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Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

The Azure Virtual Desktop Service (AVD) gives secure access, for students, to popular University software and your files whilst you are away from campus.

You can connect from anywhere, using most devices, including your PC, laptop, tablet or Chromebook. You will need a browser and an internet connection.

Eligibility

All students are eligible for the Azure Virtual Desktop service.

Students should attempt to download and install software locally where possible in the first instance. If not viable or feasible to do so, requests for access need to be submitted via the Course/Module Coordinator and/or Faculty Technical representative to the Service Desk.  Requests should include:

  • Required Application
  • List of student email addresses

The faculty technical representation and/or the Course/Module Coordinator will be the single point of contact for Digital Services in terms of communication and coordination and support for use of the application will be through Faculty technical representatives as normal.

How to access the Azure Virtual Desktop

Connect to AVD via Remote Desktop App

For the best experience in terms of speed and functionality, we recommend you download the Remote Desktop app for your device:

To configure the Windows app:

  • Install the Azure Remote Desktop App
  • Start the App and click on the "Subscribe" button.
  • Sign in with your University email (e.g. Surname-A2@ulster.ac.uk) and network password

To configure the Mac app:

  • Install the Mac Remote Desktop App
  • Start the App and click on the '+' icon, then select "Workspace".
  • Sign in with your University email address (e.g. Surname-A2@ulster.ac.uk) and network password

To configure the mobile (iOS/Android) app:

  • Start the app and press the '+' icon, then select "Add Workspace" or “Remote Resource Feed”.
  • Enter your University email address (e.g. Surname-A2@ulster.ac.uk), and network password
  • If you have the Microsoft Authenticator App on your device setup with your University student account for MFA, you will be redirected to this app. Select your student account and you will be automatically signed in.
  • If you have the Microsoft Authenticator App on your device for any other purposes, you will be redirected to this app. Press the ‘+’ icon, then sign in with your University email address (e.g. Surname-A@ulster.ac.uk) and network password.

Connect to AVD via your web browser

For the best experience in terms of speed and functionality, we recommend you download the Remote Desktop app for your device as advised above, however, you can also connect via your web browser, however this will be more restrictive:

Best Practice

Use AVD to access applications you can't get on your computer whilst you're away from campus.

There is no need to log in to AVD for the following:

  • To check your University email
  • To access Microsoft Office Applications (sign in with your University email address and network password)
  • Browse the Internet
  • To attend a MS Teams event as a guest or a Blackboard Collaborate event

Student AVD Software

Students can access a range of common and faculty specific applications (detailed below), in addition to standard software such as Microsoft Office 365 and various web browsers.

Please note: CAD and specialist software are not available currently via AVD. Some applications may not be available due to licensing restrictions.

  • Office 365
  • OneDrive
  • Gretl
  • Sage
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • 7-Zip
  • CloudCompare
  • Google Earth Pro
  • ArcGIS Pro
  • ArcGIS + Districting
  • Quantum GIS
  • R
  • R Studio
  • Audacity
  • Blue J
  • Cytoscape
  • Max Quant
  • Octave
  • Orange
  • Perseus
  • Putty
  • Sage 50
  • WinSCP
  • Xming

Software available for download to your own device

Discounted and no-cost software titles are also available to download and install on own PC and personal devices:

Access software from home

What is Azure Virtual Desktop?

The Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) service gives you access to the same Windows 10 desktop and applications that you use on campus from anywhere with an internet connection on any device.

What do I need to access the AVD service?

You need an internet connection, a University login ID and a device capable of running the client software (or any HTML5-compatible browser, e.g. Edge).

What do I need to access the AVD service?

You need an internet connection, a University login ID and a device capable of running the client software (or any HTML5-compatible browser, e.g. Edge).

How do I access AVD?

For the best performance, you can download the client software:

You can also access directly from an HTML5-compliant browser.  The supported browsers are:

  • Windows: Edge, Chrome, Firefox
  • MacOS: Safari
  • Linux: Chrome
  • ChromeOS: Chrome
What software can I access on the AVD service?

CPU Workloads

  • Office 365
  • OneDrive
  • Gretl
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • IGV
  • Quantum GIS
  • R
  • R Studio
  • Cytoscape
  • Orange
  • Putty
  • WinSCP

GPU Workloads (by request)

  • ArcGIS Pro
  • AutoCAD 2025
  • CloudCompare
  • Erdas Imagine
  • Google Earth Pro
  • Navisworks Manage 2025
  • Navisworks Manage 2025 (BIM 360)
  • Revit 2025
Can I access AVD from a phone or tablet?

Yes, with the following minimum requirements:

  • iPhone/iPad: iOS 16 or later
  • Android: Android 9 or later
Is my data safe when using AVD?

Yes, the AVD service uses an encrypted link between the Microsoft cloud and campus to protect your data.

How can I print to my local printer?

Your local printers should automatically be available within AVD when using the Windows or Mac desktop clients.

How to contact the Service Desk

You can also Live Chat with a Service Desk team member. When a team member is available you will see a button on the bottom right of this screen. If the button is not visible, you can still contact us via the methods above.

Service Desk Hours

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday – Sunday 1.30pm – 5pm

Extended Closure - Easter and Christmas Holidays

View Extended Closure Service Desk Hours