What Is Changing?

Previously, NEIT staff remote desktop access was provided through VMware Horizon by going to https://neitstaff.neit.edu.

NEIT is transitioning this access to Azure Virtual Desktop. Going forward, approved users will access the Staff Desktop by going to https://windows.cloud.microsoft.

What to Expect

Initial loading time

The first time you sign in, the Staff Desktop may take a few minutes to start and prepare your remote profile.
NEIT has optimized the environment to run more on demand instead of keeping remote desktops always powered on. This helps control cost, but it may occasionally add a short wait when connecting. We can adjust this based on user feedback if it becomes a recurring issue.

OneDrive will sign in automatically

OneDrive should sign in automatically in the remote session.
Your OneDrive data, including common folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, will begin syncing into the Staff Desktop. Some files may appear dynamically and continue downloading in the background or when opened.
You can verify OneDrive is signed in by checking the lower-right corner of the taskbar for the OneDrive cloud icon.

Browser bookmarks

Google Chrome bookmarks from your physical NEIT office desktop do not automatically carry over into the remote Staff Desktop session.
- You can import Chrome bookmarks manually if needed, or sign into Chrome with a Google account if you already use one and want bookmarks to sync.
- NEIT does not require or encourage signing into Chrome as the default approach.
Microsoft Edge is recommended because it works seamlessly with your NEIT Microsoft account (carrying over your Bookmarks) and is a more reliable option for this remote desktop transition.

How to Access Staff Desktop

Step 1 – Open the Windows App website and sign in

Open a web browser and go to https://windows.cloud.microsoft. Sign in with your NEIT email.

Step 2 – Select Staff Desktop

After signing in, double click Staff Desktop to begin.

Warning: If you see a disconnected message

You may occasionally see a message stating that the VM failed to start. This can happen if the remote desktop is still starting or the session host has not finished preparing the connection yet. If this appears, wait a moment and try reconnecting again. In many cases, trying a couple of times allows the desktop to finish starting and connecting successfully. NEIT will monitor this experience and can adjust if it becomes a continuous problem.

Disconnected message that may appear while the remote desktop is still preparing.

Step 3 – Connect to your remote desktop

When the In Session Settings window appears, the default options should be fine for most users. These options control items such as printer, microphone, clipboard, keyboard shortcuts, graphics, and multiple displays. You may adjust them if needed, then select Connect.

Optional: Download the Windows App Client

An optional Windows app is available if you’d prefer that over connecting via your web browser.

Need Help?

If the Staff Desktop does not appear, sign-in fails, OneDrive does not begin syncing, or you repeatedly receive the disconnected message, please contact the DOTS Helpdesk. You can submit a ticket at https://helpdesk.neit.edu / or call 401-780-4111.