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Sheltie

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Getting started

Install Sheltie, add your first computer and connect.

Sheltie manages your remote desktop connections on the Mac. It keeps saved connections, display setup, sign-in prompts and reconnect controls in one place, while FreeRDP draws the remote desktop windows.

1. Install

  1. Download the latest DMG. It needs an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 26 or newer.
  2. Open the DMG and drag Sheltie.app onto Applications.
  3. Open the app from Applications. Beta builds are not notarized yet, so if macOS blocks the app, try to open it, then go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and choose Open Anyway.

The download includes an enhanced FreeRDP engine and all its libraries. You don’t need Homebrew or a separate FreeRDP install.

2. Add a computer

Choose + in the toolbar or press ⌘N. In General, enter:

  • a name you’ll recognize,
  • the hostname or IP address,
  • the port, normally 3389.

Username and domain are optional. If you leave them blank, Sheltie asks when you connect. You can also choose a group or mark the connection as a favorite. Then choose Add Connection.

The connection editor with name, host, port, group, username and domain fields.The connection editor with name, host, port, group, username and domain fields.

3. Connect

Choose Connect on the connection’s card, or select it and press ⌘Return. When Windows asks for credentials, Sheltie shows a native sign-in window. Tick Save in Keychain to remember the password after a successful connection. The saved connection file never contains your password.

The library with a ready connection and a connected session showing Show and Disconnect.The library with a ready connection and a connected session showing Show and Disconnect.

While a session is running, Show brings its window to the front and Disconnect ends it. Closing the manager window leaves sessions running.

Next steps