Azure Virtual Desktop

Tags Desktop

Virtual Desktops, also called Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), allow an authorized user access to a SMCTD computer with access to SMCTD networks, data, and resources.  Using a Virtual Desktop provides similar access to using a computer while connected inside a SMCTD property or network.  SMCTD uses Azure Virtual Desktop technology.

There are two options for accessing SMCTD’s Virtual Desktops – you may connect in a standard web browser window or with a dedicated Virtual Desktop client.  For basic office tasks, access in a browser window is simple and may work well.  For more complex tasks, and for full experience including support for multiple screens, a Virtual Desktop client is preferred. 

“Azure Virtual Desktop” is the preferred client for SMCTD Virtual Desktops, and is available in the Microsoft Store.

 

Prerequisites:

  • A valid SMCTD account configured for Virtual Desktop access.
  • Microsoft Authenticator configured for Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for SMCTD.
  • A supported web browser or Virtual Desktop client.

 

For Azure Virtual Desktop (preferred):

  1. From the Let’s Get Started page select the Subscribe button and authenticate using your SMCTD credentials with MFA.  (Note: this step is only required the first time configuring Virtual Desktop.)
  2. Your available Virtual Desktop(s) will be visible in the main window.  If you are unable to see any available desktops, please contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.
  3. Select an available Virtual Desktop by double-clicking the desktop icon to launch your Virtual Desktop session.

 

For supported Web Browsers:

  1. Browse to the Virtual Desktop url:  https://client.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/
  2. Authenticate using your SMCTD credentials with MFA.
  3. Your available Virtual Desktop(s) will be visible in the main window.  If you are unable to see any available desktops, please contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.
  1. Select an available Virtual Desktop by double-clicking the desktop icon to launch your Virtual Desktop session.

 

For Microsoft Remote Desktop (legacy):

  1. Select +Add in the upper right tool bar, then Workspaces in the drop-down menu.
  2. In the Email or Workspace URL enter your SMCTD login credential (user@samtrans.com), select the subscription and Subscribe.
  3. Authenticate using your SMCTD login credentials with MFA to complete the subscription process.
  4. Your available Virtual Desktop(s) will be visible in the main window.  If you are unable to see any available desktops, please contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.
  5. Select an available Virtual Desktop by double-clicking the desktop icon to launch your Virtual Desktop session.

 

Alternative method for advanced users (for “Microsoft Remote Desktop MSI version” only): 

If you have the Microsoft Remote Desktop Client (MSI version) installed, you may access Virtual Desktops using a .RDPW configuration file.To generate the RDPW configuration file, follow these steps:

  1. Browse to the Virtual Desktop url:  https://client.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/
  2. Authenticate using your SMCTD credentials with MFA.
  3. Your available Virtual Desktop(s) will be visible in the main window.  If you are unable to see any available desktops, please contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance.
  4. Select the Settings gear wheel in the upper right corner, and in the section Resource Launch Method select the “Download the rdp file” radio button, then close the settings flyout.
  5. Select an available Virtual Desktop by double-clicking the desktop icon to launch your Virtual Desktop session.  The RDP configuration file will be downloaded to your browser’s download folder.  That RDP file may be used to launch Virtual Desktop sessions in the Remote Desktop Client (MSI version).

 

Microsoft reference:  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/users/connect-windows?pivots=avd-store

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