In order to get started with Microsoft Remote Desktop, you must begin by downloading it from the Mac App Store. Click the blue “App Store” icon in your dock.
Once you’ve accessed the Mac App Store, use the search bar at the top right of the screen to search for “Microsoft Remote Desktop.” The first search result should be what you’re looking for. To begin the download, click the blue “Get” button. This app is free, so no price will be listed.
Next, open the application by clicking through the grey “Launchpad” icon and clicking on the Remote Desktop app icon. Or, you can use the searchlight feature by clicking the looking glass at the top right of your home screen, or by using the shortcut Command + Space Bar, and searching for “Microsoft Remote Desktop.” Opening the app should look like this:
If you think you’ll be frequently using this remote desktop connection, now would be a good time to set it in your dock. Right click (control + click) on the icon, mouse over “Options,” and click “Keep in Dock.” This will keep you from having to look for the icon every time you need to use it.
Now click the “New” button at the top left of the Microsoft Remote Desktop screen. You’ll be prompted to fill in quite a few fields.
The first thing you’ll need to input is the connection name. This is simply what you want to call the connection and it has no real bearing on the connection itself. For example, you could call it “Premium work computer,” or “Premium PC.”
Next, you’ll need to input the PC name , or enter the IP address (You Will Receive IP Address In Your Registered email from Us) so your Mac knows where to find your PC. The next line down allows you to configure a Gateway,keep it as No Gateway Configured.
Credentials is where you will type username, and password (You Will Receive username, and password In Your Registered email from Us) for the target PC so you can log in through the remote connection.Resolution, colors, and full screen mode are all personal preferences for how you want the remote desktop to launch on your machine. If you’re not sure, start with the standard settings and go from there.
When you are finished configuring your remote desktop, click the red close button at the top left of the dialog box and your new remote desktop will be added. To start a session with that desktop, simply double-click it to begin.
