The Engineering Virtual Desktop (RDS) can be accessed through any modern web browser on most devices. The Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome web browsers seem to provide the best experience at the moment, Firefox presents some minor visual quirks that distract from the experience.

Please contact the DECS Support Office if you have any questions or require assistance. For troubleshooting, please see the Remote Troubleshooting Guide page.

  1. In a web browser, navigate to College of Engineering Virtual Desktop website and login with your EGR username and password.
    Engineering Virtual Desktop login form with fields for @egr.msu.edu username and password, and a Sign in button
  2. Once logged in, click the icon for Engineering Virtual Desktop and a session will load in your web browser.
    Engineering Remote Resources interface with Engineering Virtual Desktop listed as an available resource.

To close your connection, you can close your web browser tab, or use the Sign out button in the Windows start menu of the Engineering Virtual Desktop session. Learn the difference between signing out and disconnecting.

Alternatively, you can download the .rdp file, which provides a more complete experience, including features such as multiple monitor support and the use of local hardware like webcams.

  1. Once logged in, click on the gear icon to bring up the settings menu.
    Red arrow pointing at the settings icon
  2. After opening the settings menu select Download the rdp file.
    Web client settings dialog displaying Download the rdp file option highlighted by red arrow, along with other configurations
  3. Click the icon for Engineering Virtual Desktop and a .rdp file will begin downloading. If you receive an additional prompt, choose to keep the file.
    Engineering Remote Resources interface with Engineering Virtual Desktop icon and browser download notification showing the .rdp file is being downloaded
  4. Running the downloaded .rdp file will prompt you to connect.
    Remote Desktop Connection security dialog asking 'Do you trust the publisher of this remote connection?' with connection details, Connect and Cancel buttons


For additional troubleshooting instructions, please see the Remote Troubleshooting Guide page.

DECS VDI Remote Desktop Environment

This environment has been superseded by the Engineering Virtual Desktop (RDS) system above, which is now graphics-accelerated, and the VDI system is no longer available.

How-To Keywords
remote
rds
RDP
remote access
vdi
virtual desktop