Two-factor authentication is required for most IT services at UiO, also for Remote Desktop (RDP). The Remote Desktop login service can only be used with the Microsoft Authenticator app.
If you already use Microsoft Authenticator for two-factor authentication, you do not need to do anything new or install anything. Just log in to RDP, and confirm the login in Microsoft Authenticator.
Not using Microsoft Authenticator already?
You cannot use Google Authenticator, SMS, or hardware token for two-factor authentication for Remote Desktop. To still be able to use Remote Desktop with your desktop computer or Windows servers, you need to install Microsoft Authenticator and prepare it for use. See guidance on how to prepare to use Microsoft Authenticator when you already use Google Authenticator or SMS for two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication for Remote Desktop with Microsoft Authenticator step-by-step
- Start Remote Desktop Connection on your computer. Most often, you do this by double-clicking on a shortcut on the desktop.
- Enter the computer or server you want to connect to.
- After you enter your username and password, the login will hang on Initiating remote connection... and you will receive a notification from Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile phone.
- Confirm the login in Microsoft Authenticator and the connection continues.
Note! You won't get a notification in Remote Desktop Connection on your computer that you need to use two-factor authentication.