This article contains instructions for using Drake University's virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), powered by Azure Virtual Desktops. Azure Virtual Desktops provides access to a virtual Windows computer allowing you to access common software applications such as Microsoft Office, Visio, and course-specific software.
Sections:
Installing the Remote Desktop Application
The Microsoft Remote Desktop application is used for accessing Drake's Azure Virtual Desktops environment. You will need to install this application on your computer before continuing. Links to guides for installing the Remote Desktop client are available here:
Connect your Drake account to Remote Desktop
Windows Computers
- Click on the Subscribe with URL button.
- In the Email or Workspace URL text box, type in your Drake email address, and then click Next.
- At the Pick an account screen, select your Drake email account. If is not present in this screen, click on Use another account.
- Follow the password and/or multifactor authentication prompts to sign in.
Once signed in, you will be presented with your subscribed virtual desktops and applications and may proceed to the next step.
Mac Computers
- At the top of the Microsoft Remote Desktop application, select Workspaces.
- Select Add Workspace.
- In the Workspace URL text box, type in your Drake email address.
- Click Add.
- Type in your Drake email address in the Email address text box.
- Click Next.
- Type in your password in the Password text box.
- Click Sign In. You may be prompted to approve a multi-factor authentication prompt.
Once signed in, you will be presented with your subscribed virtual desktops and applications and may proceed to the next step.
Accessing a Virtual Application or Desktop
- Double-click on the desktop or application you would like to access. For example, if you would like to access the Campus Desktop, double-click on the Campus Desktop icon.
- In the Password text box, type in your Drake password. Optionally, on Windows devices, click on Remember me to remember your password for future connections.
- Click OK to continue signing in.
- You will be presented with a virtual desktop, where you may begin working as if you were in front of a regular Windows computer.
NOTE: The first time you open an application or desktop in Azure Virtual Desktops (AVD), it will take a minute or two for the application or desktop to appear. In the background, AVD is creating a location to store any personalized changes you may make. This is a one-time process and subsequent logins to applications and desktops will be much faster.
Using the Virtual Desktop
Launching Applications
The virtual desktop provides a familiar Windows 11-based environment. Common applications, such as Microsoft Office, Visio, and web browsers are included in this virtual desktop. To launch an application, you may double click the available icons on the desktop, or open the Start menu at the bottom of the screen.
Ending your virtual desktop session
- Click on the Windows Start button at the bottom of remote desktop session.
- Click on your Name.
- Click Sign Out.
