Remote PC Access Service

To help students during the COVID19 pandemic, IT Services have invested in a web-based portal called LabStats, which will allow the remote access of PCs on campus.

Our Remote PC Access service allows students to control PCs remotely in a number of PC labs across the University. At the moment, we offer circa 100 PCs for use at any time.

We aim to provide equity of experience for students with regard to software and take advantage of University PCs with a high technical specification.

For example, this will help in the following scenarios where access to campus is not possible -

• For those who need access to software or resources only hosted by the University
• For those who are using a personal PC that is not powerful enough to run the University software
• For those who use a Mac and need to use Windows software

How do I remote access a PC?

You can find full instructions in our Remote PC Access for Students document.

Bookmark this link to the Remote PC Access Service

For more information, have a look at our FAQs below.

Remote PC Access Service FAQs

What is the Remote PC Access Service?

The Remote PC Access Service is a web-based portal that has been designed to help students during the COVID pandemic access PCs on campus remotely in order to access software and resources that are only hosted by the University.

Can any student use the Remote PC Access Service?

Yes, if you have a current student account, you can use this service. Please see the Remote PC Access for Students guide for detailed instructions.

Does it matter what browser I use to access the Remote PC Access Service?

We recommend that you use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox or Edge.

Can I access the Remote PC Access Service using both a Mac and PC?

Yes, it is accessible on both a PC and a Mac. If you are using a Mac it will need to be version 10.13 or above and you will need to download the latest RDP client from the App store.

I have set up Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and use the text option, why am I getting an error message?

You can only access the Remote PC Access Service using the Authenticator App notification or phone call option in MFA. We recommend that you use the App. Instructions on how to set up MFA can be found on the Your Account page.

If you have already set up MFA you can change this option by logging into your Office account and going into the Security Info section.

You can also change your MFA option by logging into your Secure My Account page via My Apps.

Is the Remote PC Access Service available 24/7?

PCs are available 24/7 but we will be performing an automatic reboot every morning Monday - Friday at 5am. Once you have finished, log off using the log off icon on the desktop.

I have logged into the Remote PC Access Service, but the screen resolution does not look right?

Sometimes the screen resolution of the connection may not be right for the device from which you are connecting. You can alter the settings in the Remote Desktop to change this:

Windows

Start the remote session with your device.
If full screen, click the Restore Down button that appears in the top middle-right of the remote desktop taskbar.
Right-clickalong the top of the remote desktop windows.
Check Smart Sizing.

Mac (Microsoft Remote Desktop 10)

1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop.
2. Download connection file from the portal, but do not open it.
3. From within Microsoft Remote Desktop, go to Edit and then Import from RDP File.
4. When the connection appears in the users list, hover over it and click edit (the little pencil icon).
5. From within the settings, click Display and check the box Fit session to window then Save.
6. Double click the computer session and log in as normal.

Why is the performance so slow when connecting to the remote PCs?

Using the Remote PC Access Service is reliant on a stable internet connection at your home, or from wherever you are connecting. Poor internet connectivity will result in poor performance when connecting to one of the University PCs.

Can I book a physical PC on campus?

The Health and Safety of our community is our priority. In accordance with current Welsh Government and Swansea University guidance we are required to minimise the number of visits to campus and limit the amount of people using shared equipment wherever possible. In accordance with this guidance, the number of physical PC Study Spaces on campus is currently limited and we encourage you to use the Remote PC Access Service if possible.

If you are not able to use the Remote PC Access Service and have no alternative access to a suitable device, you can pre-book a study space in the library.

Please consider whether your visit to campus and use of on campus services and/ or shared equipment are essential.

Remote PC Access Service

How do I remote access a PC?

Remote PC Access Service FAQs

Contact the IT Service Desk