Azure Virtual Desktop: Access and Use

Azure Virtual Desktop is a way to run Windows applications on a cloud PC from any mainstream device. It allows you to log into a Windows desktop from anywhere in the world and run applications that are managed by Middlebury College. There are two ways to connect to Azure Virtual Desktop -- using a desktop application or using a web browser.

Contents:

• Connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop
• Available Applications
• Saving Your Work

Connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop

Option 1 - Connect using a Web Browser

Using any web browser, you can connect to Azure Virtual Desktop using the URL below. You will have to sign in with your full Middlebury email address (username@middlebury.edu format) and password.

•  https://go.middlebury.edu/avd

Option 2 - Connect using the Remote Desktop App

The Microsoft Remote Desktop app can be downloaded and installed from the following locations.

• Mac App Store - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466?mt=12
• iOS App Store - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/remote-desktop-mobile/id714464092
• Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.rdc.androidx&pli=1
• Windows Store - https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9wzdncrfj3ps?rtc=1&hl=en-us&gl=US
• Windows Company Portal Application
   

1. After downloading then launching the app installer, click on Add – Workspaces.
2. Enter your full email address (username@middlebury.edu format) in the Email or Workspace URL field, then click the Subscribe button.
3. To access Azure Virtual Desktop Click on the Computer Icon that says Windows. 
   This process might take a few minutes if it says “Starting remote PC…
4. If asked to choose an account, click the Connect button.
5. A Log in window will appear with your email address filled in for the username. Provide your Middlebury email account password then click Connect.
6. You should now be connected to Azure Virtual Desktop.

Available Applications

The following applications are currently installed on Azure Virtual Desktop. Additional applications can be requested by submitting a ticket to the Helpdesk. These application requests will then be evaluated.

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader
2. Microsoft Office
   1. Access
   2. Excel
   3. OneNote
   4. Outlook
   5. PowerPoint
   6. Publisher
   7. Teams
   8. Word
3. Final Draft 12
4. IBM SPSS Statistics
5. Maple
6. Matlab
7. NVivo
8. PowerBI Desktop
9. Stata
10. Mathematica
11. Microsoft OneDrive
12. Google Drive
13. R Studio Desktop

Saving Your Work

We strongly recommend use of OneDrive or Google Drive to save your work as data will be cleared often on Azure Virtual Desktop.  To learn more, refer to our learning resource articles on OneDrive and Google. 

Sessions will be closed after being Idle for 10 minutes, and disconnected sessions will be closed after 5 minutes. It is recommended that you keep your work saved.