Instructions for Accessing Virtual Desktops in Azure (AVD)

Summary

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) in Azure 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.

Body

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.


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

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.

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 10, Microsoft 365 (M365), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge

Accessibility Software: FSReader, Fusion 2023, Jaws 2023, 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 2023 Suite
  • ArcGIS Pro
  • Aseprite
  • Autodesk AutoCAD 2024
  • Autodesk AutoCAD for Architecture 2024
  • Autodesk Maya 2024
  • Autodesk Revit 2024
  • Flowgorithm
  • Makerbot
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2019
  • MultiSim 14.2
  • Octave 6.3
  • Solidworks 2021
  • Unity Hub/Editor
  • VLC
  • zBrush

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, CTP-227, CTP-230, CTP-245, CTP-247, 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

  • ArgoUML
  • Flogorithm
  • JGrasp
  • Maple 2023
  • MiniGW
  • NetBeans 18
  • Raptor
  • WebStorm
  • VLC

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: Remote Desktop Client

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

Windows

MacOS

ChromeOS

Installing and Accessing AVD via a locally installed Remote Desktop Client (ChromeOS)

ChromeOS version 53 or higher is required.

  1. 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:

    Windows app in the Google Play store

  2. Once installed, open the Windows App on your device. Accept the privacy statement. 

    Windows App privacy statement acceptance page

  3. Select Sign in and enter your AACC email address and password. 

    Windows App sign in screen

  4. 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. 

    Portrait, Landscape, and Resizable display modes in the Windows AppConfirm that you would like to allow resizing

  5. Select the desired desktop to launch it. 

    Standard virtual desktop for faculty and staff

  6. 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.
  7. 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.

    Virtual desktop with option to sign out, essentially closing the desktop

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

  1. 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.

    Virtual Desktop link in the Technology Resources card on the MyAACC portal

  2. Log in using your AACC email address and password.

    Microsoft sign-in page with email address field

  3. Launch your remote desktop by selecting the computer icon.

    Default Desktop icon on Remote Desktop in the browser

  4. 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.

    Options for allowing the virtual desktop to access local resources, such as the clipboard and mic

  5. 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.

    Virtual desktop with option to sign out, essentially closing the desktop

Troubleshooting

Still have questions?  Contact the Technical Service Desk or submit a service offering for Azure Virtual Desktop.   

Details

Details

Article ID: 139040
Created
Thu 4/7/22 3:12 PM
Modified
Tue 12/16/25 6:21 PM
Audience
Target audience for article content.
Students
Faculty
Staff

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This article provides guidance on how to access AVD and the Accessibility Applications available.

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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.
Request help using Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).