How to Work Remotely with VDI (Virtual Desktop)

Introduction

This article explains how to access Keyano resources and applications while working remotely. Through our VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), you can access Connect, your shared drives, and other applications (e.g. ReQlogic, GP, PowerCampus, etc.). The VDI can be accessed by most devices anywhere via your web browser, or for a smoother experience use the VMware Horizons app on your device.

Note: Keyano ITS no longer provides or supports any VPN service; all remote access to Keyano digital resources is provided via the VDI.

How-to Access VDI via the VMware Horizon App

1. To access the virtual desktop from the installed Horizon Client desktop app, open your Start Menu.
2. Search for VMware Horizon Client.
   
3. Click the VMware Horizon Client.
4. Double-click the cloud icon labelled "desktop.keyano.ca". 
   or 
   Info!

   • If you have a "+ Add Server" button instead, press it.
   • Enter "desktop.keyano.ca" (no quotation marks) into the box that appears.
   • Click Connect.
5. Your web browser will open and you'll be prompted to sign in with your Keyano credentials.
   • Note: this prompt requires your full Keyano email address!
6. You may be prompted to open the VMware Horizon Client. Check the box "Always allow desktop.keyano.ca to open links of this type in the associated app", and click Open.
   
7. Next, you'll be prompted by the VMware Horizon Client window to enter your password again. This is the same password as your Keyano login.
   
8. Once you've signed in successfully, VMware Horizon Client will display the virtual desktops you have access to:
   • Note: You may see one or more icons depending on your department and role; each virtual desktop will have department-specific software.
     
9. Double-click on the cloud-PC icon for the VDI you wish to use.
10. A virtualized desktop will appear on your screen; it can then be used like a regular computer.
    Attention!

    • By default, this window will be full-screen. You can make it windowed by selecting the "Exit Fullscreen" button on the top menu bar.
    • If a menu bar isn't present at the top of your screen, move your mouse to the top-center of your screen and it will appear and drop down.

How-to Access VDI via a Web Browser

1. Open your web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari are all supported).
2. Browse to https://desktop.keyano.ca.
3. The page will load asking you how you'd like to connect:
   • If you don't have the VMware Horizon app installed, select the VMware Horizon HTML Access to continue in your web browser.
   • If you do have the VMware Horizon app installed, select Launch Native Client to open the VDI using the app (and refer to step 6 in the previous section).
     
4. Sign in with your Keyano credentials.
   • Note: this prompt requires your full Keyano email address!
5. Next, you'll be prompted by the VMware Horizon Client page to enter your password again. This is the same password as your Keyano login.
   
6. Once you've signed in successfully, VMware Horizon Client will display the virtual desktops you have access to:
   • Note: You may see one or more icons depending on your department and role; each virtual desktop will have department-specific software.
7. Double-click on the cloud-PC icon for the virtual desktop you wish to select.
   
8. A virtualized desktop will load in your web browser; it can then be used like a regular Keyano PC.