How do I connect to my Red Hen desktop using RDP?

Red Hen is moving from Citrix to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) on Februay 28th, 2025.  Until then, there is a period of overlap during which you can reach your remote desktop using either the familiar Citrix site or the new RDP site. 

There are two ways to connect to your Red Hen desktop. You may choose to use one or both, depending on your situation: 

1. Web Client - use this option to connect from Windows or iOS using only a browser with no software installs or special configuration required.  The main limitation is that you can't print directly to your local printer, only save documents as pdf's for printing later.  Local drive access is also limited to specific folders.
2. Full Client - Windows ships with a pre-installed RDP client (MSTSC) and there is also a version for Mac available from the Apple App Store. The configuration takes a bit more work to setup but the resulting desktop offers full printer support and full local drive access.

Because it's so fast and easy, we recommend you try the Web Client first and add the Full Client later if you need the extra features.  You can maintain one or both options on your device.  They are also compatible with Citrix Workspace so there's no need to uninstall that until you're ready.

Accessing your Red Hen desktop using the Web Client

1.  Go to https://portal.rocky.redhenremote.com/rdweb/webclient/ by clicking on the link or copying the address to the address bar of your favorite browser. 

2.   Enter your Red Hen username and password and click Sign in.

     

Your browser may prompt you to save your credentials.  This is a convenient option if your computer is located in a secure environment.

3. Click the desktop icon. 

     

4.  Allow access to all local resources and check Don't ask me again for connections to this computer.  Click Allow to launch your desktop right in the browser.

   

Web Client suggestions:

• Your username and password may be saved from previous Redhenremote.com logins.  They will continue to work here.
• If you are prompted to re-enter your Windows credentials, click the gear icon in the top right corner and make sure Open resources in the browser is selected.     

• See Tips for working in the Web Client environment for pointers on doing familiar tasks in the new environment.

Accessing your Red Hen desktop using the Full Client

Windows:

1.   Open RemoteApp and Desktop Connections from the Control Panel.  You can find it by typing  Remoteapp into the Windows search bar.

       

2.   Select Access RemoteApp and desktops from the options in the left column.   

     

3.    Copy https://portal.rocky.redhenremote.com into the Email Address or Connection URL field and click Next.

     

4.   Click Next at the Ready to Setup Connection screen.

5.   Enter your Red Hen username and password and check the Remember Me box.  Important: your username must be preceded by the "rocky\" prefix.  This is your Red Hen domain and once you set it, you won't have to include it again. Click OK.

          

6.   Wait for the new connection to be created.  Be patient, this can take a minute or two to resolve.  Once the new connection is established, click View Resources to view your available desktop shortcuts.  

     

These shortcuts will appear in your start menu and the can also be copied and pasted to your desktop or any other convenient location. Double-click the the shortcut to launch your desktop!   

       

To customize your RDP file even further, see How to edit your RDP display settings.  Custom settings allow you to configure specific screen sizes and multi-screen preferences.

iOS:

A full RDP client is available for iOS version 12 and newer.  As noted above, the Web Client is available to all devices - including iOS devices - but if you want the extra functionality of the full client, follow these steps.

1.   Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store.  Download, install, and Open.

     

2.   On the Connection Center screen, click +, and then select Add workspace.

     

3.   In the Feed URL field, enter https://portal.rocky.redhenremote.com. In the Credentials dropdown, select Add Credentials.  Click Add.

     

4. Enter your Red Hen username and password.  Important: your username must be preceded by the "rocky\" prefix.  This is your Red Hen domain and once you set it, you won't have to include it again. Click Add.

     

5.   Before launching your new RDP Desktop, click the settings icon (...) and select Edit if you require local folder redirection.  

       

6. Navigate to the Display tab and configure your monitor choices

• Use all monitors
• Start session in full screen
• Fit session to window

Check the Optimize for Retina displays.

     

7.   Navigate to the Folders tab, click the + button and select the folders you want to be able to access from within the Red Hen desktop.  Click Save.

     

8.   Click on the QB Desktop tile to launch the desktop.