Technology

How to use Azure Virtual Desktop

Last modified 2/25/2024

Azure Virtual Desktop has replaced Remote.IllinoisState.edu as the virtual application and virtual computer lab service at Illinois State University. This article will walk you through the different methods of accessing virtual applications and desktops in Azure.

Instructions

  • Desktop Client Version - Windows (Recommended)


  1. Download and Install the Remote Desktop Client (64 bit) onto your Windows device
    1. If you do not have the prerequisite software, download and install .NET Framework 4.6.2 or higher
    2. If you do not use 64-bit Windows, download the relevant Remote Desktop Client for your machine below:
      1. Remote Desktop Client (32-bit)
      2. Remote Desktop Client (ARM64)
  2. After installing the Remote Desktop Client in Step 1, click the Subscribe button
  3. Login with your ULID@ilstu.edu account
  4. Enter your MFA code from your mobile device when prompted. 
    NOTE: You may be prompted with two MFA requests, approve both as you normally would. 
  5. Microsoft will find the resources assigned to you and display them

  • Desktop Client Version - Mac (Recommended)

1. Follow the steps here to install the Remote Desktop client from the Mac App Store. 

2. Once installed, it will ask to allow access to your computers microphone and camera. Hit the Continue button and the following OK buttons to allow access.

3. On the following screen hit the Workspace tab at the top of the screen, then hit the Add Workspace button in the middle of the screen.

4. On the first line enter your full Illinois State University email address. A list of Workspace URLs will show up. Choose the one that matches below. 

5. You will be prompted for two logins. In the first prompt enter your full Illinois State University email address. In the second prompt you will login to the Central Login screen like normal. 

6. You will then be prompted for a MFA approval. Approve using your usual method. 
NOTE: You may be prompted with two MFA request, approve both as you normally would. 

7. You should now see all of the virtual apps available to you. 

Folder Redirect and Access

If you want to have access to a specific folder location while using a virtual app, there is an extra step for this on Mac. Once you have downloaded Remote Desktop and added your Workspace, follow the steps below. 

1.  While Remote Desktop is open, navigate to the Microsoft Remote Desktop tab in the upper left corner of your screen and choose Settings. 


2. In the Settings pop-up screen, navigate to the drop down at the bottom. You will see two options here, Nothing and Choose Folder. If you wish to have access to a specific folder location, you will chose the Choose Folder option and select the location you wish to have access to.  

Now, when you are running a virtual app, you should have access to upload from and download to the location you chose above. 


  • HTML Web Version (Not Recommended)

Enable Pop-Ups

Ensure you have pop-ups enabled for this site. Further instructions can be found here.

  1. Open a web browser of your choice and navigate to https://virtualapps.illinoisstate.edu/ 
  2. Enter your ULID and password at the Central Login screen
  3. Enter your MFA code when prompted. NOTE: You may be prompted with two MFA requests, approve both as you normally would. 
  4. You will land at the Microsoft landing page for Azure Virtual Desktop, configured for Illinois State University

  • Windows Store App (Not Recommended)

Important note regarding Windows Store apps

Microsoft is currently working to deprecate the Remote Desktop Windows Store app in favor of the Windows Desktop client. However, they have released the Azure Virtual Desktop Windows Store app in preview. Microsoft still recommends using the Windows Desktop client (see above) for the best Azure Virtual Desktop experience.



Opening Applications and Desktops

  1. Double-click one of the icons to launch a session
  2. It is recommended to allow the remote computer to access the Clipboard, Printer, and File transfer on the local computer
  3. The virtual session will begin to launch
  4. If this is your first time connecting to an Azure virtual machine, you will need to approve the login
  5. Your virtual application will now launch