Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) FAQ

For general information on what VDI is, please visit our service catalog.

How can I install the VMWare Horizon Client?

For Windows For Mac

How do I use VDI?

Connection to VDI is available from anywhere on the Internet as well as within the Harvard University network.

IMPORTANT – Login to VDI requires 2-Step Verification (2SV) for authentication.  There are a variety of 2SV methods. Click here for 2SV login instructions.

Notes about Student VDI:

  • Store data on your network P: drive.  Do NOT store files on the Student VDI. Files stored on the Student VDI desktop will be deleted upon logout/disconnect. (This includes the following folders: Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and Videos.)
  • For best quality, join video conference calls from your laptop, PC, or tablet rather than from VDI. Click here for tips on running VDI and Zoom at the same time.
  • After 15 minutes of disconnection, the VDI Computer will be recycled.

Notes about Staff VDI:

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network) is NOT required.
  • Staff are provided a personal, dedicated VDI Windows 10 desktop.
  • Logout from VDI preserves Windows 10 desktop settings, preferences, and data for next login.
  • Storing data on your Staff VDI desktop is safe and will not be deleted upon logout/disconnect.
  • For best quality, join video conference calls from your laptop, PC, or tablet rather than from VDI. Click here for tips on running VDI and Zoom at the same time.

What are the Minimum Requirements to run VDI?

VDI requires a modern laptop, PC, or tablet.
In general, most laptops less than 4 years old will run the VDI client without an issue.  More detailed laptop requirements can be found in our student guide.

What Software is Included with VDI?

Highlights of what is included in the Student VDI system are below. Click here for the complete software inventory of the Student VDI system.

  • Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • East6
  • EndNote v21
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • JMP Pro 17
  • Microsoft Office Professional 2019
  • NVivo
  • Poll Everywhere
  • R
  • SAS 9.4
  • Stat/Transfer
  • Stata/BE
  • SUDAAN
  • Zoom

How do I request software?

Before the start of each full term, teaching faculty receive an email asking to verify the software needs for their course. If you would like to request new software, please complete this form.