How do I remotely access my computer?

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Updated: March 30, 2011

Applies To: Windows Home Server 2011

When you are away from home, you can use your Web browser to log on to the Remote Web Access site to remotely access your Windows Home Server 2011 Dashboard, media, shared folders, and your home computers.

When you connect to the Dashboard, you can manage Windows Home Server 2011 just like you would if you were at home. You can perform all of the usual administrative tasks, such as add user accounts, add shared folders, set shared folder access, and so on.

When you connect to your home computers, you can access their desktops as if you were sitting in front of them at home.

Important

Remote Web Access to your home computer desktops is supported on Internet Explorer only. If you use another Web browser, you cannot access your home-computer desktops.

Home computer status

The Status column shows you if you can connect to a home computer.

The status column can contain the following values:

  • Available

    The home computer is turned on and is available for a remote connection. Even if you see this status, you still may not be able to connect to this computer if a third-party firewall blocks the connection.

  • Offline or Sleeping

    The home computer is turned off or is in Sleep or Hibernate mode. If a computer is offline or sleeping, the status is updated in real time so that you can know when the computer becomes available.

  • Unsupported operating system

    The operating system on the home computer does not support remote desktop. It may take up to 6 hours for this status to be updated in the server if there is a change.

  • Connection is disabled

    The home computer connection is either blocked by a firewall, or the remote desktop is disabled at the computer or by Group Policy. It may take up to 6 hours for this status to be updated in the server if there is a change.

To connect to a computer on your home network

On the Computers tab, click the name of your home computer. You can select only computers with an Available status.

To connect to the server Dashboard

On the Computers tab, click the name of your server. You can select only computers with an Available status. You must be able to provide the password for the built-in Administrator account on your home server to use the Dashboard.