There are two ways to accessYour published AVD remote desktops and remote applications.In this post, we'll discuss both options in detail.
Additionally, you can watch a video experience of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) remote desktop.
sameRemote Desktop Client (RD Client)For end user connection or launchWindows 365 Cloud PC.more detailsWindows 365 Cloud PC Web Client End User Experience Walkthrough.
notes!–Does the AVD have application add-ons, generally available worldwide?
Related Posts–Install Subscription Windows RD Client Step-by-Step Guide for AVD End Users
introduce
Microsoft AVD is Microsoft's new VDI story. I have an article which explains Microsoft AVD Vs. Citrix, AVD Myths, AVD Known Issues, and AVD Setup. More details atThe Microsoft VDI Storypostal.
Microsoft shared details about the Microsoft AVD release date (GA) and explained the future roadmap for AVD in a Windows Virtual Desktop Ask Anything (AMA).
I have an article highlighting points shared by the AVD engineering team in an AVD AMA. More details atAVD AMApostal.
In this article, you will see two methods of accessing AVD remote applications and remote desktops from thin clients or physical desktops. Below are two options available for accessing AVD remote desktops and applications.
notes!PWA (Progressive Web App)option isnot yetEnabled for AVD web browser. Maybe this will show up in the future?
notes!- Do you have any questionAVD Remote/Web SSO? The links below will help you understand better.https://www.anoopcnair.com/microsoft-wvd-ama-faq-ga-dates/#WVD_SSO_Related_Questions
- Web browser (browser that supports HTML5)
- Remote Desktop Client (Windows Devices)
- thin client?
AVD Web client browser (HTML5-based browser)
A web browser is the easiest way to connect to AVD remote desktops and applications. AVD remote desktop resources can be accessed from any HTLM5-capable web browser.
Azure Virtual DesktopThe web client URL has now changed.will help if you transition to the new URL before April 18th2022.
- New AVD web client URL:https://client.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/index.html
renew: The new web client URL works with all browsers and provides the same experience as the previous web client URL. I can no longer reproduce the different experience explained below.
I think the problem is highlighted in the screenshot below. Either I'm using the wrong URL, or it's redirecting to an incorrect web client URL.
Consent is only required when you visit the new client URL from the Microsoft Edge browser logged into your profile. This will cause some delay during migration to the new AVD URL if you don't have proper permissions on Azure AD.
I've tested with Firefox and other browsers, and the new URL works fine if the user account is assigned the correct license. User login details should be cached in the browser for this to work.
Below is my previous experience with the web client URL when trying to log in from a Microsoft Edge personal profile and a work profile where you don't have the proper license to access the AVD.
- Only for AVD V2 ARM(Current URL - End of support soon)
The changes to the end user experience with the new URL will cause some confusion within the AVD community.
notes!– AVD remote desktop client (explained) has better end-user experience than a web browser. I've seen inconsistencies in single sign-on (SSO), several popups, etc...
notes!– You can use the following URL to connect to the AVD remote desktop resource.https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/webclient/index.html(This does not apply to WVD V2 or newer WVD with ARM support or AVD Spring versions).
Non-ARM AVD web client URL
I hope you haven't used a non-arm version of AVD by now. If so, here is the web client URL for the non-ARM version of the AVD (WVD v1.0).
- old:https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/webclient/index.html
- old:https://www.wvd.microsoft.com/webclient/index.html
- new:https://client.wvd.microsoft.com/webclient/index.html
Windows 10 devices
In the test scenario, I use a web browser to connect to the AVD resource because it is very easy to test with different web browsers on my Windows 10 Surface book.
Mobile Devices - Non-Windows Devices
The only option to access AVD resources from mobile and non-Windows devices is through a web browser.
Microsoft mentions in their documentation that you can access AVD remote desktop resources from all non-Windows devices that support HTML5.
I try to access AVD resources from iOS 12/13/14/15 devices on different browsers and the results are as follows.
- chrome alloy–Works great.
- Safari–work fine
- microsoft edge–Unable to list AVD resources
AVD Remote Desktop Client (Windows devices)
The second option for connecting to AVD Remote Desktop resources is to download and install the AVD Remote Desktop client. This client is only available for Windows devices.
