Virtual Desktop - Connect to Azure Virtual Desktops

Azure Virtual Desktops are virtual machines in the Microsoft cloud. A client is required to access Azure Virtual Desktops. The client is different depending on what operating system your computer is using. For Windows, install the Remote Desktop client. For Mac, install the Windows App. Although connecting from Windows and Mac computers is similar, the client name and process varies slightly. The following instructions will explain these steps for each operating system.

Connect to Virtual Desktops with Remote Desktop app (Windows)

To access Azure Virtual Desktops from a Microsoft Windows computer, use the Remote Desktop app. Please note: This is a separate application from the traditional Remote Desktop Connection application. 

1. From the Windows Start Menu, open Remote Desktop.
2. On the Connect to PCs and Workspaces screen, click the + Add button in the upper-right corner of the toolbar.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Workspaces.
4. On the Subscribe to a Workspace screen, enter your email in the Email or Workspace URL text box.
5. Wait while Remote Desktop finds workspaces. When complete, a URL will appear under "We found Workspaces at the following URLs".
6. Click the blue Subscribe button.
7. You will be prompted to log in to your UW-Platteville Microsoft account (@uwplatt.edu) to connect to the Azure Virtual Desktop service. Complete Duo MFA if prompted.
8. The Workspaces, pools, and desktops that you have access to will be displayed.
9. To launch a desktop click on the associated icon.
10. You will now be prompted to log into the Windows virtual desktop running in the Azure cloud. Use your UW-Platteville NetID and password.
11. Click Connect.

Connect to Virtual Desktops with Windows App (Apple/Mac)

To access Azure Virtual Desktops from a Mac computer, use the Windows App.

1. Open the Windows App from the Applications folder.
2. Click the (add) button in the upper right corner of the app.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Add Workspace.
4. Enter your campus email address in the Email or workspace URL text box.
5. If a valid workspace is found, a URL and "A workspace is associated with this email address" will appear below the Email or workspace URL text box.
6. Click the Add button.
7. You will be prompted to log in to your UW-Platteville Microsoft account (@uwplatt.edu) to connect to the Azure Virtual Desktop service. Complete Duo MFA if prompted.
8. The Workspaces, pools, and desktops that you have access to will be displayed.
9. To launch a desktop double-click on the associated icon.
10. You will be prompted to enter your credentials to connect to the gateway or remote PC. Use your UW-Platteville Email address and password.
11. Click Continue

Need help?

If you have questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 608.342.1400 or helpdesk@uwplatt.edu.  You may also visit the Help Desk on the first floor of the Karrmann Library.