Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) - Getting Started


Introduction


Helpful Links

What is WVD?

Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) makes it easy to access Michigan Medicine resources from a personal device. It creates a virtual version of your work computer using the Windows app* or a browser—no VPN required. 

WVD allows you to securely access important files and tools like email, internal network drives, MiChart, a remote desktop, and more. It serves as a safe alternative to using a virtual private network (VPN) on non-HITS-managed devices, like personal computers or U-M MiWorkspace devices. 

*The Windows App provides the best experience. Access WVD with a browser only if the app is not available. 

Eligibility for WVD Access 

Anyone with access to Michigan Medicine's Microsoft 365 services can use Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD). This includes all Michigan Medicine faculty, staff, and students. 

Compare different remote access methods to see which one meets your needs. 

Supported Devices and Access Methods 

You can access Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) from a variety of devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, iPads, Chromebooks, and more. For the best experience, follow the access methods below: 

1. Accessing WVD via the Microsoft Windows App (Recommended) 

For optimal performance, use Microsoft's Windows App when accessing WVD. This ensures full compatibility with features like Teams audio and video, delivering a crisp, clear, and synced experience. WVD is not recommend for use on mobile phones, as it is designed for use on a keyboard and mouse, and not optimized for a small screen. 

For detailed instructions on how to install the Windows App, follow these links: 

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2. Accessing WVD via a Web Browser (virtual.med.umich.edu) 

If you need quick access or are using a device where you can’t install the Windows App, like on a Chromebook, you can use a supported web browser to log in. However, please note that Teams audio and video are not supported in browser sessions. Supported browsers include: 

  • Microsoft Edge
  • Google Chrome
  • Apple Safari
  • Firefox 

Using Windows Virtual Desktop 

When you use WVD, the experience will look and feel like using a Michigan Medicine CoreImage PC. Michigan Medicine's WVD runs in Microsoft's Azure cloud service. Once the Windows App is installed, log in using your Michigan Medicine email and UMICH password to start a session. 

By default: 

You can minimize, maximize, or resize your session to access applications on your local device. However, cut/copy/paste between your local computer and WVD is not permitted, and printing or accessing local drives is disabled to ensure high-level security. 

Support 

Windows Virtual Desktop is a Silver-tier service. 

HITS provides support 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday - Saturday. 

Session Management and Timeouts 

  • Logging Out: Always log out of your WVD session when you're finished to help conserve Michigan Medicine resources.
  • Inactivity: WVD will lock after 10 minutes of inactivity.  WVD will disconnect your session after 1 hour of inactivity and terminate it after an additional hour. Unsaved work will be lost when your session is terminated.
  • Reconnecting: If you reconnect within 1 hour, you’ll return to where you left off. After this period, you will start a new session. Note: When a device goes into standby or can no longer communicate across the internet, the WVD session will be disconnected and immediately start the 1-hour countdown to session termination.

Key Features and Benefits 

  • No Local Storage Needed: WVD requires no additional storage on your device beyond the app or web browser cache.
  • Cloud-Based Hosting: WVD sessions are hosted by Microsoft in the cloud, eliminating the need for a VPN.
  • Low Bandwidth Usage: WVD sessions don't require much network bandwidth and can recover automatically from brief network interruptions. 

Important Considerations 

  • Audio/Video in Teams: Do not connect to WVD with a web browser if you need to use audio or video in Teams. Always use the Windows App for these features.
  • Zoom Compatibility: Zoom is incompatible with WVD. However, you can join Zoom meetings directly from your device while WVD is running. 

Instructions

Troubleshooting