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Overview
Gateway.asc.ohio-state.edu allows Microsoft Remote Desktop (also know as RDP) to OSU machines from on or off campus with Duo two factor authentication. (Push is the only Duo option for Gateway.)
Usage of Gateway is very similar to connecting via RDP, with just a few changes in the client.
Microsoft Remote Desktop clients are available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
On the RDP service side, Windows and Linux machines on campus can host an RDP server.
RDP is only available via Gateway or Guacamole.
Contents
- When to use RDP vs. Guacamole
- Setup (click on your OS to go to those instructions):
When to use RDP versus Guacamole
Guacamole should be the default for accessing desktops: it's fast and only needs a web browser to connect.
Full RDP does have additional features: ability to cut and paste small files to/from the remote machine, and printer/file sharing.
Windows Settings - Terminal Services Client
The Windows Legacy Client's icon looks like this: 
Open the Remote Desktop Connection app as normal, where MACHINE is the name of the machine you're connecting to. Enter the short host name of the system you are trying to connect with, for example, gemini or asctso-nc123456. Note, the full hostname used to be necessary, but gateway should find the short name.
Note: you do not need the full host name.
Click on "Show Options" then the "Advanced" tab:
Under "Connect from anywhere" click "Settings" and fill in like so:
About "Bypass RD Gateway server for local addresses": this setting does not matter. If checked, Remote Desktop will first try to connect directly to the machine, and if it can reach it it won't use Gateway. This check takes little time.
On Windows the setting applies to all RDP profiles.
When prompted for a username you need to use ASC\lastname.# .
Important: You will get a Duo push to your default Duo push device, so have it handy. (Push is the only Duo option for Gateway.)
Windows Settings - Microsoft Store Client
The Microsoft Store Client was called Micrsoft Remote Deskop. It was rebranded in 2024 and replaced with the Windows App. The store client was deprecated on May 27th, 2025.
The Windows App is for connecting Azure and Microsft 365 hoses, for connecting to computers over remote desktop protocol, the Terminal Services Clients is the only option. (Microsoft Reference.)
The Windows Store Client's icon looked like this: 
Macintosh Settings
Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app as normal:
Hit "+" to add a new PC connection, where MACHINE is the name of the machine you're connecting to. Enter the short host name of the system you are trying to connect with, for example, gemini or asctso-nc123456. Note, the full hostname used to be necessary, but gateway should find the short name.
Click on "No gateway" to add a new one or select an existing one.
Make sure the "Bypass for local addresses" is checked.
On the Mac, each connection will require gateway selection.
Linux
Most Linux clients allow specifying a gateway server.
For xfreerdp: xfreerdp /u:lastname.# /d:asc /g:gateway.asc.ohio-state.edu /gt:rpc /v:MACHINE
Optionally, add /gu:gateway-username if you use a different username on gateway than on remote host. (This is unusual.)