Windows Virtual Desktop — WVD

Scalable virtual desktop platform that allows you to connect to a Windows computer on the Columbia domain from anywhere without VPN.

WVD provides efficient virtual access to Columbia resources by using the cloud instead of physically shipping hardware to employees and contractors. WVD environments provide a consistent experience for users and can be managed and maintained remotely, either by CUIT or by your departmental IT group.

CUIT's WVD service has several uses, providing opportunities for schools, researchers and staff to offer standard CUIT-managed Windows desktop environments to their users (including students), or to create custom managed desktop environments that are designed to match their users' needs (including developers).

With CUIT's WVD, you can access all of the resources that you normally would be able to use from Columbia's network, including file shares, printing queues, and specialized websites that must be accessed via campus (e.g. RSAM). Students living abroad who need assistance accessing Courseworks (Canvas), LionMail (Gmail), Panopto and other web-based resources can also use WVD. 

    How to request WVD

    Please contact your departmental IT group or dean to discuss requesting access to WVD. Submit a ticket specifying the following information:

    • For International Virtual Desktop offering, faculty and school administrators should submit a request on behalf of their students and include:
      • First name, last name and UNI of student(s)
      • Duration of access needed (e.g. Spring 2021 semester)
      • Chartstring information
    • For all other WVD offerings, include:
      • WVD offering that fits your needs (see below)
      • Number of users overall (provide UNIs of users if you have them)
      • Number of concurrent users expected
      • Software needed
      • Are roaming profiles needed (data saved locally that will be available at next login)? (Yes/No)
      • Chartstring information

     

    Pricing

    Payment will be processed via chartstring.

    How to connect to WVD

    Any web-enabled device can connect to Windows Virtual Desktops (WVD). Windows, macOS, and iOS can connect to WVD via a web client or via the remote desktop application. The use of the web client is recommended for the most consistent user experience.

     

    You can connect to WVD using any HTML5-supported browser like Google Chrome, Firefox or Edge.

    Step 1:  Open your browser and browse to https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient. Type your user name i.e. uni1234@adcu.columbia.edu.

    Screenshot of a Microsoft sign-in page opened in a browser window.

    Step 2:  You will be redirected to the Columbia University portal. Type your password and click Sign in.

    Screenshot of a Columbia University sign-in page.

    Step 3:  Authenticate with Duo multifactor authentication.

    Screenshot of Columbia University DUO multi-factor authentication sign-in.

    Step 4:  You will be presented with any available resources. Double-click on the appropriate resource to connect. The appearance of this screen may vary from user to user.

    Screenshot of a dialogue box that shows available desktop resources from CUIT. These may be different for each user.
    Screenshot of a Columbia Remote Desktop.

    Once you have access to the client in the browser window, you should see the published desktops and applications. 

    Step 1:  Download and install the Windows Remote Desktop client.

    Screenshot of the welcome screen from the Remote Desktop App on Windows that says "Let's get started. Subscribe to access managed apps and desktops provided by your organization. These resources will be available from this client and the Start Menu. Privacy settings for managed resources have been present by your organization (link: Learn more)" with the buttons "Subscribe" and "Subscribe with URL" below.

    Step 2:  Once installed, launch the Remote Desktop client and click Subscribe.

    Screenshot of Microsoft Sign-In page.

    Step 3:  Enter your Columbia login credentials uni1234@adcu.columbia.edu.

    Screenshot of Columbia University sign-in page.

    Step 4:  You will be redirected to the Columbia login portal. Type your password, then you will be prompted for Duo multifactor authentication.

    Screenshot of Columbia University DUO multi-factor authentication sign-in.

    Step 5: You will be presented with any available resources. The appearance of this screen may vary from user to user.

    Screenshot of a dialogue box that shows available desktop resources from CUIT. These may be different for each user.

    Step 6:  Double-click the appropriate resource to connect, then enter your Columbia UNI and password and click OK.

    Screenshot of a Windows Security dialogue box that asks for credentials (username and password) in order to connect to the selected desktop.

    Step 1:  Download and install the appropriate client for your device from the links below:

    Step 2:  Launch the Microsoft Remote Desktop application and choose Not now if prompted. Click Add Workspace.

    Screenshot of the opening page of the Microsoft Remote Desktop App, which says "Add your first Workspace to get started" with a button below that says "Add Workspace"

    Step 3:  Enter https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery as the workspace URL and click Add.

    Screenshot of the "Add Workspace" pop-up on the Microsoft Remote Desktop App is open with https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery entered as the workspace URL. The buttons "Cancel" and "Add" are at the bottom of the dialogue box.

    Step 4:   Enter your Columbia login credentials uni1234@adcu.columbia.edu.

    Screenshot of sign-in page for Microsoft.

    Step 5:  You will be redirected to the Columbia University portal. Type your password then you will be prompted for Duo multifactor authentication.

    Screenshot of Columbia University DUO multi-factor authentication sign-in.

    Step 6:  You will then be presented with any available resources. Double-click on the appropriate resource to connect. The appearance of this screen may vary from user to user.

    Screenshot of a dialogue box that shows available desktop resources from CUIT. These may be different for each user.

    Step 7:  Use your ADCU credentials to connect.

    Screenshot of a dialogue box that asks for credentials (username and password) in order to connect to the selected desktop.

    FAQ

    Yes. Any web-enabled device can connect to Windows Virtual Desktops (WVD). Windows, macOS, and iOS can connect to WVD via a web client or via the remote desktop application.

    No. You may only connect to a Windows computer.