The virtual desktop interface is for you if you do not have a machine that can handle the software you need for your classes. With VDI, you can access BYU-Idaho software wherever you are from your personal Windows, Mac, or tablet devices.
For VDI access
| BYU-I Online or students serviced through Pathway cannot access this system. Only BYU-Idaho On-Campus Students have the credentials to use this service |
There are 2 methods for accessing VDI: Through the downloaded client, or through the HTML in your web browser.
- Using the client has more functionality and is the recommended option when you are using your personal computer.
- Using the HTML does not have the same functionality, but is the recommended option if you are using someone else's computer.
- Both will give you access to the same software programs as the McKay Library
| If you are looking to install VMWare Fusion, it is no longer supported through BYUI. Instead, please follow the steps below to download VMWare Horizon. |
Using the Client
1. Go to the web address: https://vdi.byui.edu/
2. Select "Install VMware Horizon Client"
3. You will be redirected to the page shown below. Click "Go to Downloads" next to the client you wish to downloaded based on your computer's operating system.
4. Click "Download Now"
5. When the file is done downloading, open it up to finish the install. Once that is complete, you will get a message that it was successful, and the message below that you need to restart your computer. In order to use the Client, you will now need to restart your computer.
6. After the restart, launch "VMware Horizon Client"
7. Select "Add Server"
8. Enter "vdi.byui.edu" and click "Connect"
9. Enter your BYUI username and password to log in.
10. In the bottom left of the window, click "Settings"
11. Make sure you are in the "Drive and Folder Sharing" section. Select all 3 options at the bottom of that page. This will ensure you have a place to save your files when you are in the VDI. For more information about how to save files on a VDI, check out this help guide.
12. Now click the "back" arrow to go back to the main page.
13. You will now be able to see all the byui vdi pools avaliable to you. Select the one you would like to use.
14. After you are done using VDI, make sure that you shut down your VDI by selecting the Windows icon and clicking Shut Down.
| Closing the tab will not log you out. You need to shut down to log out. |
Using the HTML
1. Launch your preferred web browser.
List of HTML supported web browsers for Windows, Mac, and tablet devices:
- Mozilla Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Internet Explorer
- Safari (only supported off campus)
2. Go to the following web address: https://vdi.byui.edu
3. Select VMware Horizon HTML Access.
4. Log in with your BYU-Idaho login credentials.
5. Verify with two-factor authentication.
6. Select the BYUI Software icon.
7. After you are done using VDI, make sure that you shut down your VDI by selecting the Windows icon and clicking Shut Down.
| Closing the tab will not log you out. You need to shut down to log out. |
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