Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Labs

To support students in the online learning environment, ITS has worked with an outside vendor and college IT units to create a virtual lab platform called Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), formerly named Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD). Virtual desktops are a flexible, scalable alternative to the on-site computer classroom and help ensure continuity of the academic experience in a way that is likely familiar to many students. 

Access to virtual computer labs is provided to students who are enrolled in certain courses. Information on access to these labs and available software will be provided by the instructor. 

ITS has created a virtual lab for students with statistics/mathematics applications SPSS, JMP, and MATLAB. To request access to this lab, submit an AVD Request. (Access to a virtual lab is granted about 3 hours after the request is approved.)

Students can access virtual labs by logging into virtualapps.wvu.edu, or they can install Microsoft Remote Desktop for a more feature-rich experience. 

Log into AVD labs

1. Go to the website virtualapps.wvu.edu.

2. Enter your WVU Login username followed by @mail.wvu.edu (username@mail.wvu.edu), then click Next. 
   Note: Students cannot log in with @MIX accounts or with firstname.lastname@mail.wvu.edu. 

3. Enter your WVU Login password and click Sign In.

4. Authenticate with Duo.

5. You will see icons for all of the labs you have access to. Double-click the lab you want to open.

6. You will be asked if you wish to allow access to local resources. Click Allow or Cancel to continue.

   • Clipboard allows you to use copy/paste functionality.

   • Printer allows you to print to your local printer (both are checked by default.) 

7. You will be asked to log in again. Enter your WVU Login username and password, then click Continue.

8. You now have access to a Windows 10 desktop in this computer lab.
   Note: Some apps may behave as if they are opening for the first time.

AVD functionality

• Click All Resources to see all of your available labs. Users can open multiple virtual desktops 

• Double-click a lab (computer icon) to open a virtual desktop in a new tab. 

• Select the unpin button to change the navigation bar to a small tab. 

• Select the full screen button to enter full screen mode. 

• Click your name, then Sign Out to log out of the virtual desktop when finished.

All items saved to the virtual desktop Documents, Pictures, or Desktop folders will be saved to your OneDrive account, and will be available to you in any of the AVD labs. Instructions for logging into OneDrive are available in the OneDrive for Business article. Documents can also be saved and uploaded to Google Drive with MIX. 

Access AVD labs using Microsoft Remote Desktop

To use the full features of Azure Virtual Desktop, you can install Microsoft Remote Desktop and connect to the lab of your choice. 

Note: The Azure Virtual Desktop client uses all displays for AVD labs by default, but you can configure your individual AVD display settings. 

macOS 

1. Log into the App Store.

2. Search for Windows App. 

3. Find Windows App and click Install. 

4. Open Windows App.

For more information about installing and configuring the macOS desktop client, view Microsoft's Connect to Virtual Desktop with the macOS Client.

Windows 10

1. Install the correct version of Microsoft Remote Desktop by clicking a link below: 
        Windows 64-bit
        Windows 32-bit
        Windows ARM64
   Note: Not sure which version of Windows you're using? Read Microsoft's support article: Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

2. Click subscribe.

3. Login using your WVU Login username followed by @mail.wvu.edu (username@mail.wvu.edu) and your Login password. Authenticate with Duo.  

4. For the Do you want your org to manage your device option, uncheck box for managed.

5. Log into Remote Desktop to see all labs. Hover over a lab to see the lab's name. 

For more information about installing and configuring the Desktop client, view Microsoft's Get Started With the Desktop Client article. 

Troubleshooting

Simultaneous access to virtual apps is limited by license count, so if you are having trouble logging in try again later. 

If you receive an error message that your username/password are not working while trying to log into AVD (using the web client or using Microsoft Remote Desktop), check your Login account or contact the ITS Service Desk.  

If you are having trouble accessing the virtual lab or using applications within the virtual lab, contact your school’s IT department for assistance: 

• Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources: Call 304-293-0090 or submit a ticket. 

• Eberly College of Arts and Sciences: Email ECASITHelp@mail.wvu.edu or submit a ticket. 

• Chambers College of Business and Economics: Call 304-293-7862 or email BEITHelp@mail.wvu.edu.

• WVU Tech: Submit a ticket.