Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD)
The Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) makes our specialist teaching applications available to the user community no matter where they are based, and no matter what IT hardware they have access to.
You can access the Windows Virtual Desktop from most devices: Windows machines, Macs, Chromebooks and iPads.
Requests
For general help with using the WVD service, please contact help
Feedback
We’d appreciate any feedback on the WVD. Please send feedback by email lab-software@strath.ac.uk.
Our two Virtual Desktops
Use WVD to access applications you can't get on your computer whilst you're away from campus and without access to a library or lab computer.
Express desktop
This is a simple environment with Windows, Office and web browsers, which replicates the standard desktop environment which is used by Professional Services staff.
Centrally Managed Lab desktop
This contains most of the specialist software used for teaching – tools such as SPSS, Minitab, Visual Studio. Please see the link to the Student Software for full list.
Access WVD
Access using the Windows App (recommended)
For better graphical performance, we advise you use the Windows App.
Access using a web browser
- Go to Windows Virtual Desktop.
- Sign in with your University email address and password.
To learn more about how to use the web client see Microsoft's documentation.
There's no need to log in to WVD for the following:
- checking your University email
- accessing Microsoft Office Applications (sign in with University credentials)
- browsing the internet
- video and audio conferencing see Video and Audio Conferencing options below
Logging out of the WVD
To log out of the WVD properly, use the large red ‘Logout’ button on the desktop.
Software
For the most up-to-date lists of available software, please see software on campus computers.