About
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a modern and secure version of a Remote Desktop Environment, or formerly called a “Terminal Server”. AVD uses modern, cloud-based authentication with Microsoft Work Accounts and it ties in features to allow ‘legacy’ applications to run in modern, clean and fast environments.
This AVD environments can be accessed in many different ways and supports many different application types.
How to Log in
Web Browser Method
Logging in with a web browser does not require anything except – you guessed it – a web browser! All you need is your account login information and a modern web browser which is HTML 5 capable (most are).
Navigate to this URL https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/index.html
Pro tip: Bookmark it! This URL is the same no matter what account or AVD you are using.
If you’re not already signed in, you should be prompted with a Microsoft Sign in screen.
Fill in your information, approve the Multi-Factor code with your Microsoft Authenticator App, and you should be greeted with the following screen:
Simply double-click on the AVD Machine you are trying to access!
You may have the option to connect some resources from your own computer to be able to copy / paste, Transfer Files and Print reports.
You can hit “Don’t Ask me again…” and hit Allow. You will be prompted again for your username and password.
Please be patient as the server loads up. Once everything is loaded, you should see the familiar Windows interface with your apps ready to go!
Windows App Method
If you are an internal employee of the company or you are using an internal company computer, you may have the privilege of using the Windows App to sign in.
Note – This method only works if you’re the computer you are using is compliant with company policy. If you see an error message saying something like “You can’t get there from here” then you are not using an approved and regulated company device and therefore cannot access AVD via the Windows App at this time. Please scroll back up and use the Web Browser method.
Start by searching in your start menu for the “Windows App“.
If you do not see the app, you may need to first download it from the Company Portal or the Microsoft Store. Open Company Portal or the Microsoft Store and search for “Windows App”
Download and install this app on your computer.
Once you’re ready, launch the app and sign in with your company account. Once you’re all set up, logged in, and clicked through the tutorials, click on Go to devices
You should see a list of computers you can connect to. Click Connect to get connected right away!
Pro Tip: Change the monitor connection settings for a better experience with AVD and the Windows App.
Click the three-dots and click Settings
Change the following settings:
- Use Default: Off
- Display Configuration: Single Display
- Start Full Screen: Off
- Fit Session to Window: On
- Update the resolution on resize: On
You are now ready to get connected!
