Introduction
Eligibility
Who Can Use WVD
WVD is available to Michigan Medicine faculty, staff, and students who need remote access on a personal device to Michigan Medicine resources and applications.
Device Compatibility
You can access WVD from Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, most mobile devices, and via common web browsers.
Note: Access requires multi-factor authentication and a valid Michigan Medicine account.
Benefits
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Michigan Medicine Desktop Experience | Access a virtual desktop that mirrors a CoreImage Windows device with familiar tools and settings. Securely connect to internal drives, applications, and files. |
| Application Access | Use essential Michigan Medicine applications such as Outlook, MiChart, and more, directly within your virtual desktop. Neither VPN nor Intune mobile device management are required. |
| Cross-Platform Support | Connect from Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android, or through a web browser—choose the method that works best for you. |
| Data Security & Compliance | WVD is regularly updated to keep your data secure, and meets Michigan Medicine’s compliance and privacy requirements. |
| Session Management | Quickly log in and out of a WVD session. Save files to your Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folder within WVD and it will sync with OneDrive. |
Installation or Access Instructions
Windows PC Installation
- If you previously installed Microsoft's Remote Desktop application, uninstall it before continuing.
- Open the Microsoft Store on your PC, search for Windows App, and click on it.
- Click Get to install the app. Once downloaded, launch the app on your device.
- Click Sign In and enter your @med.umich.edu email and UMICH password, then complete the multi-factor authentication prompts.
- In the app, select the Devices tab on the left.
- Click the Virtual Desktop tile's Connect button. See the manage multiple monitors article for instructions on how to customize your WVD session.
- Enter your uniqname and UMICH password again and click OK. Your virtual desktop session with launch for your use.
Reference: KB0011383
Mac Installation
- Launch the App Store and search for the Windows App.
- Select Windows App and click the Get button (or the cloud download button if you downloaded it before).
- Open the Windows App when downloaded and select skip when presented with the 'Welcome to the Windows App' screen.
- Click the + in the upper right corner and select Add Work or School Account.
- Enter your @med.umich.edu email address and UMICH password to sign in, and complete MFA prompts.
- Select the Devices tab on the left.
- Double-click Virtual Desktop. Customize settings using the manage multi-monitor support article before you start a WVD session. Note: do not use the "Optimize for Retina Displays" setting as some applications in WVD will not work.
- Sign in again with your @med.umich.edu and UMICH password and click Continue - your virtual desktop session will launch.
Reference: KB0011384
Web Browser Access (Windows & Mac)
- Open a supported browser (Edge, Chrome, Safari).
- Go to the WVD portal: https://virtual.med.umich.edu
- Sign in with your Michigan Medicine email and complete MFA prompts.
- Launch your virtual desktop or applications directly from the browser.
Reference: KB0011382
Common Issues
- What to do if you are getting errors saying you are out of space
- Refresh WVD and Virtual Apps in the Windows App
- How to address the "black screen" problem
- What do I do if Edge or Chrome says Teams is blocked?
Additional Resources
- KB0011385: Ending a session
- KB0011386: Available applications and requesting applications
- KB0011388: Mapping network drives
- KB0016362: Customizing multiple monitor settings
- KB0015065: Remote desktop connection from WVD
- KB0016335: Security and timer settings
- KB0024728: Open MiChart in WVD
- KB0012319: Using Zoom with WVD
FAQs
Q: Can I access my network drives in WVD?
A: Yes! You can map your Michigan Medicine network drives within your WVD session.
Q: What if I only need Outlook email access?
A: Use the Outlook Virtual App, which may be more efficient for email-only needs.
Q: Is my session saved if I disconnect?
A: If you get disconnected, your session will keep running until 60-minute timer expires. One hour after you disconnect, your session will be terminated and unsaved work may be lost.
Ensure your work is preserved in the event your session disconnects by always saving/storing working files to your Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folder, which automatically sync with OneDrive.
When you are finished in WVD, always log out (click Start ➡️ Desktop Logoff) instead of simply closing the window. Logging off closes your session. Anything else, just disconnects you from the service but does not log off your session.
Q: What are the functional limitations in WVD?
A:
- Within WVD, you will be unable to access local storage (e.g., your device's hard drive), printers, or copy/paste in and out of your virtual desktop session.
- When using WVD on a web browser (via virtual.med.umich.edu) there is limited Teams functionality. Use the Windows App to join a call or a video meeting. Look for the term "Optimized" in the top left of Teams in the Windows app to participate in a call/meeting.
- A WVD session will take up multiple monitors by default until the session settings are updated.
- Don't stream YouTube or other videos within a WVD session, instead watch the video in another browser tab/window on your local device. Streaming can negatively impact the service performance for everyone.
Q: Can I use WVD on my phone or tablet?
A: Yes, the Windows App is available on iOS/iPadOS and Android. Please note that WVD is optimized for use on a desktop and laptop.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please visit the HITS Get Help page. We’re here to help you get connected and stay productive!
Instructions
Windows Virtual Desktop - Troubleshooting Steps for HITS (HITS internal)