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Please note, you will need to install PingID and then authenticate to get access to this program, please see this page for more information.
VDI delivers a CLEAN desktop with secure, encrypted access to network services. VDI does NOT duplicate your personal computer. Files stored locally on your personal computer are not accessible via VDI.
VDI can be accessed from either a web browser or from an app (client) installed on a local computer. In this article, we’ll go over the steps for both. These steps are for all OU students, faculty, and staff.
Before one can access VDI, they must have an OU username (OUNet or OU Health username), PingID, and have been granted access to this service. For staff and faculty, please use this form to request access to VDI. For Health Campus students, please use this form.
As stated above, there are two ways to access our VDI environment – web browser or app (client). We’ll start with using a web browser.
VDI Options
Web Browser
- Open a web browser and go to https://mydesk.ou.edu/.
- Click VMware Horizon HTML Access.
- Enter your OU username and password.
- While Horizon is logging in, you will be promoted to accept the PingID authentication on your primary device (generally your mobile phone). If you have issues authenticating with PingID, please ensure your primary device is listed correctly at link.ou.edu/pingid.
- Select the virtual desktop you’ve been granted access to.
- The virtual desktop will load using your respective campus credentials.
App (Client) Installation
Open a web browser and go to https://mydesk.ou.edu/.
- Click Install VMware Horizon Client.
- You will be taken to the download page at Omnissa (VMware has now become Omnissa).
- Select View Download Components to the right of Omnissa Horizon Clients.
- Click Go to Downloads next to your Operating System.
- Click Download Now.
Windows Client Install
- Locate the Horizon installer and double-click it. When the installer file launches, you will be prompted to agree to the privacy agreement and license terms. Select to Agree & Install.
- The installer will now install the software package.
- When the install completes, click Finish.
- Select Restart Now to restart your computer and complete installation.
- After the reboot and you log into Windows, select the Omnissa Horizon Client from your installed programs list.
- When the program opens, you will be prompted to Add a Server.
- At the “Enter the name of the Connection Server” prompt, enter mydesk.ou.edu
- Enter your OU user name and password when prompted and click Login.
- You should also now be promoted to accept the authentication in PingID. If you have issues authenticating with PingID, please ensure your primary device is listed correctly at link.ou.edu/pingid
- Select the virtual desktop you’ve been granted access to.
- The virtual desktop will load using your respective campus credentials.
Mac Client Install
- Locate the Horizon installer and double-click it to mount the disk image.
- Double-click the installer to start.
- Follow the prompts to install the Omnissa Horizon Client. Click Close when it’s finished.
- Locate the Omnissa Horizon Client and double-click it to launch the application.
- When the program opens, you will be prompted to Add a Server.
- At the “Enter the name of the Connection Server” prompt, enter mydesk.ou.edu and click Connect.
- Enter your OU user name and password when prompted and click Login.
- You should also now be promoted to accept the authentication in PingID. If you have issues authenticating with PingID, please ensure your primary device is listed correctly at link.ou.edu/pingid
- Select the virtual desktop you’ve been granted access to.
- The virtual desktop will load using your respective campus credentials.
If you have problems connecting to Horizon VDI (mydesk.ou.edu), please contact your local service desk. Norman Campus | Health Campus IT Service Desk | Tulsa IT Service Desk.