- Download RD Client for AVDFrom the link below:
Updated functionality of Microsoft Remote Client for AVD
According to Freek Berson, here are the features included in the latest version of the Microsoft Remote Desktop client@ferberson.
- fallback languagelocalizationversion improvements
- After deleting the subscription, the cached credentialsThe credential manager has been cleaned up sufficiently.
- Unattended client updatesProcesses and clients are restarted after completion (will be apparent when next update is available)
- Microsoft Remote Desktop client available on Windows 10small
After installing the client, it will getautomatic updatefrom the cloud. You can see the notification in AVD Remote Desktop Client/Windows Action Center.
NewestMicrosoft Remote DesktopClient supports Windows 10smallversion, and more stable.
notes!– In Microsoft documentation, only Windows 7 and Windows 10 support statements are available. I hope Windows 8.1 is also supported.
Download AVD Remote Desktop Client
You can download the latestAzure Remote Desktop (AVD) client from the Microsoft website.latest version ✔
Video Experience AVD Remote Desktop Client
The following video will take you to experience Microsoft Remote Desktop client application installation, subscription, display settings, and client automatic update.
✔Microsoft AVD remote desktop clientdownload
✔Microsoft Remote Desktop client applicationInstall
✔AVD remote desktop clientsubscription
✔AVD remote desktop clientdisplay setting
✔AVD remote desktop clientAutomatic Client Updates
AVD Remote Desktop Client - Display Settings
Below are the AVD remote desktop client display settings available for the latest version of the client. If you don't change the settings, it will automatically adopt your physical device's display settings.
This behavior is a bit cumbersome in user experience (when you are connected to dual screens etc..)
notes!–correct customert on the AVD remote resource listed in the client, andselect settings.You can adjust the display settings in the settings menu according to your needs.
Below are my favorite Microsoft Remote Desktop client display settings when testing AVD remote desktops/remote applications.
- Use default settings -leave
- display setting
- Use all monitors -leave
- Full screen launch -leave
- UPDATE RESIZED RESOLUTION -leave
- Determination—choose for me—1280 × 1024
- Change the size of text and applications: 175% (this will make windows in Remote Desktop appear more clearly)
- Make session suitable for Window-ON
AVD Microsoft Remote Desktop Client - WIP - Conflict?
A conflict exists between Windows Information Protection (WIP) policies (deployed through Microsoft Intune) and the Microsoft Remote Desktop client.
You may reproduce the issue after your subscription times out and you will need to unsubscribe and resubscribe. The latest version has the same problem,1.2.246.0.
I can see that Microsoft Remote Desktop is a WIP starter application. However, not sure if our RD client (msrdcw.exe) for AVD is started.
thin client access
As they mentioned in their AVD AMA, Microsoft is working closely with all thin client vendors, especially with DELL. Below are the thin client operating systems supported by Microsoft currently/in the future.
- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise (Supported)
- Linux-based thin clients (future roadmap)
- Dell Thin Clients (Future Roadmap)
resource
- AVD Video Playlist ➡➡https://aka.ms/WVDPlaylist
- AVD AMA August 28, 2019Windows Virtual Desktop Microsoft AVD FAQ from AMA
- Microsoft VDI Stories AVD Concepts Setup Guide Myths Known Issues
- SCCM Intune support for persistent non-persistent VDI VMs
author
AnoopC NairIt's Microsoft MVP! He is a facility management administrator with over 20 years of experience in the IT field (calculation done in 2021). He is a blogger, speaker, and leader of the local user group HTMD Community. He focuses on device management technologies such as SCCM 2012, Current Branch, and Intune. He has written about ConfigMgr, Windows 11, Windows 10, Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, Windows 365, AVD, and more.
FAQs
How do I connect my Azure Virtual Desktop to my browser? ›
- Open your web browser.
- Sign in with your user account. ...
- Select one of the icons to launch a session to Azure Virtual Desktop. ...
- A prompt for Access local resources may be displayed asking you confirm which local resources you want to be available in the remote session.
- Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop client from Google Play.
- Launch RD client from your list of apps.
- Add a Remote Desktop connection or remote resources.
You directly connect to a remote desktop or terminal server from your browser. No desktop app is needed. Using RDP via browser, your RDP connection fully encrypted. Sensitive data such as username and password are always transferred encrypted and directly passed through to the remote systems.
