Connecting to the Wildcat Lab (Azure Virtual Desktop)

Wildcat Lab (Windows Virtual Desktop or WVD) replaces most of our on-campus lab machines. Access nearly all lab programs remotely via a remote desktop connection or web browser.

Quick Links: | About | Connecting to the Lab | Saving Data |

What is the Wildcat Lab?

Wildcat Lab (also known as the Azure Virtual Desktop or AVD) is a cloud service we are leveraging in place of most of our on-campus lab machines. The computer that you log into has a majority of programs that you would find in our on-campus labs, and you can log in either through Microsoft's free Remote Desktop App or through your web browser.

You can find a list of applications available through the Wildcat Lab in our Wildcat Lab (AVD) Installed Programs article. You can find a list of other available campus applications in our Campus Software Licensing & Purchasing Agreements article. 

Connecting to the Lab

The most reliable way to access the lab is through the Microsoft Remote Desktop App, but it can be accessed through a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) if you cannot install the Remote Desktop App. 

Access via the Microsoft Remote Desktop App

1. Install the Microsoft Remote Desktop App for your device:
   • Windows: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2068602
   • MacOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466?mt=12
   • Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.rdc.androidx
   • iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/remote-desktop-mobile/id714464092
2. Once installed, open the app and hit the "Subscribe" button
   • For MacOS and iOS, you will have to click "Workspaces" and then "Subscribe"
3. The next screen should prompt you to sign in. Please use your username@csuchico.edu and Chico State password to log in
4. Once logged in, you should see a list of computers that you can access. Click on one, and it will bring up a new sign-in window
   • If you have no workspaces available, please enter the following URL to subscribe to a workspace: https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery
5. On the login screen, sign in with your username and Chico State password

Access via a Web Browser

1. Open a web browser; Chrome, Firefox, or Edge are recommended
2. Navigate to the Wildcat Lab Login page: http://client.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/index.html
3. The next screen should prompt you to sign in. Please use your username@csuchico.edu and Chico State password to log in
4. Click the computer icon and it will ask you for permission from your local resources. Here you can choose what you would like the virtual desktop to have access to. After selecting the resources you want the virtual desktop to have access to, click "Allow"
   
    
5. On the next login screen, sign in with your username and Chico State password and you should connect to the lab

Saving Data in the Wildcat Lab

Because you may not log on to the same machine every time, it is highly recommended to save any assignments or other data to a cloud storage service, either OneDrive or Google Drive. By default, your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders will be synced to OneDrive using your username@csuchico.edu account. This information can be accessed from any location by installing OneDrive on your computer or using the OneDrive Web Login.

Failure to backup your files could result in data loss, as the devices are wiped when you log out. IT Support Services is not responsible for any data loss. 

 Still need help? Add your department's information or a link to a ticket type for further troubleshooting.
  
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