# Set up a Windows-based computer for remote access

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Before you can use Remote Desktop Connection to connect to a Windows-based computer, you must set up the Windows-based computer to allow remote connections.

Important

The Windows-based computer must be turned on, and it must have a network connection. You can’t connect to a computer that is sleeping, hibernating, or on standby. Therefore, make sure that the settings for sleep, hibernation, and standby on the Windows-based computer are set to Never. For information about how to make those changes, see Windows Help. Make sure that the computer that you want to connect to is running a version of Windows that supports remote connections. For a complete list, see Windows version compatibility.

Do any of the following:

| ##### Allow remote connections on a computer that is running Windows Vista

Important

To change remote desktop settings, you must be an administrator on the Windows-based computer.

1. On the Windows-based computer, click Start , and then click Control Panel.

   If you are in Classic View, in the navigation pane, click Control Panel Home.

2. Click System and Maintenance, and then click System.

3. In the navigation pane, click Remote Settings, and then under Remote Desktop, click the option that you want.

   If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

   Note Network Level Authentication improves security because it requires that you enter your Windows login information on the Mac before the remote connection is initiated. For more information about Network Level Authentication, see Windows Vista Help.

4. Click Select Users.

5. Do any of the following:

   To | Do this
   --- | ---
   Verify that you have access | Make sure that your user account is listed underneath the box. If you are an administrator on the computer, you are automatically listed.
   Add another user account | Click Add, and then, in the box, type the user account name that you want.

| ##### Allow remote connections on a computer that is running Windows XP

Important

To change remote desktop settings, you must be an administrator on the Windows-based computer.

1. On the Windows-based computer, click Start, and then click Control Panel.

   If you are in Classic View, in the navigation pane, click Switch to Category View.

2. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.

3. On the Remote tab, select the Allow users to connect remotely to this computer check box.

4. Click Select Remote Users.

5. Do any of the following:

   To | Do this
   --- | ---
   Verify that you have access | Make sure that your user account is listed underneath the box. If you are an administrator on the computer, you are automatically listed.
   Add another user account | Click Add, and then, in the box, type the user account name that you want.

### See also

Connect to a Windows-based computer

I can't connect to the Windows-based computer

Connect to a server console session

Authentication options