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

Connect using a Web Browser

Using any web browser, you can connect to Azure Virtual Desktop using go.middlebury.edu/avd.

  1. Sign in with your full Middlebury email address (username@middlebury.edu) and password.

  2. Select the Windows Desktop.

    Windows Desktop

  3. You will be prompted to enter your Middlebury credentials again.

    Enter credentials pop-up

  4. You should now be connected to the Azure Virtual Desktop.

 

Connect using the Windows App

The Windows App can be downloaded and installed from the following locations:

 

  1. Download, install, and open the application.

  2. The instructions will vary per your operating system.

    • Windows: 

      1. You should automatically be prompted to sign into a Microsoft account; if not, there should be an option to Sign In.

      2. Sign in with your Middlebury credentials (username@middlebury.edu and password).

    • Mac: 

      1. Click the + button in the top right corner > Add Work or School Account.

        Add Work or School Account on Windows App

      2. Sign in with your Middlebury credentials (username@middlebury.edu and password).

  3. You should now see the Middlebury Azure Virtual Desktop.

    Middlebury Azure Virtual Desktop

  4. To connect, click Connect (Windows) or double-click the icon (Mac). 

    • You should now be connected to the Azure Virtual Desktop.

 

Available Applications

The following applications are currently installed on Azure Virtual Desktop:

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Final Draft 12
  • Google Drive
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Maple
  • Mathematica
  • Matlab
  • Microsoft Office
    • Access
    • Excel
    • OneNote
    • Outlook
    • PowerPoint
    • Publisher
    • Teams
    • Word
  • Microsoft OneDrive
  • NVivo
  • PowerBI Desktop
  • R Studio Desktop
  • Stata

Additional applications can be requested by submitting a ticket to the Helpdesk. Application requests will be evaluated and approved or denied per necessity.

 

Saving Your Work

We strongly recommend use of OneDrive or Google Drive to save your work, as data is cleared often on Azure Virtual Desktop. 

Sessions will be closed after being idle for 10 minutes, and disconnected sessions will be closed after 5 minutes. It is recommended that you continually save your work.

 

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