Remote Desktop for students

You may be granted rights to a remote desktop service. This will provide access to a generic desktop, which will allow you access to specific applications related to your course.

Students enrolled on programmes of study which require access to specialist software as part of their course curriculum will be granted access to the studentdesktop service.

Please note, the software available is restricted to those titles which are permitted under licencing agreements to be provided via a virtualised environment.

Accessing the studentdesktop service

The new studentdesktop service provides access to a remote (or virtual) desktop session. This can be accessed via the recommended client (available for Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS) or directly from a browser.  The virtual desktop is very similar to an on-campus university Managed Desktop.

To connect to the studentdesktop service, you will need to have been granted access. If you are unsure, please check with your lecturers.

Please remember to save your work regularly and to logout / disconnect from your remote session when you have finished.

Connect to the studentdesktop service

Listed below are a set of instructions, created to help guide you through the download (where applicable) and installation of the remote desktop client software (Microsoft Remote Desktop).

Windows PC or Laptop / Tablet

Microsoft provide links to the latest releases of their software on this page

Step-by-Step

  • Use the link above to download and install the latest ‘Windows App’ for your operating system
  • Run the software - and update it if asked to do so
  • Follow the instructions on the website to sign in
  • If you are presented with a list of user accounts, select your university account, or select Use Another Account and enter your University of Greenwich email address (including @gre.ac.uk)
  • The ‘Windows App’ will search and display any remote desktop environments you have access to
  • Select your chosen environment
  • Enter your password and approve via Multi-Factor Authentication if asked to do so
  • Please remember to end the session when you have finished, by selecting Power / Disconnect from the Start Menu

Support

Support will be available when the IT Service Desk is open (generally, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm).

Rules and Regulations

Regulations: Before connecting to the network, you should familiarise yourself with the regulations for computing use at the University of Greenwich. You are reminded that when using the University of Greenwich computing facilities you are bound by the Regulations for the Use of Computing Facilities at the University of Greenwich. While using the service you are also bound to the JANET Acceptable Use Policy.

Please refer to our full list of policies.

Be sure to save your work regularly, and to log off when you have finish working.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the process outlined above, please contact the IT Service Desk (itservicedesk@gre.ac.uk) via email with a subject title of "Remote Desktop for students".