Remote Desktop (RDP)
About this service
Remote Desktop gives you access to:
- your staff computer that’s on campus (if you have one)
- our Virtual Desktop service
- sernt43 (ESIS and technical users only)
This service requires a VPN connection.
Using Remote Desktop (RDP)
Windows
How to use Remote Desktop on Windows:
Please follow the steps below once you’re connected to the VPN:
- Click Start and type Remote Desktop
- Select Remote Desktop Connection
- For Computer, enter the computer address you want to connect to, for example S12345 or remote.essex.ac.uk.
- Click Advanced then Settings.
- Click Use these RD Gateway server settings.
- Enter rdpgw.essex.ac.uk into the Server name box.
- Ensure that Bypass RD Gateway for local addresses is unchecked
- It is also recommended to check Use my RD Gateway credentials for the remote computer.
- Click OK, then Connect. You’ll be prompted to login – use your University user name followed by essex.ac.uk e.g. jb20000@essex.ac.uk and your password.
You can view the Using Remote Desktop with GlobalProtect (.pdf) guide for instructions with screenshots.
macOS
How to use Remote Desktop on macOS:
Please follow the steps below once you’re connected to the VPN:
- Go to your App Store and download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
- Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
- Choose File, then Preferences then choose Gateways tab.
- Enter the gateway name (rdpgw.essex.ac.uk) into the Gateway name box, choose a friendly name (work PC, for example) and enter your Essex username (e.g. jb20000) then close.
- Select the plus sign (+) and choose Add PC
- In PC name, enter the computer address you want to connect to, for example S12345 or remote.essex.ac.uk.
- Choose Add User Account.
- Enter your Essex user name followed by essex.ac.uk and your password e.g. jb20000@essex.ac.uk and your password.
- Select Add, then select OK.
- To connect, select the PC that you just added.
You can view the Using Remote Desktop with GlobalProtect (.pdf) guide for instructions with screenshots.
Accessing your staff computer
Before you can remotely connect to your staff computer, you must first tell us your computer’s S number – this can be found on a sticker on the side of your computer. If you can’t get to your computer right now, contact the IT Helpdesk and we can help find out what your S number is.
- Computer address: <your computer's S number>.essex.ac.uk
Accessing the Virtual Desktop service (remote.essex.ac.uk)
Our Virtual Desktop service gives you remote desktop access when you don't have a University computer (a computer with an S number) to connect to, for example if you hot desk or if you use a laptop at work and then take it home with you.
- Computer address: remote.essex.ac.uk
Accessing sernt43 (for ESIS and technical services only)
sernt43 is a specialist computer for technical services only.
- Computer address: sernt43.essex.ac.uk
Help
The computer I'm connecting to is not responding
This may be because the computer is switched off or hasn't started up correctly - this can happen during power or network outages.
Please contact the IT Helpdesk if you cannot connect.
How to access shared network drives on remote.essex.ac.uk
Once connected:
- Click Start
- Click This PC
- Select the Computer tab
- Click Map Network Drive
- Choose an available drive letter
- Enter the share path, for example, \\sernt2\desk$ and click Finish
- Log in with your username and password if prompted.
How to access ESIS on sernt43
Once you're connected to sernt43.essex.ac.uk, the ESIS icon should be on the desktop.
If you don't have the ESIS icon on the desktop it may be that you don't have permission to access ESIS. Please contact the IT Helpdesk for advice on requesting access.
