Microsoft yesterday released an update for Remote Desktop client preview app for Mac with many new features like Multiple monitor support, Copy and Paste files support and more. Read about it in detail below.
Multiple monitor support
Microsoft now has a beta for yet another new RDP client: Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac v8.2.20 It still has a variety of problems, but it at least looks more like a MacOSX application.
The preview app now supports the ability to use multiple monitors in your remote session. You can enable multiple monitors for a desktop connection from the additional options.
Copy and Paste files
- Aug 05, 2007 As announced on Mac Mojo blog a couple of weeks ago, we released a public beta version of Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) Client for Mac 2.0 on Tuesday July 31 st. RDC for Mac lets you connect to a Microsoft Windows-based computer and work with programs and files on that computer from your Macintosh computer.
- Thanks to the Aqua Connect Mac Remote Desktop Beta and Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Client for Mac 2, we now have a demonstrate of a new level of interoperability between these two heterogeneous platforms.
In addition to supporting copy/paste of text and images, the preview app now supports copy/paste of files so that you can transfer files into and out of the remote session using both Command X/C/V and CTRL X/C/V.
Updates to the keyboard
We’ve changed how the Beta app keyboard works to behave exactly like the Remote Desktop client store app. The Beta app initially used a new implementation of the keyboard; however, many of you reported that this new keyboard introduced several issues with typing into apps like the Hyper-v console and typing certain language characters. The Beta app will continue to support both Command X/C/V and Ctrl X/C/V to copy and paste between the local desktop and remote session. Use the Beta app Help->Report an issue option to share your feedback about the keyboard. Learn more about how the keyboard works in a remote session.
Together with the above new features, the preview app now supports:
- Direct connectivity to desktops as well as connectivity through a Remote Desktop Gateway
- A new user interface together with a redesigned user accounts experience that includes unified management
- High quality video and audio streaming
- Import of .rdp files into the app and export of connections as .rdp files
- New features like the ability to group desktops and to copy and paste images and files
The Microsoft Remote Desktop app for Mac available in the Mac App Store and it supports connecting to desktops, remote resources and Azure RemoteApp.
Today's technology has come a long way in closing the divide between Windows and Mac applications, especially in the enterprise. However, a gap still exists for some and requires a bridge to move between computing environments.
For Mac users, the stalwart tool has been the Microsoft Remote Desktop connection. Available now through the Mac App store, it allows users to remotely connect to a Windows desktop to access local files, applications, and network resources.
Note: If you want to access Microsoft Remote Desktop on a newer Mac running macOS Sierra, check out this article instead.
In order to get started with Microsoft Remote Desktop, you must begin by downloading it from the Mac App Store. Click the blue 'App Store' icon in your dock. Or, you can download it from our sister site Download.com here.
Once you've accessed the Mac App Store, use the search bar at the top right of the screen to search for 'Microsoft Remote Desktop.' The first search result should be what you're looking for. To begin the download, click the blue 'Get' button. This app is free, so no price will be listed.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Beta
Next, open the application by clicking through the grey 'Launchpad' icon and clicking on the Remote Desktop app icon. Or, you can use the searchlight feature by clicking the looking glass at the top right of your home screen, or by using the shortcut Command + Space Bar, and searching for 'Microsoft Remote Desktop.' Opening the app should look like this:
If you think you'll be frequently using this remote desktop connection, now would be a good time to set it in your dock. Right click (control + click) on the icon, mouse over 'Options,' and click 'Keep in Dock.' This will keep you from having to look for the icon every time you need to use it.
At this point you'll need to enable remote access on your target PC. For a Windows 8 machine, the fastest way to get this done is to search for 'Allow remote access to your computer' and click on that when it comes up. You may need an administrator password to complete this step. Under the 'System Properties' box you should see 'Remote Desktop' and the button labeled 'Allow remote connections to this computer' should be selected.
Next, you'll need to select the users who will be able to be accessed through the remote desktop connection. Now, search for 'System' and click it when it appears. Turn off hibernation and sleep settings for the target PC, as you won't be able to access it remotely if it falls asleep.
SEE: Software usage policy (Tech Pro Research)
While still in 'System,' it's a good time to go ahead and get your full PC name if you don't already have it, as you'll need it to set up the connection. Click on 'Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings' to find the full PC name and write it down. Enabling a Windows 7 computer is a little different, but you can find out how to do that here.
Head back to your Mac and click the 'New' button at the top left of the Microsoft Remote Desktop screen. You'll be prompted to fill in quite a few fields.
The first thing you'll need to input is the connection name. This is simply what you want to call the connection and it has no real bearing on the connection itself. For example, you could call it 'John's work computer,' or 'Jennifer's PC.'
Next, you'll need to input the PC name (the one you wrote down from earlier), or the IP address so your Mac knows where to find your PC. The next line down allows you to configure a Gateway, which would let you connect to virtual desktops or session-based desktops that are on your company's network. Check with your network administrator to see if there is a gateway you are to use.
Credentials is where you will type in the domain, username, and password for the target PC so you can log in through the remote connection. Resolution, colors, and full screen mode are all personal preferences for how you want the remote desktop to launch on your machine. If you're not sure, start with the standard settings and go from there.
If you want to configure peripheral devices for your remote desktop, you can find options for that under the middle tab, 'Session.'
The first choice is a drop-down menu for sound. You can disable sound, have it play on the remote PC, or have it play on your Mac. If you want to connect to an administrator session on a Windows server, click the box next to 'Connect to admin session.'
The next option to 'Forward printing devices' will make your local printers available during your remote desktop session. 'Swap mouse buttons' will allow you to use left click commands with a right-click Mac mouse.
The last tab at the top of the window is 'Redirection.' This is where you would choose a local folder you wanted to be available during your remote session. Click the '+' button, choose a name for the folder, and input the folder's path to have it available.
Windows Remote Desktop For Mac
When you are finished configuring your remote desktop, click the red close button at the top left of the dialog box and your new remote desktop will be added. To start a session with that desktop, simply double-click it to begin.
If you want to edit, duplicate, export, or delete that remote connection, right-click (control + click) on the desktop name to access those options.
If you don't think Microsoft Remote Desktop is the option for you, here are some other options available at Download.com:
• Several Ways To Connect a RDP Server From Windows and Mac: 1: How to connect remote desktop from Mac OS? Check out the procedure to connect a Remote desktop server from windows and Mac. Microsoft remote desktop connection client for mac usb hub.
What do you think?
Is there a better way to access your Windows applications? Tell us in the comments.
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