The Remote Deskop (RD) Gateway is used to connect to an on campus Windows PC or Server from off campus using either a Windows or Apple Macintosh computer.

To use this service please complete the registration form.  Access will be enabled within an hour.

For security, this service requires the use of Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) when connecting to a system.  The gateway service only supports the following MFA types:

• Microsoft Authenticator App notification
• Phone call

Before using the gateway service you must ensure that one of these MFA types is set as your default sign-in method on your MFA settings page:

Connect from a Windows computer

Click on the start icon in Windows and search for Remote Desktop Connection or hold down the Windows Key and R and enter mstsc.exe in the run box and press enter. 

E‌nter the name of the Computer you want to connect to in the Computer box.

Click on show options and select Advanced

 Click on Settings

Under the Use these RD Gateway server settings box enter rdsgateway.ncl.ac.uk and click OK. Click on Connect.

Enter your campus Username and Password in the form campus\nid (this connects you to the gateway server which will in turn allow you to connect to the required Windows Computer or Server).

C‌lick OK

Enter the campus Username and Password you want to use to connect to the remote Windows Computer or Server again in the form campus\nid. Click OK

At this point you will get an MFA prompt on your phone (or a phone call from the automated service if using the "Phone Call" MFA method). If the prompt does not appear open the Microsoft Authenticator application and drag down to refresh. Check the prompt looks genuine and click approve and you should be connected to the remote Windows Computer or Server.

I‌f you see this warning click Yes.

Connect from a Mac computer

Install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the MacOS App Store.  Start the app and click "Microsoft Remote Desktop" on the desktop menu bar and then "Preferences".  Select the "Gateway" tab and then use the '+' button to add a new entry as shown below.  For "User Account" drop down the menu, select "Add User Account" and add your University login ID using the 'campus\loginid' format.

C‌lose the Prefences menu and in the main app screen, select the '+' drop down on the app menu and select "Add PC".  Enter the name of your on-campus PC and ensure that the gateway you just created is selected next to "Gateway" as shown below.

Click on "Add" to save the entry.  You can now use the new computer entry in the app to connect to your PC on campus using the remote desktop gateway.  Have your MFA app / registered phone handy as you will be prompted to approve the connection when you try to connect.