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When to use VPN and Remote Desktop (RDP)

Warning message appearing on ۲ݮƵ-owned computers: “Your Windows license will expire soon”. If you see this notification on a computer that you have borrowed from ۲ݮƵ, connect to the to resolve this issue. You may have to reconnect to VPN if the message reappears.

While you are working remotely, VPN and Remote Desktop (RDP) may be required to access some files and systems, but not others. We recommend that you connect to VPN and RDP only when required, to ensure the best possible performance.

What is VPN and RDP?

allows for secure communications over the Internet to ۲ݮƵ's network.

  • It mimics being on the ۲ݮƵ network.
  • You use it to access files and programs on the ۲ݮƵ network that normally require access from on campus.

lets you connect to your Windows work computer through the Internet to access files or tools on your work computer.

  • RDP provides direct access to your machine.
  • You use it for files and programs that require you to be on your ۲ݮƵ computer.

When should you use VPN and RDP?

Expand the menus below for a list of systems and resources that can be accessed without VPN / RDP, and a list of those that may require it.

VPN for Students

At the moment, there is increased demand on VPN connections. To manage the demand on ۲ݮƵ VPN resources, we are employing what is called "split tunneling", which allows us to direct non-۲ݮƵ internet traffic away from VPN in order to ensure access to everyone who needs it.

Student resources that do NOT require :

  • Library Resources
    • Some journal subscriptions do require VPN, although most can be viewed withoutusing the library's eZProxy service

You may need to use VPN to access:

  • Internal research equipment
  • Data on ۲ݮƵ servers
  • Specialized lab computers

This may have an impact on your access to resources that you need for your coursework or research. If this is the case please contact theitsupport [at] mcgill.ca (IT Service Desk)by email or phone at (514) 398-3378 to discuss your situation.

VPN and Remote Desktop for Teaching

When setting yourself up for remote teaching:

Teaching resources that do NOT require :

You may need to use VPN and/or RDP to access:

  • Internal research equipment
  • Your computer at the office
  • Specialized lab computers

VPN and Remote Desktop for Staff and Administrative functions

Note: Some ۲ݮƵ systems and applications can be accessed without RDP or VPN. Using these tools when unnecessary may cause reduced performance of the application and can put undue stress on ۲ݮƵ’s servers and bandwidth.

Staff and Administrativeresources that do NOT require :

  • (includes MS Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and additional applications)

You may need to use VPNto access:

  • for Cisco phones (not available for macOS). This is available for call centers only.

You may need to use RDPto access:

  • Your computer at the office
  • Specialized software

When using RDP note:

  • Consider moving local files that comply with the ۲ݮƵ cloud directive to your OneDrive for Business folder so that you do not need to rely on a remote desktop connection throughout the day.
  • When you are finished accessing your ۲ݮƵ computer, it is important to logoff the remote desktop session. Do not choose “Shutdown”. Shutting down your ۲ݮƵ computer will require a manual on-site intervention to power it back up.
  • A remote desktop connection only needs to be launched once. Do not relaunch a second RDP session from your ۲ݮƵ computer to access another system.
  • VPN only needs tobe launched once. Do not relaunch VPN after you are connected by RDP to your ۲ݮƵ computer. Any files or resources requiring VPN will recognize the first instance.
  • Banner can be accessed directly (without RDP)once you establish a VPN connection to the following .
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