Install & Connect to VDI
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Author: bcjohns
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This guide provides step-by-step instructions for downloading, installing, and configuring the Omnissa Horizon Client to connect to the College of Engineering VDI system.
Step 1: Download the Omnissa Horizon Client
Navigate to vdi.engineering.iastate.edu
- On this page, click the link Click Here to Download VMware Horizon Client.
- NOTE: It is possible to use VDI directly in your browser by clicking VMware Horizon HTML Access. If this option works well for you, you do not need to procedure further with this guide.
Navigate to Omnissa’s Downloads page
- The Download Omnissa Horizon Clients page opens. Find the version for your computer (typically this would be Windows) and click GO TO DOWNLOADS.
Click Download Now to save the installer
- Save the file to your Downloads folder or preferred location.
Step 2. Install the Downloaded Application
Once downloaded, run the installer
- Locate the downloaded file in the location you chose above: Omnissa-Horizon-Client-XXXXX
- Double-click to run the installer.
Accept the license agreement
- Review the Privacy Agreement and General Terms.
- Click Agree & Install to proceed with installation.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
- Once the installation finishes, click Finish to close the installer.
- You will then be presented with instructions to restart your system. Click Restart Now or Restart Later. NOTE: You will need to restart for the application to work properly.
Step 4: Launch the Omnissa Horizon Client
- Open the Omnissa Horizon Client by searching on your computer and clicking to open the newly installed application.
Step 5: Add the College of Engineering VDI Server
- Click Add Server
- In the Name of the connection Server field, enter the server address: vdi.engineering.iastate.edu
- Click Connect to save the information and automatically start the connection.
Step 6: Connect to vdi.engineering.iastate.edu
Connect to server
- Double-click the orange cloud icon for vdi.engineering.iastate.edu
- This will open the login screen for ISU MFA. Authenticate using netid@iastate.edu. NOTE: If you were already logged into ISU MFA, this page will skip automatically.
Enter credentials for VDI
- You will then be prompted to log into vdi.engineering.iastate.edu.
- Enter your user name: Your NetID
- Enter your password: Your NetID password
Access your virtual desktop
- After successful authentication, you’ll see available desktop options based on your major.
- Double-click the virtual desktop to begin (most students will use College of Engineering).