Networking, Remote Desktop Gateway, Mac Client Configuration

Steps to manually configure the Windows App (formerly the Microsoft Remote Desktop app) on macOS.

macOS Requirements

The Windows App has replaced the Microsoft Remote Desktop app for macOS. The latest version of the Windows App requires macOS 12.0 (Monterey) or newer. Older versions may still work, but are not officially supported.

Installing the Windows App

To install the Windows App, simply search for "Windows App" in the Apple App store, and click Get or Install.

The Windows App in the Apple App store

The first time you run the Windows App, it will ask you about your privacy prefernces. Make sure you allow both Microphone and Camera access, or certain features of your remote desktops may not work.

Configuring Remote Desktops

  1. Click the Plus (+) icon, then Add PC...

    Location of the "plus" and "Add PC..." buttons

  2. In the PC name field, enter the address of the remote desktop you're connecting to. You can also enter a "Friendly name" for this remote desktop to make it easier to tell the difference between multiple remote desktops if you have more than one.
  3. Click on the Gateway field, then click Add Gateway...

    Location of the "Add Gateway..." button

  4. In the Gateway name field, enter rdpgateway.illinois.edu. In the Friendly name field, enter U of I RDP Gateway. Then click Add.

    The "Add a Gateway" menu

  5. Leave all other settings at their default value, then click Add. This will add your remote desktop to your Windows App dashboard.

    The Windows App dashboard with an example remote desktop added

  6. Double-click your remote desktop to connect to it. Enter your NetID@illinois.edu email address and password, then click Continue.

    The username and password prompts when connecting to a remote desktop



Keywords:
RDP, Remote Desktop Gateway, Remote Access, Remote Desktop, MacOS, Microsoft 
Doc ID:
68711
Owned by:
Help Desk Technology Services G. in University of Illinois Technology Services
Created:
2016-11-15
Updated:
2025-07-01
Sites:
University of Illinois Technology Services