IT Support at SRUC | Remote desktop

Student Desktop

The Student Desktop is available to all students from home or from your own laptop on campus to allow you to have the same experience as working on SRUC desktop machines.

You can download an RDP (Remote Desktop) file to your machine using the instructions below if you are unable to use the Student Desktop via the web browser.

Access Student Desktop log in via your web browser instead

How to download the Student Desktop

Should you have issues with the web version you can also download an RDP (Remote Desktop) file to your machine. This method should only be used if you are unable to use the Student Desktop via the web browser.

The downloaded version of Student Desktop will not work with all versions of MFA authentication – You will have to use the Authenticator app on your mobile phone or request a phone call. MFA options can be changed by logging in with your student account details.

Disclaimer: We assume that your home PC/laptop is in working order, with the latest software updates, licenses and virus protection. If, during the course of the attached guide, a physical/hardware fault develops in the device, SRUC cannot be held responsible for the fault.

Download the Student Desktop – Windows

Download the student desktop and find the Student Desktop file to your machine. The file often lands in the Downloads folder, unless you specified another location for it save, such as your desktop
Double-click on the file to open it. If you get an 'unknown publisher' error just ignore it, go ahead and connect anyway
It'll then ask for your username and password. Your username is org\studentnumber and your password is the same one you use for logging into other student services. Your computer should remember your username for the next time you login

Download the Student Desktop – Apple (incl MAC) / Android

Go to App Store for Apple devices or Play Store for Android devices and download the 'Microsoft remote Desktop' app
Then download the student desktop and find the Student Desktop file on your device. The file often lands in the Downloads folder, unless you specified another location for it save, such as your desktop
Once downloaded, this should give you the option to 'open'/'open with'. Choose RD client/Remote Desktop. If you are met with a permission pop-up, choose yes/ok to proceed
It'll then ask for your username and password. Your username is org\studentnumber and your password is the same one you use for logging into other student services. Your computer should remember your username for the next time you login
Depending on your device, you may be able to login straight from the RD Client app after your first login. For Apple devices, you will need to go to the Downloads folder and click on the Student Desktop file to get your login pop-up

Differences between Student Desktop download and web browser method

Student Desktop web:

easy access on the browser, no downloads required
works with all MFA authentication methods, including text message
does not require 4G/WiFi to use the Authenticator app
you don't have to authenticate every time you log in

Student desktop download:

requires downloading of files to your personal device
only works with phone call and app MFA authentication
requires 4G/WiFi for the authentication
you have to authenticate every time you log in

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