> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ccv.brown.edu/stronghold/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ccv.brown.edu/stronghold/usage/windows_workstation.md).

# Windows Workstation

## Access through VPN or a Brown Compliant network

Users are able to access their Windows environments through the Microsoft Remote Desktop Client. Users on campus must be connected to the Brown WiFi or a wired connection in a research building. Off-campus users can access their environments by connecting through the [Brown VPN](https://it.brown.edu/services/virtual-private-network-vpn)

To access the environment, please either follow the [Access from Mac](/stronghold/usage/windows_workstation/access-from-mac.md) or [Access from Windows](/stronghold/usage/windows_workstation/access-from-windows.md) guides.

## Access without VPN

Some Windows workstations can be accessed without being connected to a VPN through a remote desktop (RDP) gateway. This service is intended for users who experience a degradation in performance while they are connected to the VPN. **Please confirm with <support@ccv.brown.edu> if RDP gateway is enabled for your tenant before following these instructions.**

To access these workstations through the remote gateway, please either follow [RDP Gateway from Mac](/stronghold/usage/windows_workstation/rdp-gateway-from-mac.md) or [RDP Gateway from Windows](/stronghold/usage/windows_workstation/rdp-gateway-from-windows.md)