Remote Desktop: Mac Setup

Summary

This article explains how to set up Remote Desktop access on a Mac computer and how to connect to either a Mac or Windows office desktop from another Mac. It also includes VPN requirements for off‑campus access.

Prerequisites

  • UT NetID and password
  • Mac computer in your office
  • Mac computer you are connecting from
  • VPN connection if you are off campus

Instructions

If Your Office Desktop Is a Mac Computer

  1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
  2. Select Sharing.
  3. Locate your Computer Name at the top of the window and write it down.
  4. In the list of services, select Screen Sharing.
  5. Enable Screen Sharing.
  6. Confirm that Screen Sharing is turned on.
  7. Select the information icon next to Screen Sharing to view the connection address.
  8. Write down the address that begins with vnc://. This is the address you will use to connect remotely.
  9. On the Mac you are connecting from, ensure you are on campus or connected to the UTHSC VPN.
  10. Open Finder, select Go, then choose Connect to Server….
  11. Enter the VNC address you wrote down.
  12. When prompted, enter the username and password you use to sign in to your office Mac.
  13. You are now connected to your office Mac.

If Your Office Desktop Is a Windows Computer

  1. On the Windows computer, open the search bar and search for Remote Settings.
  2. Select Remote Desktop Settings.
  3. Enable Remote Desktop.
  4. Enable Keep my PC awake for connections when it is plugged in.
  5. Enable Make my PC discoverable.
  6. Open the search bar again and search for Computer Name.
  7. Select View your PC name.
  8. Locate the Device Name and write it down.
  9. On the Mac you are connecting from, ensure you are on campus or connected to the UTHSC VPN.
  10. Open the App Store on your Mac and search for Windows App.
  11. Install the Windows App.
  12. Open the Windows App from Launchpad.
  13. Select the + button and choose Add PC.
  14. Enter the Device Name of your office Windows computer.
  15. Select Add.
  16. In the PCs list, select your computer to connect.
  17. Enter your NetID and password when prompted.

Troubleshooting

  • Verify that Screen Sharing (Mac) or Remote Desktop (Windows) is enabled on the office computer.
  • Ensure you are connected to VPN if you are off campus.
  • Confirm that you are using the correct VNC address or Device Name.
  • Restart both computers if the connection fails unexpectedly.

Additional Notes

  • Remote Desktop requires the office computer to remain powered on and connected to the network.
  • Mac‑to‑Mac connections use VNC, while Mac‑to‑Windows connections use the Windows App.

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