OIT announces upcoming virtual desktop login changes
The Office of Information Technology will integrate the virtual desktop (VDI) with single sign-on (SSO) beginning on Wednesday, May 26. This will help reduce the number of times a user has to authenticate while using Ohio University applications.
Virtual desktop users using the Horizon Desktop Client may notice a different login process when accessing the virtual desktop after May 26. Instead of a direct login to VMware Horizon Client, users will follow this process to log in to the virtual desktop:
- Click on the My Desktop server you’d like to use in the VMware Horizon desktop client.
- A new browser window or tab will appear. If you don’t see it, check any of your existing web browser windows or additional displays you may have connected.
- Enter your OHIO email address in the Sign In screen, then click Next.
- Enter your password and click Sign in.
- Verify your login with multi-factor authentication.
- A new popup window will open with a dialogue box. Check Always allow mydesktop.ohio.edu to open links of this type in the associated app to streamline the process for future logins.
- Click Open VMware Horizon Client.
- Mac users will get an additional popup window asking to share the home folder and removable storage when using VMware Horizon. Click Allow.
- Choose the desktop or application you would like to access.
Note that if you are already signed in to another SSO-enabled application or if you have already gone through this process once before, many of these steps will be skipped.
The virtual desktop is available to all faculty, staff and students and can be used to access software and other applications without obtaining an individual license. The virtual desktop is also used as a secure way to access sensitive data and applications.
For more information and list of available applications, visit VDI – Virtual Desktops. If you need assistance logging into the virtual desktop or have additional concerns, please contact the IT Service Desk.