How to connect to a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

A virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is a direct solution to these issues. In this quick guide, we explain what a VDI is and how to connect to a VDI desktop using either a Windows or Mac computer.

What is a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)?

A virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is a copy of your desktop stored on a server at the organisation you work for.

Rather than having a dedicated work laptop, with a VDI you can access your virtual desktop with any computer with an internet connection, and even other devices like tablets. All your programs and files will be held centrally on the server rather than in a single machine, making them secure but also easy to access from remote locations.

How to connect to a VDI desktop

Connecting to a VDI desktop is simple and straightforward. You’ll need to use a specific VDI app on the computer or device you want to use to access the remote desktop. An example of this is Windows Remote Desktop.

Your IT department will also need to set you up with a VDI account with the following information:

An IP address

A username

A password

How to connect to a Windows VDI

You can access a Windows VDI by downloading Windows Remote Desktop from the Windows App store. To connect to your virtual desktop, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Remote Desktop.
• Click the + Add button in the menu at the top right of the Remote Desktop window.
• Select the PCs option.
• You’ll now see an Add a PC window. In the PC name field, enter the IP address you were given.
• In the User account field, enter the username you were given.
• Enter the password you were given in the Password field.
• You can also enter optional data like a name for the connection and select from a range of settings too, like display settings.
• Click Save to create your VDI account on the computer you’re using.
• You’ll now see your VDI desktop connection as an icon in the Remote Desktop window. Double click on this icon to launch your connection.

How to connect to a Mac VDI

If your employer uses Windows computers and environments, you can still access your Windows VDI desktop via a Mac computer, as you can use a version of Windows Remote Desktop on Macs.

Download and install Windows Remote Desktop from the App Store as you would with any app. To connect to your VDI desktop, follow these steps:

• Open Windows Remote Desktop.
• Click the New button in the app’s first window.
• Enter a Connection Name for your connection.
• Enter the IP address you were given in the in the PC Name field.
• Type the username and password you were given in the Credentials fields.
• Select Close to save the VDI desktop connection.
• You’ll now see an icon with the name you gave to your connection. Double click on this icon to launch your connection.

At Brother, we can help you and your organisation successfully implement hybrid working. We have a range of hybrid working technology solutions that are tailored to the challenges of combining office and remote working. This includes our ThinPrint Client upgrade for enabling fast and streamlined network printing. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you with security and connectivity across your devices.

Sources

https://www.techtarget.com/searchvirtualdesktop/definition/virtual-desktop-infrastructure-VDI

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-remove-desktop-app-connect-pc-windows-10-0

https://apps4rent.com/support/kb/article/access-your-cloud-desktopvdi-from-a-mac-using-microsoft-rdp-client