsoft Store version of Remote Desktop, see the question below.

Step 1. Open the Start menu in the bottom left hand corner.
Type "Remote Desktop Connection".
Click the application highlighted below.

The application's main window will appear as shown:

Step 1. Open Remote Desktop Connection.
Click "Show Options".

Step 2. Enter in the corresponding information:
Computer: computer_name.uwaterloo.ca
Username: CIVIL\your_username
Note: If connecting to a server, type NEXUS\your_username

Check the box for "Allow me to save credentials."
Click Save.
Click Connect.

Step 3: You will be prompted for a password.
Enter your password.
Check the box besides "Remember me".
Click OK.

Step 4: Click Yes.

Your Remote Desktop session will now begin.
Voila! Your credentials are now saved, and you won't have to type them in every time you connect.
Note: If you connect to multiple computers, consider using the "Save As" option in the main window.

Note: The multi-monitor feature is currently limited to the built-in Remote Desktop Connection application.

Step 1. Open Remote Desktop Connection.
Click "Show Options".

Step 2. Select the Display tab.
Check the "Use all my monitors for the remote session" option.
Click Connect

Step 1. Open Remote Desktop and select "Show Options".

Step 2. Select the "Local Resources tab".
Click "Settings...".
Click "Play on this compter".
Click "Record from this computer".
Click "OK".
Click Connect.

Note: The Video Capture device feature is currently limited to the built-in Remote Desktop Connection application.

Step 1. Open Remote Desktop and select "Show Options".

Step 2. Select the "Local Resources tab".
Click "More...".
Check the box beside "Video capture devices".
Check the box beside "Other supported Plug and Play (PnP) devices".
Click "OK".
Click Connect and test your webcam.

Remote Desktop is like opening a portal or window into your office computer. Anything that is done via Remote Desktop in happening in realtime, on your office computer.

If you are dealing with sensitive data, CEE IT reccommends not mapping your drives to your home computer.
In the event data is inadvertently saved on a location on your home computer, this results in two issues:

1. The data will no longer be secured, as it is now being stored outside of the UW Campus network; The security is jeopardized.
2. You may lose track of which files are where, which will further complicate your workflow. For instance, a file saved in the Downloads folder on your office computer will not be in the Downloads folder of your home computer, and vice versa.

CEE IT recommends doing your work via Remote Desktop, though, you may still choose to map a drive.
For instructions, please see our How-To page: https://uwaterloo.ca/civil-environmental-engineering/computing-resources-0/how

Step 1. Open Remote Desktop and select "Show Options".

Step 2. Select the "Local Resources tab".
Click "More...".
Click the + beside "Drives".
Check the corresponding boxes for the drives you'd like to connect.
Click "OK".
Click Connect.

Note: Windows comes pre-installed with a Remote Desktop Connection Application.
The Microsoft Store Remote Desktop Application shown below is easier to use, but has fewer features.

Step 1. Go to the Microsoft Store webpage for Remote Desktop: 
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/p/microsoft-remote-desktop/9wzdncrfj3ps

Click Get, and then Open, as shown below.

Step 2. Once the Microsoft Store opens, click "Get". 
Note: If a window pops up asking you to sign in, click "No thanks".

Step 3. Click Install.
If prompted for sign-in, click the red X button.
Remote Desktop will begin downloading.

Step 4. Once installed, click Launch.
Remote Desktop will open. Voila!

Step 1. Open Remote Desktop.
Click "Add" in the top-right hand corner.
Enter the name of the computer, followed by ".uwaterloo.ca".
Click the + icon beside "User Account".

Step 2. Enter your Username and Password as shown below.
Click Save.

Step 3. Click Save.

Step 4. Click the computer, as shown below.
Click Connect.

Your Remote Desktop session will now begin.

Step 1. Open Remote Desktop.
On your saved connection, click the "..." and then "Edit".

Step 2. Click the "Show More" option.

Step 3. Scroll down to the bottom.
Under Audio Playback, select "Play on this device".
Under Audio Recording, set the option to "On".
Click Save.