Before you begin

You will need to be connected to the Pulse Secure VPN: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/ets/vpn-for-mac/

You can check your connection here: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/ets/information-about-your-computer/ If you are successfully connected to the VPN, you will see blue text that reads "and is connected to the CSU Network."


There's an App for that.

Begin by installing the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Mac App Store. Launch the App Store and search for "Microsoft Remote Desktop". The app icon should look like this:

If the app is already installed, you will see a blue 'Open' button. If not, you will see a blue 'Get' button. Click the button, enter your Mac password if prompted (this is the password for your personal account on your Mac, and might be different from the password you use for your CSU or Engineering accounts). You may also be prompted for your Apple ID and Password.


How should I configure the new connection?

Begin by adding a new PC. You can either do this by clicking the "Add PC" button (if you just installed the Remote Desktop app) or by clicking on the "+" icon in the toolbar. From there you will be prompted to set up the new connection. Enter the name of the computer you are trying to connect to in the "PC name:" field. Leave all of the other options set at their default. If you wish, you may add a friendly name to easily identify which computer you are connecting to. 

If you are trying to connect to the Virtual Classroom, enter VCL.engr.colostate.edu as the PC name.

If you are trying to connect to the Aspen VCL, enter the pc name like this: vcl-aspen.engr.colostate.edu .

If you are trying to connect to another computer, like your personal office computer, enter the computer name (like ETS00000) followed by .engr.colostate.edu (ETS00000.engr.colostate.edu).


What now?

To start the connection, double click on the computer from your list of available computers. You will be prompted to enter a username and password, you should use your engineering credentials like this:

username: engr.colostate.edu\your_username

password: your_engineering_password


If you are having trouble with these credentials, try checking them here: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/ets/tools/view-account/


A message will appear, prompting you to accept a certificate. Please click on "Continue".


What if I want to save this connection to my desktop, so that I can easily access it?

To save the connection file to your desktop for easier access, please follow these steps:
1. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop program.
2. Single click on the PC setup you wish to save (don't double-click/connect to the PC, just select the PC). The name of the PC you are trying to save will turn blue:

3. At the top of your screen, go to Connections -> Export to RDP file... . This will pop up a quick notice that passwords are not stored in exported files for security reasons. -> Click Browse.
4. Browse to your Desktop, and then click Export.
5. Your connection file should appear on your desktop. Double click it to connect to the computer, and enter your engineering username and password when prompted. You can rename the connection if you would like.