Configure Remote Desktop (Windows version)

The instructions below are divided into three sections. The first section is required - "Install Cloudflare WARP for Windows." If you already have a Remote Desktop shortcut on your desktop (or taskbar) that you've been using, follow the steps in the "Edit an existing Remote Desktop connection" section to update your connection. If you are setting up Remote Desktop for the first time, or would just prefer to set up a brand new connection, you can jump to the third "Set up a new Remote Desktop connection."   

1. Install the Cloudflare One Client for Windows (for your off-campus device)
2. Set up a NEW Remote Desktop connection or Edit an EXISTING remote desktop connection
3. A few tips and quirks

This process should only be set up on the device you'll be using from off-campus, and not on any campus-side desktop computers.

Install the Cloudflare One Client for Windows

Before installing and setting up the Cloudflare client, ensure that your device is running Windows 8 or higher. Cloudflare is not compatible with older operating systems such as Windows 7. Only install it on the devices(s) you'll be using from off-campus, and not any campus-side desktop computers.

1. Download the Cloudflare One Client (previously called "Cloudflare WARP") for Windows from the Cloudflare web site.

2. Go to your Downloads folder and double-click the downloaded file to launch the installation.

3. After the installation completes, the Cloudflare One Client app should automatically open for setup. Choose Continue from under the right-hand "Cloudflare One Client" category.
   
    
4. Type in buffalostate (with no space) when it asks for your "team name," then click Continue to trigger your Network sign-in via your web browser.
   
    
5. Complete any sign-in and MFA prompts that appear in your web browser, and then close that window when instructed to do so.
   
   The Cloudflare client should now be ready. The app's icon will appear as a grey cloud in your bottom-right system tray area. You may need to click the show hidden icons caret icon to reveal it. Also keep in mind that this icon is different from the similar-looking OneDrive icons (which have a more rounded appearance).

6. When you need to remote into a campus computer, enable Cloudflare by left-clicking the grey Cloudflare One Client icon to open the app interface and then choose Connect.
   

7. Once enabled, Cloudflare's previously grey icon will change to orange, and you can then open your remote computer connection using Remote Desktop Connection. Please note that after you've finished your remote session, you'll want to Disconnect Cloudflare until you need it again.

Edit an existing Remote Desktop connection

If you already have a Remote Desktop shortcut on your desktop (or taskbar) that you've been using, follow these steps to make sure your connection is configured properly.

1. Open the window you normally do to start Remote Desktop, but instead of clicking "Connect," click Show Options.

2. Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Connect from anywhere.
3. Make sure Automatically detect RD Gateway server settings is selected. If User these RD Gateway server settings is selected, you will not be able to connect. Click OK.

4. Return to the General tab and click the Save button. You should now be able to connect using the new Cloudflare setup.

5. To test your connection, click Connect and enter your Buffalo State password when prompted.

Set up a new Remote Desktop connection

If you are setting up Remote Desktop for the first time, or would just prefer to set up a brand new connection (instead of editing an existing RD connection), follow these steps.

1. Click the Start/Windows icon in the bottom-right corner and type "Remote Desktop Connection" into the search box. Select Remote Desktop Connection from the list of app results. 

2. When the app window appears, click Show Options to reveal additional settings.

3. In the Computer field, enter the Device Name of your campus PC followed by .bsclogon.buffalostate.edu. For the User name field, type in "bsclogon\" followed by your Buffalo State username.
   
   For example, if your device name is DN1234PDE you should enter "DN1234PDE.bsclogon.buffalostate.edu"

4. Return to the General tab and click the Save button. You should now be able to connect using the new Cloudflare setup.

5. To test your connection, click Connect and enter your Buffalo State password when prompted.
    

A Few Tips/Quirks

• If you get a Cloudflare pop-up prompting you to re-authenticate, go ahead and do so by clicking the Open Browser and Re-Authenticate button. A webpage will load affirming that the re-authentication was successful. You can now go back to cancel/close and re-open your connection normally. This re-authentication step may be needed every twelve hours for security purposes.

• To keep the Remote Desktop icon on your taskbar, right-click it and choose Pin to taskbar. 

• After setting up or editing your connection file, you'll likely see one of the messages below when first connecting. Just check the Don’t ask me again box and then click Connect/Yes to continue for either/both notifications.

 

• During your remote session, you will see a blue bar across the top of your screen which, among other things, identifies the campus device that you are remotely connected to. The image below explains what the different buttons on the blue bar do.

• Any time you want to end your remote session, be sure to do so by either clicking the "X" on the blue connection bar, or choosing the bottom-left Windows Start button > Power icon > Disconnect or Restart on the campus-side computer.