How do you connect to AVD? ›Web Browser
Simply open your HTML5-compatible browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and visit https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/index.html Authenticate using your Microsoft credentials and the browser will list available AVD Desktops and Apps.
- Sign in to the Azure portal.
- Navigate to the storage account that contains the file share you'd like to mount.
- Select File shares.
- Select the file share you'd like to mount.
- Select Connect.
- Select the drive letter to mount the share to.
- Copy the provided script.
The Remote Desktop web client lets users access your organization's Remote Desktop infrastructure through a compatible web browser. They'll be able to interact with remote apps or desktops like they would with a local PC no matter where they are.
How to show a Remote Desktop connection to the RD Session Host in the RD Web Access? ›Open RemoteApp Manager, click Change next to RD Session Host Server Settings, select Show a remote desktop connection to this RD Session Host server in RD Web Access, click OK. The above option will cause a Remote Desktop icon to appear in the list of RemoteApp Programs. This will connect them to your server.
What is the username and password for RD client? ›Your RDP username is always "Administrator" (this is case sensitive). Your administrator password is generally the password you use to log into Plesk with the username "admin" (although the administrator account and admin accounts can use different passwords).
How do I connect to Remote Desktop from IP address? ›Connection over local network:
On the client computer, press Win + R, and type “mstsc” in the Run Dialog box to open the Remote Desktop Connection. Step 2. Click Show Options, type in the IP address and name of the host computer and then click Connect. Step 3.
- Go to remotedesktop.google.com (or click on the extension icon in your browser) and select Share my screen. Instruct the other person to do the same.
- You'll see two boxes: Share this screen and Connect to another computer.
How do I open RD Web Access? ›
To authenticate for RD Web Access: In a web browser, go to the URL of the RD Web Access site. The default URL is https://<server name>/rdweb, where <server name> is the fully qualified domain name of the web server where you installed RD Web Access. The user types their user name and password.
How do I enable RDP in Chrome? ›- Sign in to your Google Admin console. ...
- In the Admin console, go to Menu Apps. ...
- Click Chrome Remote Desktop.
- Click Service status.
- To turn a service on or off for everyone in your organization, click On for everyone or Off for everyone, and then click Save.
Azure Virtual Desktops use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
What is the URL for Azure Virtual Desktop Web feed? ›The URL to access the web client is https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient. This link requires the user to sign in to Azure AD with their enterprise account. Once logged into Azure AD, the user has access to the resources that are assigned to them.
What is Azure Virtual Desktop Client? ›Azure Virtual Desktop on Microsoft Azure is a desktop and app virtualization service that runs on the cloud. Azure Virtual Desktop works across devices – including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android – with full-featured apps that you can use to access remote desktops and apps.
How do I access Azure file share over https? ›It is possible to access the File Shares' files over HTTP (and HTTPS). You can generate a SAS token and attach it to the URL. Check the URL for the file(s) by clicking the 3 dots > Properties, and to that URL string attach the SAS token.
How do users access Azure file share? ›In the Azure portal, go to your file share, or create a file share. Select Access Control (IAM). In the Add role assignment blade, select the appropriate built-in role from the Role list. Leave Assign access to at the default setting: Azure AD user, group, or service principal.
What is Remote Desktop Services vs AVD? ›The basic difference between RDS and AVD is, RDS is based on a server operating system (OS), AVD comes with a desktop OS that is, multi-user Windows 10. AVD is both platform and infrastructure services (PaaS and Iaas). Here the host is a virtual machine (VM), and the rest of the service is PaaS.
What is the difference between desktop client and web client? ›To put it simply, desktop clients or applications are types of software installed directly onto your computer and can be launched independently of other applications. Browser clients are software applications used through internet web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
How does Microsoft remote desktop client work? ›With Remote Desktop, the host device powers the software and operating system, and displays it on the client device. Remote Desktop software captures mouse and keyboard inputs from the client device and sends them back to the host machine.
How to connect Remote Desktop using a web based interface? ›
- Generally, there is no official RDP web access platform that supports remote connection with URL. ...
- Launch the app, click + Add button > Workspaces to add your workspace.
- Enter the relevant URL from the following list, and click Subscribe.
Click the Tools tab. In the Windows Tools section, click Remote Control. Click. against the name of a computer to view its remote-control history.
