How to Access Windows Server From Mac

Step 1 - Download and Install Microsoft Remote Desktop

To begin, you need to download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Mac App Store.

Accessing the Mac App Store

1. Open the App Store: Click the blue App Store icon in your Mac's Dock or use Launchpad to find and open it. Alternatively, you can find the App Store within the Applications folder.
2. Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop: Use the search bar at the top left of the screen. Type "Microsoft Remote Desktop" and press Enter.

Downloading the App

1. Find the App: The first search result should be the official Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
2. Install the App: Click the "Get" button to download and install the application. If prompted, log in with your Apple ID to complete the installation.

By following these steps, you will have the Microsoft Remote Desktop app installed on your Mac, ready for configuration.

Step 2 - Open Microsoft Remote Desktop

Once installed, you can open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.

Opening the Application

1. Access the App: Navigate to the Applications folder and find the Microsoft Remote Desktop App. Alternatively, use Launchpad or Spotlight search (Command + Space Bar) and type "Microsoft Remote Desktop."
2. Add to Dock: For easy access, drag the app icon from the Applications folder to your Dock. This step will keep you from having to look for the icon every time you need to use it.

Initial Setup

1. Launch the App: Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app by clicking its icon in the Dock or double-clicking it in the Applications folder.
2. Permissions and Preferences: The first time you open the app, it may ask for permission to share usage and performance information with Microsoft. You will also need to grant the app access to your microphone and camera if prompted.

These steps ensure that the app is ready for use and easily accessible from your Dock.

Step 3 - Enable Remote Access on the Windows Server

Before you can connect to your Windows server, you need to enable remote access on the target PC.

Configuring Remote Desktop on Windows

1. Open Settings on Windows: On your Windows 10 or 11 Professional machine, click Start, then select the Settings icon.
2. Enable Remote Desktop: Navigate to System > Remote Desktop. Toggle the switch to enable Remote Desktop. Confirm any prompts and provide administrator credentials if required.

Disabling Sleep Mode

• Adjust Power Settings: To prevent the PC from becoming unreachable, disable Sleep Mode. Go to Start > Settings > Power and Sleep. Set both Screen and Sleep options to "Never."

Confirming the PC's Name and IP Address

1. Find the PC Name: Open the Control Panel and navigate to System and Security > System. Note the Device name listed.
2. Find the IP Address: Open the Command Prompt by typing "cmd" in the Windows search box. Type "ipconfig" and press Enter to find the IP address. Note that if the IP address is dynamically assigned (via DHCP), it may change over time.

These configurations ensure that your Windows Server is accessible remotely and won’t go to sleep during your session.

Step 4 - Configure Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac

Now, set up the connection on your Mac.

Adding a PC

1. Open the App: In the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, click the "+" icon and select "Add PC."
2. Enter PC Details: PC Name: Enter the Windows server's hostname or IP address.
3. User Account: Click the dropdown menu and select "Add User Account." Enter the username and password for the Windows server.
4. Friendly Name (Optional): You can provide a friendly name for easier identification.
5. Group: The default is "Saved PCs," but you can create a custom group if needed.
6. Gateway: If your network requires a VPN or specific gateway, add it here. Otherwise, leave it as "No gateway."

Configuring Additional Settings

1. Display Settings: Configure the display settings such as using all monitors, starting in full screen, and setting the colour quality.
2. Devices & Audio: Redirect local devices such as printers and smart cards. Choose to play sounds from the Windows computer on your Mac.
3. Folders: Redirect local folders to be accessible during the remote session. Click the "+" button, choose a name for the folder, and input the folder's path.

These configurations allow for a tailored and optimised remote desktop experience.

Step 5 - Connect to the Windows Server

With the configuration complete, you're ready to connect.

Starting the Connection

1. Initiate Connection: Double-click the PC icon you added in the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
2. Enter Credentials: If you didn't save your credentials earlier, you'll be prompted to enter them now.
3. Handle Certificate Warning: On the first connection, you might see a certificate warning. Click "Continue" to proceed.

Using the Remote Desktop

1. Navigating the Windows Environment: Once connected, the Windows desktop will appear in a window on your Mac. You can interact with it as if you were directly using the Windows server.
2. Managing Sessions: To end the session, sign out from the Windows server by clicking Start, then the user account icon, and select "Sign out." Close the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your Mac when done.

These steps ensure a smooth connection and session management.

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Conclusion

By following this guide, you have effectively set up and configured a seamless connection between your Mac and a Windows server using Microsoft Remote Desktop. This setup empowers IT professionals to manage and interact with Windows environments directly from macOS, enhancing productivity and flexibility.