LATIS provides Windows Remote Desktop Services (formerly known as Windows Terminal Service) via wts.umn.edu. This allows users to access and utilize specialized software from any computer connected to the University network or VPN , without downloading the software to your computer.
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Before Using
Windows PC
Mac OS X
Chrome OS
Apple iOS
Android OS
What you need to know before using Windows Terminal Services
Data Storage
All files must be saved to your network drive (e.g. H: drive), Google Drive (Not the C: drive!) or elsewhere such as an external flash or hard drive to be saved safely and permanently. Data that is left in the Windows profile (including Desktop, Downloads, AppData and sometimes Documents folders) you are given at login may remain there for several sessions, however, storage is not guaranteed. You may have to map the network drive manually to access your home and group folders through Windows Remote Desktop Services.
To connect to your Google Drive, you can follow these instructions to connect your Google Drive.
If you are unsure how to map the network drive, please see our guide on connecting to a network drive.
Data Security
This system is designed and managed for working with data that meets the Medium security level as defined by the Information Security Standards. For help determining if the data you are working with can be used on this system, please use the guides on our Protecting Your Data page. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Licensing
Software is made available to those that are licensed to use it.
Recent Issues
In October of 2022 users connecting from Windows 10 and 11 computers started experiencing errors. The error mentions not being able to verify that the remote computers belong to the same RD Session Host server farm.
If you are experiencing this issue, please see wts.umn.edu - Windows 10/11 Saved Credentials Issue
Software Available through WTS
- For a current list of available software, please see Research Software
- Do not attempt to download and install software. If you would like to request additional software be installed, please contact us by emailing [email protected]
Connecting to Remote Desktop Services (formerly known as Windows Terminal Services)
*Starting the evening of July 7th, 2022 VPN will also be required when connecting from on campus.*
Please note: If you are off campus, you will need to connect to the VPN before you can access Windows Terminal Services. Use "UMN Split-Tunnel - General Access" when connecting as Full-Tunnel has limited capacity and Split-Tunnel works just fine.
Connecting from a Windows PC
1. In Windows 10, use the search feature on the task bar to search for "Remote Desktop Connection". In Windows 7, open the Remote Desktop Connection program located in the Accessories section of the Start menu.
2. In the section labeled Computer enter "wts.umn.edu" and click connect.
3. When prompted for your credentials, use your Internet ID (aka x.500) to log in, but enter your username as AD\[Internet ID]
ex: AD\doex5555
4. Once a connection is established, use the remote computer as you need to, many programs are available for use. If you need to leave something running for some time, you can close the window to disconnect from the session. If you are done using the system, please log off by clicking on the Start menu then the user icon and selecting "Sign out."
Connecting from OS X
Note: If you already have Microsoft Remote Desktop installed, be sure you update to the latest version. Older versions often won't work.
- As of 11/1/2019 Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 is the current version.
- Updating the version you have may not be enough. For example, version 8 will not update to version 10, you need to do a new download and install to get version 10.
1. Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop in the App Store and click the download icon (blue cloud with down arrow)
2. Once downloaded click Open
3. Click Add Desktop
4. . In the Add PC section, fill out the PC name as wts.umn.edu with the settings below and click Add
5. You should now have the below screen. Double-click on the wts.umn.edu icon. If you are off campus, remember to connect to VPN first or your connection will fail.
6. When prompted, enter your username and password as shown in the below example and click Continue
7. Once a connection is established, use the remote computer as you need to, many programs are available for use. If you need to leave something running for some time, you can close the window to disconnect from the session. If you are done using the system, please log off by clicking on the Start menu then the user icon and selecting "Sign out."
Note: If you put in incorrect login credentials, will get an error message.
Connecting from Chrome OS
Updated 10/22/2020
Recent security updates to wts.umn.edu have caused the previously recommended Chrome RDP app (made by Fusion Labs) to stop working. So far we've found a couple of alternatives. See your options below.
Option 1
If your Chromebook is personally owned or University owned and not managed by UMN, using the Microsoft Remote Desktop 8 client from the Play store works. Chromebooks managed by UMN do not allow enabling of hte Play store. Also, older Chromebooks do not support the Play store and the option will not be available.
- If you haven't already, enable the Play store in your Chromebook settings.
- Search the Play store for "Microsoft Remote Desktop 8" and install
- Launch RD Client and click the + icon
- PC name: wts.umn.edu
- User name: ad.umn.edu\<InternetID>
- If you receive a certificate warning about rds.cla.umn.edu, you can ignore.
Option 2
If your Chromebook is not able to use the Microsoft client available in the Play store, we've found the trial of Xtralogic RDP Client does work. There is a free trial and the cost is $9.99/year. It is unclear how long the free trial lasts.
- Install the Xtralogic RDP Client
- Launch the app and click the Add Server button
- Address: wts.umn.edu
- Domain: ad.umn.edu
- User name: <InternetID>
- Password: leave blank
- Description: wts.umn.edu
- On the Display tab, check "Use client resolution"
- Click Save
- To start a connection, connect to VPN if not already and click Connect. You may see a window asking you to validate an SSL Certificate. This is normal and safe if the server ends in umn.edu.
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10/22/2020 The below instructions no longer work. We've contacted the developer to see if they will support the new security requirements but have not yet heard back.
1. Download the Chrome RDP application from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Launch the Chrome RDP application. Where it prompts you to enter the computer name or address type in "wts.umn.edu" and click connect
3. When asked to enter your credentials, enter "ad.umn.edu" or "AD" for for the domain. For username and password use your x.500 and regular password. Then click OK.
If you receive the following error, you will need to make a configuration change before logging in.
Open the ChromeRDP Options and under the Advanced tab, make sure that the "Allow Non-NLA Connections" option is checked. Click ok, and repeat the login step, which should now work. Logging out when you are done working on the WTS server should prevent this error in the future.
4. Once a connection is established, use the remote computer as you need to, many programs are available for use. If you need to leave something running for some time, you can close the window to disconnect from the session. If you are done using the system, please log off by clicking on the Start menu then the user icon and selecting "Sign out."
Connecting from iOS
1. Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop in the App Store
2. Click on FREE under the correct application. The button should turn into one that says INSTALL APP, clicking that should bring up a prompt asking for your Apple ID and Password. Put those in and press Sign In. When installation is complete, open the application.
3. On the main screen, click on new remote desktop
4. In the General section of the Edit Remote Desktops screen, fill out the fields as illustrated in the picture below
6. Once finished touch Save, then to connect, click on the new option (named what was input under Connection name).
7. Once a connection is established, use the remote computer as you need to, many programs are available for use. If you need to leave something running for some time, you can close the window to disconnect from the session. If you are done using the system, please log off using the Start menu.
Connecting from Android
1. Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop 8 in the Google Play Store
2. Click on Microsoft Remote Desktop and install
3. Open the App and click on the icon to the left of "What's New" if prompted
4. To create a new desktop click the "+" symbol on the bottom left
5. On the following page, fill out the fields as illustrated in the picture below.
Click the check mark to save when finished.
6. Click on the new option under All containing the desktop that was just created.
7.Once a connection is established, use the remote computer as you need to, many programs are available for use. If you need to leave something running for some time, you can close the window to disconnect from the session. If you are done using the system, please log off using the Start menu