What is the default location of Remote Desktop Connection? ›Default. rdp is stored for each user as a hidden file in the user's Documents folder. User created . rdp files are saved by default in the user's Documents folder, but can be saved anywhere.
How do I connect to RD Gateway? ›- Open the Server Manager, then select Remote Desktop Services.
- Go to Servers, right-click the name of your server, then select RD Gateway Manager.
- In the RD Gateway Manager, right-click the name of your gateway, then select Properties.
Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop, and your PC name is under the “How to connect to this PC”.
How to access Remote Desktop without IP address? ›Click “Start”, right-click “Computer”, then “Properties” and select “Remote Settings”, on the left. On the “Remote” tab, select the radio button, “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication”, as shown in the image below.
How do I access my server from outside my network? ›Use VPN connection. Some of the users will choose VPN to realize remote control for the security of VPN. Actually, we can also remote in to a server from outside the network by using VPN. The host PC will act as one of the parts on the same network when you use a VPN to connect.
Can I use Remote Desktop without VPN? ›Is RDP safe without VPN? Unfortunately, the answer is NO. However, there still are options for us to improve the security of remote desktop connections. For example, you can disable RDP when not used, restrict access using firewalls, use third-party remote access services, etc.
How to remotely access another computer using command prompt? ›Type "mstsc /console /v:computername" into Command Prompt, and place “computername” with the specific username of the computer you want to connect to. For example, the username of the PC I want to log in to is Vivian PC.
How do I access another computer on the same network without permission? ›AnyViewer is a reliable remote desktop software that allows you to access another computer without permission. If you are looking for a simple and secure method, this application could be the best one for you. Flexible connection methods: Set up in advance, and both unattended and attended remote access are available.
Can I use Chrome Remote Desktop from anywhere? ›
Remotely access your computer to view files or run programs anytime, from anywhere. Built on Google's secure infrastructure using the latest open web technologies like WebRTC, you can connect to your devices or share your screen with confidence. Connect however you want, using a computer or your Android or iOS device.
Do I need a RD Web Access server? ›The RD Web Server is an optional role that enables users to access their desktops and/or applications through a web portal. It requires the IIS role to function properly. Since this server is Internet facing, it should be placed in a DMZ.
What happened to Chrome RDP? ›Google still has its original version of the Chrome Remote Desktop app published and available in the Chrome Web Store, by the way, but that version is now officially deprecated and no longer being actively supported or maintained.
What is the shortcut for Chrome Remote Desktop? ›Press and hold left shift to access options - If selected, pressing and holding the left shift key on your keyboard will bring up Chrome Remote Desktop options.
How do I use Chrome Remote Desktop without signing in? ›Can you use Chrome Remote Desktop without signing in? Yes. By going to https://remotedesktop.google.com/headless on a device you don't mind using, you can set up access to the remote machine, so there is no need to sign in with your Google account.
How do I connect my Azure VM to my browser? ›- In the Azure portal, search for and select DevTest Labs.
- On the DevTest Labs page, select your lab.
- On the lab's Overview page, select the VM you want to connect to from the list under My virtual machines.
- On the VM's Overview page, from the top menu, select Browser connect.
Azure Virtual Desktop uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to provide remote display and input capabilities over network connections. RDP was initially released with Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server Edition and was continuously evolving with every Microsoft Windows and Windows Server release.
What is the difference between Azure VM and Windows Virtual Desktop? ›Purpose: Azure VMs provide infrastructure for hosting virtual machines, while Azure Virtual Desktop provides a virtual desktop experience for end users. Operating System: Azure VMs can run both Windows and Linux operating systems, while Azure Virtual Desktop provides a Windows 10 virtual desktop environment.
How do I join Azure Virtual Desktop to my domain? ›To deploy an Azure AD-joined VM, open the Virtual Machines tab, then select whether to join the VM to Active Directory or Azure Active Directory. Selecting Azure Active Directory gives you the option to enroll VMs with Intune automatically, which lets you easily manage your session hosts.
How do I access my Azure virtual network? ›- On the client computer, go to VPN settings.
- Select the VPN that you created. ...
- Select Connect.
- In the Windows Azure Virtual Network box, select Connect. ...
- When your connection succeeds, you'll see a Connected notification.
