Instructions for Accessing Virtual Desktops in Azure (AVD)

Windows desktop azure virtual remote avd

Overview

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) provides access to cloud based virtual desktops to support remote learning and administrative access when away from campus. Access to AVD can be accomplished utilizing an installed remote desktop client or via any modern web browser. Select the button below to access Azure Virtual Desktop via a web browser.

Virtual Desktop

The web-based version of Azure Virtual Desktop can be accessed from the Technology Resources card in the MyAACC Portal:

More Information

AACC provides all students with access to a limited selection of applications through AACC’s Open Access Desktop. Students may also be granted access to course specific virtual desktops based on specific classes they are enrolled in.

Instructions: Virtual Desktop via the Windows App

Instructions: Virtual Desktop via Web Browser

AVD allows you to access necessary software / services for your class or job assignment without having a college issued device that has the software installed.

General Access is available to ALL AACC Students:

Standard OS and Office Suite: Windows 11, Microsoft 365 (M365), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge

Accessibility Software: FSReader, Fusion 2024, Jaws 2024, NVDA, Zoomtext

Note: A selection of applications found within course desktops can also be found in the General Access Desktop which can be used in conjunction with the installed Accessibility Software if desired.

Advanced Desktop course access is based on enrollment in the following classes:

Courses: ACH-100, ACH-101, ACH-104, ACH-105, ACH-106, ACH-111, ACH-112, ACH-121, ACH-122, ACH-203, ACH-204, ACH-211, ACH-212, ACH-226, ACH-231, ACH-235, ACH-242, ACH-245, ACH-265, ACH-270, ART 154, ART 155, ART 156, ART 157, ART 159, ART 255, ART 258, ART 259, EET-130, EET-150, EET-231, EET-250, EET-255, EET-260, EET-265, EGR-120, EGR-235, EGR-241, EGR-244, ENT-241, ENT-260, ENT-261, MEC-120, MEC-130, MEC-140, MEC-266

Standard OS and Office Suite: Windows 10, Microsoft 365 (M365), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge

Adobe Creative Cloud 2025 Suite
ArcGIS Pro
Aseprite
Autodesk AutoCAD 2024
Autodesk AutoCAD for Architecture 2025 / 2026
Autodesk Maya 2026
Autodesk Revit 2026
Blender 4.2
Flowgorithm
GIMP
Makerbot
Microsoft Visual Studio
MultiSim 14.2
Octave 6.3
OrcaSlicer
Shotcut
Solidworks 2025
Unity Hub/Editor
VLC
zBrush
Zoomtext

Standard Desktop course access is based on enrollment in the following classes:

Courses: CTA-100, CTA-105, CTA-106, CTA-108, CTA-110, CTA-111, CTA-112, CTA-113, CTA-115, CTA-116, CTA-120, CTA-205 , CTA 208, CTA-215, CTP-103, CTP-114, CTP-115, CTP-118, CTP-120, CTP-130, CTP135, CTP-136, CTP-145, CTP-147, CTP-150, CTP-160, CTP-194, CTP-200, CPT-210, CTP-227, CTP-230, CTP-245, CTP-247, CTP-250, CTP-255, CTP-260, CTS-110, CTS-130, CTS-131, CTS-230, CTS-231, MAT-151, MAT-191, MAT-192, MAT-192, MAT-201, MAT-202, MAT-212, MAT-230, MAT-250, MAT-270

Standard OS and Office Suite: Windows 11, Microsoft 365 (M365), Google Chrome , Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge

Apache NetBeans
ArgoUML
Cisco Packet Tracer
Cygwin64
Flogorithm
Gmetrix
IBM SPSS
JGrasp
Maple 2022
Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft PowerBI
MiniGW
Python
Raptor
RStudio
TI-SmartView TI-84 Plus
VLC
WebStorm
Wireshark
Zoomtext

General Access is available to ALL AACC Faculty and Staff:

Standard OS and Office Suite: Windows 11, Microsoft 365 (M365), Adobe Acrobat, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Teams

Accessibility Software: FSReader, Fusion 2023, Jaws 2023, NVDA, Zoomtext

Use of the AACC's Azure Virtual Desktop Environment also provides access to various onsite college resources (such as Colleague and the G Drive).

AVD Access Options

Option #1: Windows App

AVD can be accessed via the Windows App on Windows, MacOS, or ChromeOS computers. Accessing AVD through the Remote Desktop Client provides the most responsive experience for accessing virtual instances.

Windows

Installing and Accessing AVD via the Windows App (Windows)

From a web browser of your choice, browse to https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N1F85V9T8BN to obtain the most recent Microsoft Windows App.
Launch the downloaded media and install following the steps below:
- Select Download.
- Run the downloaded file to install the new Windows App.
- Select the Open option.
Within the Windows App, select the user sign-in icon and select Add New Account.
Enter your AACC username@aacc.edu (employee) or username@mymail.aacc.edu (student) and password.
Once signed in you may access your assigned remote desktops by selecting the Devices menu (computer icon) displayed in the left column.

MacOS

Installing and Accessing AVD via the Windows App for MacOS

MacOS X 10.13 (High Sierra) or higher is required.

Launch the App Store and log in using your personal credentials. Search for Windows App ( ‎Windows App App - App Store ) and download the application as seen below:
Once installed, launch the program from the Applications folder.
Select the + Icon and then Add Work or School Account.
On the subsequent screens please enter your username@aacc.edu (employee) or username@mymail.aacc.edu (student) and password.
The Remote Desktop client has been successfully configured, you may access your remote desktop by selecting the Devices menu displayed in the left column.

ChromeOS

Installing and Accessing AVD via the Windows App for ChromeOS

ChromeOS version 53 or higher is required.

Launch the Google Play Store and log in using your personal credentials. Search for the Windows App and download/install the application as seen below:
Once installed, open the Windows App on your device. Accept the privacy statement.
Select Sign in and enter your AACC email address and password.
After signing in, select the Portrait tab at the top and change the display to Resizable. Select Don't ask again for this app, then Allow. This will allow you to adjust the display size of the Windows App.
Select the desired desktop to launch it.
You may be asked whether to allow the Windows App to take pictures and record audio. You may also be asked to sign in again.
You now have access to a fully featured virtual desktop with campus connectivity. When you are finished using the virtual desktop, please select the Windows icon, your name, and then the Sign out button.

Option #2: Accessing AVD via a Web Browser

You can quickly and conveniently access AVD through the web browser without needing to install any additional applications. Performance may vary between web browsers and the available screen size will be limited within the browser window.

Web Browser

Installing and Accessing AVD via a Web Browser

From a web browser of your choice, navigate to https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient. You can also access AVD through Virtual Desktop in the Technology Resources card in MyAACC.
Log in using your AACC email address and password.
Launch your remote desktop by selecting the computer icon.
After selecting the virtual host, you can allow access to local resources (such as Clipboard for copy and paste). Select Allow to proceed. You may need to enter your AACC email address and password one more time.
You now have access to a fully featured virtual desktop with campus connectivity. When you are finished using the virtual desktop, please select the Windows icon, your name, and then the Sign out button.