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Azure Virtual Desktop

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This article shows how to access Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). AVD is used as a cloud-based device to host applications.

 

Table of contents 

 

General Information

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a cloud based system that can allow multiple users to connect to and use applications that otherwise may not be practical to run from your computer.  AVD has replaced the Citrix system at USU as of Fall Semester 2025. AVD will not have all the Citrix apps so please see the list of applications below that previously were hosted on the Citrix server that we'll ask you to run locally now.

 

How to Get the Windows App for Desktop

Get the "Windows App" in the Microsoft Store or the USU Company Portal if you are using a Windows device. Or in the app store if you are using a Mac. Once you install the app, open it and it should prompt you to login. Use your A#@aggies.usu.edu as your username and your USU strong password. Once you are logged in, you should have access to USU licensed software as a student and or staff. If you are having trouble using the app, we recommend trying the web version.

How to Access the Web Version

You can access the web version on windows and Mac by going to the website windows.cloud.microsoft. Login with your A#@aggies.usu.edu as your username and your USU strong password. Once logged in, you should be able to access USU licensed software as a staff or student. If you are having trouble using the web version, we recommend trying the app version.

Which Apps are Available to Me?

Different applications are available to students and staff according to groups they belong to. Reach out to the IT Service Desk if you can't see an application that you should have access to, or if you'd like an application be made available to your team/group/class.

Using Azure Virtual Desktop

If it does not automatically prompt you to login, click the plus menu in the upper right and click login. Then login with your USU credentials. The first time you login will take longer than others.

The first time you login, you will need to click "apps" on the left hand menu.

AVD Apps

  1. Apps page
  2. Devices page (Not used and gives a "No devices or apps found" error)
  3. Favorites
  4. User Profile with your initials showing
  5. Applications available to you
  6. Settings

Saving Files in Azure Virtual Desktop

When saving files in AVD do not save to the local drive of the device as they will likely be lost. You can either save to OneDrive or Box. To use Box you have to start the Box app from the Windows App before you can see that option when saving.

Sessions Timeout

AVD sessions will only be available for 3 hours at a time. After 3 hours your session will automatically close so it is smart to save progress often. If you do not touch the mouse or keyboard after 30 minutes it will also end the session.

 

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble using the app or the web version, we recommend switching to the other. When using the web version, you can try clearing your cache and cookies in your browser's privacy and security settings. Please reach out to the #azure_virtual_desktop slack channel for more help.

Admin Apps

If you can't type in the command prompt window, you may need to set the alt keyboard layout. 

You can copy your password into the command prompt window by "right click". If won't display anything but it will be there.  Note, to copy/paste in the web client, make sure "Clipboard" is checked in your in-session settings. 

If you fail to login (incorrect user name or password), the app will still open but you won't be able to connect to the aggies domain.  You must close the app and try again.

Local applications that are no longer available

Because AVD is a use-based-system, there are a number of applications that were previously hosted on Citrix that we ask that you now use on your own device:

For further assistance, please contact your USU IT Admin.

Authored by Scott Bell
Last modified 5 months ago