What ports are needed for Azure Virtual Desktop? ›
Azure Virtual Desktop doesn't require an open inbound port to be open. If you must open port 3389 for troubleshooting purposes, we recommend you use just-in-time VM access. We also recommend you don't assign a public IP address to your session hosts.
What is remote desktop Web client? ›The Remote Desktop web client lets users access your organization's Remote Desktop infrastructure through a compatible web browser. They'll be able to interact with remote apps or desktops like they would with a local PC no matter where they are.
Why do I need Azure Virtual Desktop? ›Azure Virtual Desktop provides a secure virtual desktop infrastructure with the flexibility of access from any device and from anywhere. It is also much more cost-effective and scalable than other traditional VDI options available on the market.
Is Azure Virtual Desktop a VPN? ›You can connect an Azure Virtual Desktop instance to an on-premises network by using a virtual private network (VPN), or you can use Azure ExpressRoute to extend the on-premises network into Azure over a private connection. Azure AD: Azure Virtual Desktop uses Azure AD for identity and access management.
What is the Azure Virtual Desktop URL? ›Then open another tab in your web browser and visit the Windows Virtual Desktop Consent Page (https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/).
How do I start Windows Virtual Desktop on Connect? ›Enable or disable Start VM on Connect
In the search bar, enter Azure Virtual Desktop and select the matching service entry. Select Host pools, then select the name of the host pool where you want to enable the setting. Select Properties. In the configuration section, you'll see Start VM on connect.
- Sign in to the Azure portal.
- In the portal, search for and select the VM that you want to add the public IP address to.
- Under Settings in the left pane, select Networking, and then select the network interface you want to add the public IP address to.
- Sign in to the Azure portal.
- In Search resources, service, and docs (G+/), type virtual network. ...
- On the Virtual network page, select Create. ...
- On the Basics tab, configure the VNet settings for Project details and Instance details. ...
- Select IP Addresses to advance to the IP Addresses tab.
The basic difference between RDS and AVD is, RDS is based on a server operating system (OS), AVD comes with a desktop OS that is, multi-user Windows 10. AVD is both platform and infrastructure services (PaaS and Iaas). Here the host is a virtual machine (VM), and the rest of the service is PaaS.
How do I find my Azure VM URL? ›To find your instance URL from Microsoft Azure
Sign in to the Microsoft Azure portal (https://portal.azure.com/). Search for SaaS, and then click on the Saas Service. The SaaS page displays.
What is the difference between Azure Virtual Desktop and Virtual Machine? ›
Purpose: Azure VMs provide infrastructure for hosting virtual machines, while Azure Virtual Desktop provides a virtual desktop experience for end users. Operating System: Azure VMs can run both Windows and Linux operating systems, while Azure Virtual Desktop provides a Windows 10 virtual desktop environment.
Why is my virtual desktop computer not connecting? ›The most common causes of Virtual Desktop not working are not having the Streamer app running on your computer, conflicts with Antivirus or Firewall software, not entering your username into the streamer app accurately, using a public Wi-Fi network or VPN, or using software that needs to be updated.
How do I access virtual desktops? ›On the taskbar, select Task view > New desktop . Open the apps you want to use on that desktop. To switch to another desktop, select Task view again.
What is the command to open virtual desktop? ›To switch between virtual desktops, open the Task View pane and click on the desktop you want to switch to. You can also quickly switch desktops without going into the Task View pane by using the keyboard shortcuts Windows Key + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Windows Key + Ctrl + Right Arrow.
How do I access my Azure VM remotely? ›- Go to the Azure portal to connect to a VM. ...
- Select the virtual machine from the list.
- At the beginning of the virtual machine page, select Connect.
- On the Connect to virtual machine page, select RDP, and then select the appropriate IP address and Port number.
RDP using a Private IP address across a Site to Site VPN
With a VPN gateway from the Azure network to the on premises network Azure VMs can be RDP'ed using a private IP address – protected from the prying eyes of the public internet. The public IP address can be removed all together if you don't need it.
- Go to the Azure portal to connect to a VM. Search for and select Virtual machines.
- Select the virtual machine from the list.
- Select Connect from the left menu.
- Select the option that fits with your preferred way of connecting. The portal helps walk you through the prerequisites for connecting.