Remote desktop access for students

Remote desktop access for students is changing

From 7 January 2023 this service will no longer be available. Please use Azure Virtual Desktop for a similar remote desktop experience.

Offering 2000 PCs (in spaces such as the library and computer labs) for remote access was an interim solution for the COVID-19 pandemic. We are discontinuing this offering as remote connections to devices are interfering with onsite teaching.

Note: Please speak with an IT representative within your department if you feel you still require access to onsite resources or contact the ICT Service Desk. 

Instructions

Mac Users: You need a remote desktop client before you begin – such as Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 for Mac.

  1. From a browser window, visit https://remoteaccess.labstats.com/imperial-college-london
  2. Find an available machine in a room of your choice and click Connect
  3. Click Download to obtain the connection file and open this file once downloaded.
  4. When presented with a dialog box, click Connect. 
  5. When presented with a login window, login with either IC\username or username@ic.ac.uk and password. For example, Joe Bloggs would be IC\jbloggs or jbloggs@imperial.ac.uk
  6. Your computer should now connect the desired machine.

Troubleshooting

Screen resolution

Sometimes, the screen resolution of the connection may not be suitable for your device, but you can alter the settings in the Remote Desktop application to fix this:

Windows

  1. Start the remote session with the device.
  2. If full screen, click the Restore Down button that appears in the top middle-right of the remote desktop taskbar. 
  3. Right-click along the top of the remote desktop windows.
  4. Check Smart Sizing.

Mac (Microsoft Remote Desktop 10)

  1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop.
  2. Download connection file from the portal, but do not open it.
  3. From within Microsoft Remote Desktop, go to Edit and then Import from RDP File.
  4. When the connection appears in the users list, hover over it and click edit (the little pencil icon).
  5. From within the settings, click Display and check the box Fit session to window then Save.
  6. Double click the computer session and log in as normal.

Performance

Using Remote Desktop Gateway is reliant on a stable internet connection. Poor internet connection will result in a poor connection when remoting into one of the College machines.