Connecting to Remote Desktops via Remote Desktop Gateway Servers

Occasionally we're asked by one of our customers to give a third-party access to one of their servers for various reasons. Recently we've been surprised that a number of these third-party users, often in positions that require a decent level of technical knowledge, aren't aware how to connect to a remote desktop using a Remote Desktop Gateway Server. As such we thought we'd make this quick guide. Please note this a guide for someone who's been given RD Gateway server connection details but isn't sure how to connect, if you're not sure if you need to use a RD Gateway server when connecting to a remote desktop then you'll need to ask your network administrator. First you need to open the Remote Desktop Connection client. This can be found on Windows 7 and 8 by opening the Start menu and typing Remote Desktop Connection. For earlier versions of Windows you will find the Remote Desktop Connection client in the Accessories folder on the Program list (please note you need at least version 7.0 of the Remote Desktop Connection client to connect via a RD Gateway server).

Once you have the Remote Desktop Connection client open click Options, then click the Advanced tab and then, under Connect from anywhere, click Settings.

In the RD Gateway Server Settings window select Use these RD Gateway server settings, and then type the server name (ask your network administrator for this information). For most basic RD Gateway setups the other settings in the RD Gateway Server Settings window can be left blank (your network administrator should specify if you do need to change any of these settings). Click the OK button.

Now go back to the General tab and type the name of the Remote Desktop you would like to connect to in the Computer box and you're all set! There are several other options that can be tweaked in the Remote Desktop Connection client but these work the same when connecting using a RD Gateway server as they do when connecting via a standard Remote Desktop connection.