For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Westphal Virtual Labs

Overview

Our next-generation virtual labs are currently in testing. These new labs are designed to replace out existing Citrix and other on-campus remote desktop solutions. Students taking Westphal courses are welcome to test them out. This document includes instructions for installing the necessary software and connecting to the virtual labs.

Installation & Connecting

Installation is straightforward: just download and install the latest version of Microsoft Remote Desktop, log in, and connect. Links to the software can be found below. If you cannot install the software, a web client is also available. Unlike previous remote desktop solutions, VPN is NOT required for the new virtual labs!

Client Downloads

You can download the latest version of the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the following sources:

  1. Windows Store (Windows PCs)
  2. Windows Installer (direct download) 64-bit/32-bit
  3. App Store for macOS (Apple laptops or desktops)
  4. The Remote Desktop App is also available on the Apple App Store for iOS (for Apple mobile devices) and the Google Play Store (for Android mobile devices)

You can also access the virtual labs from any modern browser by visiting https://client.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/.

Logging In

  1. Use the links in the section above to download and install the Remote Desktop app. If you cannot install the software, the web client may be used (also linked in the section above).
  2. Launch the Remote Desktop app. If prompted to choose between PCs and Workspaces, choose Workspaces at the top of the app. Then, click Add Workspaces.
    Step 1: If prompted to choose between PCs and Workspaces, choose Workspaces at the top of the app. Then, click Add Workspaces.



  3. When prompted for an email address, use your primary Drexel email address (e.g., abc123@drexel.edu). It should automatically find the Remote Desktop Workspace URL and allow you to subscribe. Once you can, click the Add button at the bottom of the page.
    The Add Workspace menu that pops up should automatically find the Remote Desktop Workspace URL when you enter your Drexel email address.



  4. When prompted to enter your Microsoft account, again use your primary Drexel email address (e.g., abc123@drexel.edu) with your Drexel account password. You will also need your multi-factor authentication (MFA) method available during this sign-in process.
    A Microsoft Sign In page will pop up when you subscribe to the workspace associated with your Drexel account. Use your Drexel email to sign in.




  5. Once subscribed, you should see a list of the virtual desktops available. You can launch your remote desktop session from there. You may be prompted to sign in again to Teams or other Office applications during the process. We're working to make this a smoother process, but for now, please sign into those apps as needed.

    After signing in, Westphal Virtual Labs is now an available workspace in the Remote Desktop app.




Feedback

This project is actively being built, and we seek feedback from students and instructors who use these systems. Once you've logged in to the new labs and tried out a few pieces of software, you're welcome to share your thoughts with us by completing this 1-minute survey.

If you run into any issues connecting to the virtual labs, or within the labs themselves, and need assistance, please submit a ticket to Westphal IT by emailing westphalit@drexel.edu with a description of the problem.