Use a Remote App on a Mac

Owned by Kevin Ledbetter
Last updated: May 23, 2022 by Former user (Deleted)
2 min read


Many Applications on campus are available to students, faculty, and staff on our RemoteApp Platform. As long as you have a ValpoNet account, you can take advantage!

Install Remote Desktop Software

Before you use RemoteApp Services for the first time, visit the App Store on your Mac to download and install the free "Microsoft Remote Desktop" app.  Here is a direct link to the App Store page for the software. You should only have to do this once.

Step-by-step guide 

  1. If you are off-campus, login to VPN via the SonicWall Mobile Connect software.
    1. Follow these steps to connect to the VPN from a Mac.

  2. Double-click the application's .rdp app that was provided to you.  If do not have an .RDP files for the application you can download one at:
    1. On campus it can also be downloaded from \\valpo.edu\data2\RemoteApp\RDP files\
    2. Off campus using Webstorage it can be downloaded from S:\RemoteApp\RDP files\

  3. If the .rdp file does not open through the Microsoft Remote Desktop app automatically, then you will need to two-finger click (or right-click with a mouse) on the .rdp file and choose "Open With."  A list of apps will appear, from which you will need to choose the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.  If you are having trouble with this step, then manually drag the .rdp file into an open space in the Microsoft Remote Desktop window and it will add it automatically to the list of available remote connections.

  4. If a "Verify Certificate" box pops up, click Continue.

  5. On the RemoteApp login screen, enter your ValpoNet credentials, making sure to format your username this way: valpo\username

    1. The valpo\ is a crucial formatting piece, so ensure that you have entered this before your username as exemplified above.

  6. Click OK. The RemoteApp should launch.

Log-out when finished with your remote session to ensure that it is ended properly.  

When you are finished, Quit (command-Q) the Remote Desktop app, then disconnect your VPN session by clicking the Disconnect button in the Mobile Connect app.



For additional assistance, contact the IT Help Desk.