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Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop, or AVD,  is a cloud-based platform that allows authorized personnel to access a standardized VA desktop. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is designed for users with non-VA-issued Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS, iPadOS, or iOS devices. 

a macbook air laptop in the dark

This is a basic guide that works for most staff members. If you are having problems with this, please contact the yourIT Help Desk at 855-673-4357 (711 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Service)

Connection Quick Start

Azure Virtual Desktop is available on Windows 10, Windows 11, MacOS 10.10 (or newer), iOS 16.0 (or newer), and iPadOS 16.0 (or newer) devices. Remote access to AVD must be authorized via the Remote Access Portal (RAP). See FAQ “How do I request access to AVD?” for additional details.

  • Windows 10 and 11 – User Owned
  • Government Furnished Equipment (GFE)
  • MacOS – User Owned and Government Furnished
  • iPadOS and iOS – User Owned

Windows 10 and 11 – User Owned

  1. Download the 64-bit Windows Desktop client (MSRDC) application installer (this is intended for Windows 10).
  1. When prompted for installation action choose “Open”, which will open and run the installer.
Screenshot of option to open the installer or save as.
  1. When the Remote Desktop Setup welcome screen opens, click Next to continue.
Screenshot of the installation wizard.
  1. On the End-User License Agreement screen, mark the checkbox I accept the terms in the License Agreement, then click Next.
Screenshot of of the End User license agreement - check the accept box.
  1. On the Installation Scope screen, accept the default selection of Install just for you, then click Install.
Screenshot of Installation scope options - choose Install just for you.
  1. On the Completed the Remote Desktop Setup Wizard screen, click Finish to complete the installation and begin configuring the client.
Screenshot of installation completion screen.
  1. From the Start Menu, launch the Remote Desktop App
Screenshot of start menu showing the Remote Desktop app.
  1. On the Let’s get started screen, click Subscribe.
Screenshot of the Let's Get Start screen with the subscribe button highlighted.
  1. Insert your PIV card into the PIV reader attached to your PC.
  2. The “Sign in” window should appear. Enter your VA email address. Click Next.
Screenshot of the email entry screen.
  1. When the Authentication options window appears, select Sign in using a certificate
Screenshot of the sign in options.
  1. Choose your PIV Authentication certificate. Click OK. Enter your PIN. Click OK.
Smart card form asking for the personal identification number.
  1. You should be greeted with the 1VA Main East and 1VA Main West desktops to connect to. These icons are for both GFE and BYOD (personal) devices. Double click either icon to launch your VA Azure Virtual Desktop Session.
  2. Another authentication window should appear, click Sign in using a certificate
Screenshot of the sign in options.
  1. Enter your PIN and click OK
Smart card form asking for the personal identification number.

You have now successfully logged in to AVD using your Windows device.

Government Furnished Equipment (GFE)

Users with Windows-based Government Furnished Equipment can now expect to see the Remote Desktop Client installed automatically as part of the standard software installation package. If you do not have this software installed you may search for it in Software Center or contact your local IT for additional support.

From the Start Menu, launch the Remote Desktop App

Screenshot of start menu showing the Remote Desktop app.

On the Let’s get started screen, click Subscribe.

Screenshot of the Let's Get Start screen with the subscribe button highlighted.

Insert your PIV card into the PIV reader attached to your PC.

The “Sign in” window should appear. Enter your VA email address. Click Next.

Screenshot of the email entry screen.

When the Authentication options window appears, select Sign in using a certificate

Screenshot of the sign in options.

Choose your PIV Authentication certificate. Click OK. Enter your PIN. Click OK.

Smart card form asking for the personal identification number.

You should be greeted with the 1VA Main East and 1VA Main West desktops to connect to. These icons are for both GFE and BYOD (personal) devices. Double click either icon to launch your VA Azure Virtual Desktop Session.

Another authentication window should appear, click Sign in using a certificate

Screenshot of the sign in options.

Enter your PIN and click OK

Smart card form asking for the personal identification number.

You have now successfully logged in to AVD using your Windows device.

MacOS – User Owned and Government Furnished

  1. Using your Mac (macOS 10.10 or newer) go to App Store
Screenshot of the app store icon.
  1. Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop, download and install.
Screenshot of the Mac App Store entry for Microsoft Remote Desktop.
  1. Select Not Now
Screenshot of the allow usage and performance tracking - select Not Now.
  1. Select Continue
Screenshot of the allow access to local devices screen.
  1. Select Allow
Screenshot of the allow access to the camera option - you should choose allow.
  1. Select Allow
Screenshot of the allow access to the microphone option - choose allow.
  1. Select Add Workspace
Screenshot of the add a PC screen and the option to add a PC or Workspace is shown.
Screenshot of the add a workspace screen.
  1. Enter AVD Workspace URL https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com, click Add.
Screenshot of the add a workspace screen with the address entered.
  1. Enter your VA.gov email address, select Next
Screenshot of the email entry.
  1. Type in your PIN, select OK
Screenshot of the macOS version of the personal identification number entry.
  1. You will now have access to all your AVD desktops and apps. Click the desktop or app you would like to access.
Screenshot of the MacOS version of the add a workspace screen.
  1. Type in your PIN and click OK
Screenshot of the interface asking for the PIV card personal identification number.

You have successfully logged into AVD using your MacOS device.

iPadOS and iOS – User Owned

  1. Open the App Store, search for RD Client and click Get
Screenshot of the app store entry for Remote Desktop Mobile.
  1. Find the RD Client on your device and open it
Screenshot of the mobile screen showing the remote desktop client app icon.
  1. Tap the + on the bottom of the screen, then tap Add Workspace
Screenshot of the mobile version of the add a pc or workspace screen - choose workspace.
  1. Type https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com into the search bar, click Next
Screenshot of the mobile version of the add a workspace screen.
  1. Type in your VA.gov email address, click Next
Screenshot of the sign-in screen asking for the user's VA email address.
  1. You will now have access to all your AVD desktops and apps. Tap the desktop/app you would like to access
Screenshot of the mobile version of the Remote Connection screen showing available resources.
  1. Select Sign in using a certificate and choose your authentication certificate
Screenshot of the authentication options screen
  1. Select Continue
Screenshot of the trust approval

You have successfully logged into Azure Virtual Desktop using your iOS or iPadOS device. While it is possible to use AVD on your device without peripherals, it is recommended that you connect a keyboard and mouse or trackpad to your device for a much more pleasant experience.

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