VMWare has been acquired by a parent company, and as such, the names of their applications have changed. To open or install the VDI client application, look for “Omnissa Horizon Client” from now on (instead of “VMWare”).
Many classes or job duties require application virtualization using UVM’s Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI). All current UVM affiliates have access to some basic virtual machines, though several colleges and departments have more specialized desktop pools that require additional permissions to access (CEMS Virtual Votey, CEMS Simulations, ArcGIS VM , etc). See our general guide to the VDI.
Connecting to the VDI requires Multi-Factor Authentication. See our dedicated guide on MFA for Omnissa Horizon (formerly “VMWare Horizon”).
When working in a virtual machine, files saved to the VM’s Desktop, Documents folder, or any other folder on that VM are lost when you log out. Instead, save to your computer or your UVM OneDrive space using the instructions below.
macOS: Enabling Drive Sharing in your Local Horizon Client Settings
- Open the Omnissa Horizon Client, and connect to the desktop.uvm.edu server.
- Click Omnissa Horizon Client in the top-left menu, then click Settings….
- Select the Drive Sharing tab and ensure Allow access to removable storage and Do not show dialog when connecting to a desktop or application are checked.
- Next, either click the plus (+) icon to find a specific local folder to access from the VDI, or check the box next to Allow access to your_user to use just your entire home folder.
Recommended: Create a dedicated local folder instead of using your Home folder
Creating a dedicated folder to store all of the files you’ll need access to from the VDI can help with organization. You might also consider using a OneDrive folder.
- Close the Preferences window and launch the appropriate virtual desktop.
- Verify your local folder is available by opening File Explorer and going to This PC. Your shared folder(s) will appear under Devices and drives.
Windows: Enabling Drive Sharing in your Local Horizon Client Settings
- Open the Horizon client app and connect to the desktop.uvm.edu server.
- Click the Settings icon from the navigation column on the left side of the window.
- Select the Drive & Folder Sharing tab, and ensure the checkboxes next to Allow auto access to removable storage and Do not show dialog when connecting to a desktop or application are checked.
- Next, either click Add to locate and choose a specific folder to use with the VMWare Horizon client, or check the box next to Share your local files use your entire home folder.
Recommended: Create a dedicated VMWare folder instead of using your Home folder
Creating and using a specific folder for all of your VMWare Horizon Client files can help with organization. You might also consider adding adding OneDrive folder.
- Click the back arrow () to leave the Settings screen, then launch the virtual desktop.
- Verify your local folder is available by opening File Explorer and going to This PC. Your shared folders will appear under Devices and drives.
