Home
Student Services
Student Software

Virtual Desktop

We are pleased to offer all UT San Antonio students, faculty, and staff access to our virtual desktop service, MyAppsVDI. Our VDI will work on any operating system; you can use it on your laptop, desktop, tablet, and smartphone. MyAppsVDI is preconfigured to work with UT San Antonio resources and software--it's like having a whole computer lab in your pocket!

How to Connect via Web Browser

To access MyAppsVDI, visit https://myappsvdi.utsa.edu and accept the terms of use
Enter your UTSA ID (abc123) and Passphrase to log in
Verify your identity with Duo.
Note: Push notifications are not supported by MyAppsVDI. Users must receive an authorization code via call, SMS message, or through the Duo mobile app. To use the mobile app, open the app on your device and enter the passocde shown for The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Once you have authenticated, you will be presented with the virtual desktop images currently entitled to your account. The Student VDI is called Student_General. Select your VDI
After about a minute, you will be presented with a Windows 11 virtual machine.
For more options, select the side tab bar. Note that you may select CTRL ALT DEL, File Transfer, and Menu. Copy and Paste features are disabled.

What is a Virtual Desktop (VDI)?

A virtual desktop, or VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is just that-- a computer desktop interface that you can access using the internet. It's like having a computer lab in your pocket!

How does it work? Why should I use it?

Virtual Desktop technology works by being on a remote server that creates and manages virtual machines. You can access these specialized VDIs through a web browser or the Horizon Client software. For better experience we recommend installing the free Horizon Client. It is available for Windows, MacOS, iOS App Store, and Google Play Store.

Why Should I Use it?

No need to install anything; keep your computer clutter-free by using VDI to access software you only need to use occasionally. This saves space on your computer, and time going to and from a computer lab.
The UT San Antonio MyappsVDI works on any operating system; have a Mac but need to use a PC application? VDI has your back!
You can access the VDI from any device with a web browser or Horizon Client, including mobile devices. With VDI, you can quickly use any of the software you would find in on-campus computer labs, whether you're in line for lunch or halfway across town!

Is there something you'd like to do with the VDI, but aren't sure where to start? Get started with a service request through ServiceNow.

Who can access VDIs?

All active registered students, faculty, and staff are entitled to access our Student General VDI.

There are also other VDI offerings through different colleges like the Kleese College of Engineering and Integrated Design (CEID VDI). For faculty & staff, if your department would be interested in a custom VDI, please put in a consultation request!

How do I access VDI?

We recommend installing the Horizon Client. However, you can quickly access the VDI by using your web browser and going to: https://myappsvdi.utsa.edu/.

You will be prompted to acknowledge the legal notice. After reading and accepting, you will use your UTSA ID (abc123 NOT abc123@my.utsa.edu) and Passphrase to log in. Then, you will be prompted with a Duo authentication screen which requires users to be enrolled in Duo authentication.

Note, Omnissa Horizon does not support verified push and push notifications to a user’s mobile device. Users will have the option of receiving their code through a phone call, an SMS message, or through the Duo mobile app.

What if I am a Faculty/Staff member and want to utilize the VDI environment?

Currently, faculty and staff are automatically entitled to the Student General VDI. Do you need access to an application or have specific needs? Get started with a service request through ServiceNow.

May I use any browser to access the VDI?

The preferred method is to install the Horizon Client, but you may access the VDI through Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

Are there any system requirements to access the VDI?

To learn more about the system requirements, visit Omnissa.

What is the Omnissa Horizon Client?

The Omnissa Horizon Client is software that is designed to optimize your VDI experience. It is not needed in order to create a connection as you may utilize the internet (HTML5) client. However, it is the preferred method of using VDI, especially if it involves using calls on Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc. For instructions on how to install, follow this article.

Do I need to download the Omnissa Horizon Client?

No but it is preferred. The Omnissa Horizon Client does not need to be downloaded for you to access a VDI.

May I access the VDI from my tablet or phone?

Yes. You may download the Omnissa Horizon client by going to the Apple or Google Play store. You may also access the VDI by going to https://myappsvdi.utsa.edu/ on your browser on your device and access the HTML5 client.

Why are other users able to see other VDIs that I may not have access to?

VDIs are currently being entitled based on Colleges/Departments. As we work with the different colleges around campus, different VDIs will be available depending on the resources needed.

Are you taking a class but are not seeing the correct VDI that your fellow classmates are seeing? (ex. Taking an Engineering course but can't see CEID VDI) Reach out to Tech Café.

If I personalize my VDI, will my changes be saved?

No. All current VDIs are created as “Non-Persistent” VDIs. Non-Persistent means they are set to delete all information after logging out.

Am I able to save my information on the VDI?

No personal files will be saved in the VDI. We recommend users save their information to OneDrive or email the files to themselves. All information will be deleted after the customer logs out of the VDI. You may also download the Omnissa Client which allows you to save files directly to your computer.

How may I access OneDrive for Business?

Access your OneDrive by visiting https://portal.office.com and logging in with your UTSA ID and Passphrase. Then, select the OneDrive cloud icon on the left side of the page.

*Note, the OneDrive desktop client is not available within VDI.

I saved some information on the VDI and closed out and it’s no longer there. What can I do?

All information is deleted from the VDI after closing the VDI. If you close out and re-open the VDI, there is no guarantee that your file will be accessible. Please save your work before exiting the session.

Will MyAppsVDI be available after I graduate?

Only active registered students are able to access the VDIs entitled to their accounts at this moment.

How do I request software for the coming term?

All software recommendations are processed through the respective Colleges and/or our Student Connect Service labs, depending on the business case and need. If you are a student, please reach out to your professor. Get started with a service request through ServiceNow. A representative will be in contact with you in regards to your request.