Virtual Workspace FAQ (Azure Virtual Desktop)

Virtual Workspace, commonly referred to as VW, is a service that allows easy access to some campus applications and network files from anywhere on the internet via a modern web browser or a remote desktop app. Current TU students, faculty and staff can access VW.

1. Open https://desktop.towson.edu in a web browser.
2. Install and launch Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Apple App Store (Mac users) or Microsoft App Store (PC Users).
   1. Add Workspaces
   2. Enter https://client.wvd.microsoft.com and select Add.
   3. Sign in with your TU NetID and Password, and authenticate with Duo.

****The older (legacy) version of VW is available till June 1, 2023. It may be reached by opening https://vw.towson.edu in a web browser. Beginning June 1, it will no longer be available.

OTS highly recommends that you launch OneDrive from the Windows Start Menu the first time you use VW. You will need to do this one time only. If you need help, see this article.

Yes, while connected to a virtual desktop in VW, follow these instructions to map a drive.

1. Open File Explorer and select This PC.
2. Select the Computer tab.
3. Select the Map network drive button in the ribbon menu at the top. Then select Map network drive.
4. Select the drive letter you want to use for the network folder and type the path of the share (\\server\share). An example might look similar to this: \\customshare\SharedDocs$
5. Make sure Reconnect at sign-in is checked, and then select Finish.

Yes, printers connected to the device you are using to access VW should be available when you are using the Virtual Workspace. Local printers will display (redirected) in the name as shown below.

Faculty and staff can add on-campus network printers using the installed PrinterLogic app.

Students can select wepa printers.

When using your web browser to access virtual desktops, Print to PDF will be the default printer.

Some personalization will be saved and follow you as you access virtual desktops from different computers. These include:

• Custom wallpaper
• Mapped drives
• Desktop and Taskbar shortcuts

Yes, inactive sessions will automatically disconnect after 30 minutes. Virtual desktops will log off 90 minutes after disconnection, and all files and running applications will be closed. You can resume a session by logging back into the virtual desktop or published application within this 90-minute period of inactivity.

In summary, any unsaved work could be lost after two hours of inactivity.

Yes. When using the installed VW app, USB storage, local drives and DVD drives will appear automatically on the desktop. 

When using the VW app, copy and paste functions are available immediately. The VW browser interface will prompt users for clipboard access (unless they have previously selected do not ask again at the prompt.)

Since virtual desktops automatically connect to your OneDrive and network shared drives such as home share (H:\ drive), or department share (O:\ drive), OTS recommends that you save files in those locations. 

When using the Microsoft Remote Desktop App, copied and pasted files are available immediately. 

When using the browser, users will be prompted for clipboard access (unless they have previously selected do not ask again).

Open a TechHelp ticket. Be sure to include available details about the software and licensing.