# Access Audio over Remote Desktop

## Introduction

If you would like to play audio from a Windows server or record from your local computer, you need to set up a few things. This article will guide you through the process of enabling audio redirection via Remote Desktop client.

## Windows Audio Service

Please verify that the Windows Audio Service is enabled and set to automatic. Ensure you are logged in as Administrator so that the settings will apply to all users.

Follow these steps:

1. Open **Run** by pressing `Windows+R`, or right-click on **Start** and select **Run**. Type `services.msc` and press **OK**.

   ![Windows Audio Service](./images/rd1.png)

2. Scroll down to the bottom and find the **Windows Audio** service. Double-click on it.

   ![Windows Audio Settings](./images/rd2.png)

3. Set the **Startup type** to **Automatic** and start the service.

## Windows Group Policy

You also need to check the following settings under Windows Group Policy:

1. Open **Run** by pressing `Windows+R`, or right-click on **Start** and select **Run**. Type `gpedit.msc` and press **OK**.

   ![Windows Group Policy](./images/rd3.png)

2. Navigate to **Computer Configuration** → **Administrative Templates** → **Windows Components** → **Remote Desktop Services** → **Remote Desktop Session Host** → **Device and Resource Redirection**. Double-click on **Allow audio and video playback redirection**.

   ![Allow Audio and Video Playback](./images/rd4.png)

3. Select **Enabled** and press **OK**.

   ![Enable Audio Playback](./images/rd5.png)

## Windows RD Client

1. Open **Run** by pressing `Windows+R`, or right-click on **Start** and select **Run**. Type `mstsc` and press **OK**.

   ![Windows Remote Desktop](./images/rd6.png)

2. Select **Show Options**.
3. Go to the **Local Resources** tab and click on **Settings** under the **Remote Audio** section.

   ![Remote Audio Settings](./images/rd8.png)

4. Now set the audio as shown below and press **OK**:

   ![Set Audio Options](./images/rd9.png)

5. Select **Connect**.

   ![Connect to Remote Desktop](./images/rd10.png)

## In MacOS

For Apple devices, Microsoft Remote Desktop is available in the App Store. [Download Microsoft Remote Desktop](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466?mt=12).

Once installed, grant the necessary permissions.

   ![MacOS Permissions](./images/rd11.png)

Under the **PCs** tab, select **Add PC**:

After entering the IP address, find the audio options under **Devices & Audio**.

   ![MacOS Audio Settings](./images/rd12.png)

Select **Microphone** and any other options you require. Also, set **Play sound** to **On this computer**.

Once connected to the server, you will be able to play audio from the remote server.

## Testing Audio

In the right-hand side of the taskbar, right-click the **volume icon** and select **Sounds**.

   ![Sound Settings](./images/rd13.png)

Switch to the **Playback** tab. You should see **Remote Audio**. If you don’t see it, recheck your settings under **Remote Desktop** on your local computer.

   ![Playback Tab](./images/rd14.png)

Right-click on **Remote Audio** and select **Test**.

   ![Test Audio](./images/rd15.png)

If you hear the sound, you are good to go.

You can also test the microphone with the green bars that will appear on the right.

   ![Test Microphone](./images/rd16.png)


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