Regulated Research, How to Connect to a Virtual Machine in the Regulated Research Enclave

In order to connect to a Virtual Machine hosted by the Regulated Research Enclave, you have to follow the attached steps for the operating system of the machine you will be using to access the VM.

Windows

  1. First, you must install the Windows App. You can do so from the Microsoft Store at this link: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N1F85V9T8BN?hl=en-us&gl=US&ocid=pdpshare

    Screenshot of the Windows Store navigated to the Windows App that is used to connect to Virtual Machines

  2. Once installed, launch the Windows App

    Screenshot of the sign in page on the Windows app that shows up to first time users

  3. Select Sign in and enter your Enclave credentials, providing MFA as needed. You will then be brought to the resources page. Please note that Illinois AnyWare (the campus' Virtual Computer Lab) has since moved to using the Windows App. Please make sure that you are logged in with a netid@regulated.illinois.edu credential and not a netid@illinois.edu credential. Illinois AnyWare is not accredited to process CUI, and if you see machine names such as "Standard Desktop (Best for most users)" or "Graphics Desktop (3D Design and Video Software)" then you are signed in with the wrong account and must sign out to switch.

    Screenshot of the Windows App Devices page which lists virtual machines available for users to connect to

  4. To launch a Virtual Machine, select the Connect icon on the resource in the image above (or if Connect doesn't show up, you can press the image of the machine itself) and wait for the connection to commence. Please note that if your machine is in the 'shut down' state, the connection may take a few minutes to start, since the machine itself needs to boot before your computer can connect to it. If you are connecting for the first time, you may get the message below--in which case, you should select yes.

Allow Remote Connection Page

MacOS

  1. Download the Windows App from the Mac App store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/windows-app/id1295203466?mt=12

    Screenshot of Mac desktop where the App Store is navigated to the Windows App for Mac OS

  2. Once you have installed the Windows app and opened it, press the plus (+) icon in the top right and select Add a workspace

    Screenshot of the Windows App home screen for users who are not signed in or who have never connected before

  3. In the dialog box that opens, enter the following url: https://rdweb.wvd.azure.us/api/arm/feeddiscovery

    Screenshot of the Windows App "Add workspace" pane where the user points the app to the GCCH endpoint

  4. Then press Done and authenticate with your Enclave credentials

    If you are prompted Yes/No whether you want to allow the machine to connect using your account, select Yes

    Screenshot of the Microsoft Online login page that shows up when the user tries to authenticate to the tenant

  5. You should then be brought to the device home screen that looks something like this:

    Screenshot of the MacOS Windows App that has all the virtual machines available for a user to connect to

  6. To open a machine, double-click its box and then pay attention to the status box that opens. The machine will open in a new window. Please note that if you are connecting to your machine after it has shut down--for example this is the first time you are connecting for the day--it may take a few minutes to connect. This is due to the machine in Azure having to boot up before your computer is able to establish a connection to it.

    Screenshot of the loading experience when connecting to a virtual machine

  7. If you see the following message or some derivative, make sure to select yes so that you can connect.

Allow Remote Connection Page


Keywords:
Regulated Research, Enclave, VM, Windows App 
Doc ID:
155928
Owned by:
Regulated Research G. in University of Illinois Technology Services
Created:
2025-10-23
Updated:
2026-08-06
Sites:
University of Illinois Technology Services