How to Set up Remote Desktop Access on the Host Computer (Windows 11)

NOTE: The host system refers to the computer on the Texas State network that you are trying to access. If you need to connect from off campus, first log into TXST VPN.

 

  1. On the host system, click the Start icon, then click Settings.  

Windows 11 Start menu open on a desktop screen, showing pinned apps such as Microsoft Edge, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook (classic), OneNote, Google Chrome, Notepad, Publisher, File Explorer, Calculator, and Paint. The Settings app (gear icon) is highlighted with a red box. A search bar appears at the top, “Recommended” section below the apps, and the taskbar with the Windows Start button is visible at the bottom.

  1. Select System and then scroll down to select About.

Windows 11 Settings window open to the System section. The left navigation menu shows System selected and outlined in red, while the main panel lists system options such as Troubleshoot, Recovery, Remote Desktop, and Optional features. The About option at the bottom of the list is highlighted with a red box, indicating where to view device and Windows specifications.

  1. Under Windows specifications, look for Edition and confirm that Edition shows Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Enterprise.

 

  1. Once this has been confirmed, select Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop.

​​​​Windows 11 Settings window open to the System page. The left navigation menu shows System selected. In the main panel, system options are listed, with Remote Desktop outlined in red to emphasize the option for managing Remote Desktop users and connection permissions.

  1. Make sure Remote Desktop is set to On. If not, click the button to turn it on.

NOTE: You will need Administrator access to change this option.

  1. Select Remote Desktop Users.

Windows 11 System > Remote Desktop settings screen. The Remote Desktop option is turned on at the top. Below it are options for PC name and Remote Desktop users, with Remote Desktop users outlined in red to highlight where users can be selected for remote access.

  1. On this screen, you want to make sure your NetID is shown in or under the white box.
  • If your NetID is present, click OK and skip to Step 13 below.
    NOTE: This may require a restart of your computer.
  • If your NetID does not exist in or under the white box, continue to the next step.
  1. If your NetID is not listed in or under the while box, click Add.

Windows “Remote Desktop Users” dialog box showing an empty list of users who can connect remotely. Below the list, an Add… button is circled in red, alongside a Remove button. Informational text explains that administrators can connect even if not listed, and OK and Cancel buttons appear at the bottom of the window.

  1. Enter the NetID of the person you want to be able to access this computer remotely using this format: txstate\NETID

    Example: txstate\zzz99

 

  1. Click Check Names.

    NOTE: If prompted for a username and password, enter your NetID and Password to verify access.

Windows “Select Users or Groups” dialog box showing fields for selecting users or groups from the location “matrix.txstate.edu.” In the text field labeled “Enter the object names to select,” the entry txstate\zzz99 is typed and circled in red. The Check Names button on the right is also circled in red, highlighting the step to verify the entered username.

  1. You should now see the NetID listed similar to the one shown below.
  2. You should now see the NetID in the white box as shown below. Click OK.

    NOTE: This may require a restart of your computer. 

Windows “Remote Desktop Users” dialog box showing a user list with TXSTATE\zzz99 added and circled in red. Text indicates that administrators can connect even if not listed. The OK button at the bottom of the window is also circled in red, highlighting the step to confirm and save the changes.

  1. Return to Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
  1. Take note your PC's name as listed in the PC name field.

Windows 11 System > Remote Desktop settings screen with Remote Desktop turned on. The PC name section is outlined in red, showing the placeholder computer name ABCD123456.location.txstate.edu, which is used to connect to the PC from another device.

NOTE: Write the PC name down because you will need it to remotely access your computer.

Print Article