Latitudes Docs

How to Access AVD

End-user guide for connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop — Windows App setup, web client fallback, VM shutdown schedule, and troubleshooting.

Prerequisites: Housing Connector work account, MFA enrolled | First-time setup: 5–10 minutes

Before You Start

Access Restrictions

  • AVD is required — your Housing Connector account can only be accessed from inside AVD. Sign-ins from a personal browser or any app outside AVD will be blocked.
  • No mobile access — contractors cannot access AVD from a phone or tablet.

VM Shutdown Schedule — Always Save Your Work

Your virtual machine shuts down automatically after you disconnect or sign out. The window depends on the time of day:

Time of DayWhat Triggers ShutdownShutdown After
Before 6 PMDisconnect (session still running)2 hours
After 6 PMDisconnect (session still running)30 minutes
After 10 PMDisconnect (session still running)15 minutes
Any timeFull sign out15 minutes

Rule of thumb: Save early and often. If you're stepping away, sign out rather than just disconnecting.

Disconnect vs. Sign Out

  • Disconnect (click the ✕) — your session stays running in the background. Use this only if you plan to reconnect within a short time.
  • Sign out (Start → Profile icon → Sign out) — ends your session cleanly. Use this when you're done for the day.

The Windows App provides the best experience — multi-monitor support, proper display scaling, and Teams audio/video optimizations. Install it once and use it every day.

Windows

  1. Open the Microsoft Store and search for Windows App (published by Microsoft).
  2. Click Get / Install, then open Windows App from the Start menu.
  3. Click Sign in and enter your Housing Connector work account. Complete MFA if prompted.
  4. Your AVD workspace will appear. Double-click the Housing Connector desktop to launch.

macOS

  1. Open the Mac App Store and search for Windows App (published by Microsoft).
  2. Click Get / Install, then open Windows App from Applications.
  3. Click Sign in and enter your Housing Connector work account. Complete MFA if prompted.
  4. Double-click the Housing Connector desktop to launch.

MacBook — Multi-Monitor

On MacBooks, using all connected displays is the default. No extra configuration needed.

Step 2: Connect via Web Browser (Fallback)

If you can't install the Windows App, connect through a browser instead.

  1. Open your browser and go to: https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient
  2. Sign in with your Housing Connector work account and complete MFA if prompted.
  3. Click the Housing Connector desktop to launch your session.

Web Client Limitations

The browser client has limited support for multiple monitors, display scaling, and Teams audio/video. Use the Windows App whenever possible for the best experience.

Morning Startup — First Login of the Day

When you log on in the morning, your virtual machine may have been powered off overnight. This is normal.

  • If you see a Power on prompt, or the connection feels slow at first, that's expected — the VM needs time to start up.
  • Allow up to 5 minutes for your desktop to be ready after powering on.
  • If the screen stays blank for more than 5 minutes, close the window and reconnect once.

Normal First-Login Behavior

A short wait on first connection in the morning is completely normal. Be patient — your desktop will appear once the VM has finished starting.

Display & Multi-Monitor Setup

Using Multiple Monitors (Windows App)

  1. Before connecting, hover over your desktop tile and click the ellipse (…) menu — it appears when you hover and shows "More Options."
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Set Use Default Settings to OFF, then configure your display preferences.

Text Too Small?

If text looks too small inside AVD, adjust scaling in two places:

  • Windows App display settings — before connecting, in the tile's Settings menu.
  • Windows Display Settings inside AVD — right-click the desktop → Display settings → Scale.

Network & Performance Tips

  • Wired Ethernet is best. If you're on Wi-Fi, stay close to your router and avoid busy or public networks.
  • Close other high-bandwidth activities (video streams, large downloads, VPNs) on the same network while you're in AVD.
  • If your session feels laggy, disconnect and reconnect once. If the problem persists, try rebooting your home router or switching to a different network (or a mobile hotspot).

Microphone & Camera (Teams)

If your mic or camera isn't detected inside AVD, grant permission on your physical computer first.

Windows — Camera & Mic Permissions

  1. Click Start and type Privacy settings, then open it.
  2. In the left sidebar, scroll to App permissions and click Camera.
  3. Make sure Camera access is toggled On.
  4. Scroll down to Let desktop apps access your camera and confirm that Windows App (or Remote Desktop) is toggled On.
  5. Repeat steps 2–4 for the Microphone section.

Still Not Working?

Inside AVD, go to Windows App → Settings → Devices and check that your mic and camera are listed. Then close and re-launch the Housing Connector desktop.

Printing, Clipboard & USB

Redirections Are Disabled

For security, clipboard copy/paste between your local machine and AVD, printer redirection, and USB device redirection are all disabled. If you need to print something from AVD, save it as a PDF inside AVD and follow your team's printing process.

Troubleshooting

Sign-in blocked outside AVD This is expected behavior — your account is only accessible through AVD. Sign in via the Windows App or the web client link above.

Nothing shows up in the Windows App after signing in Close and reopen the Windows App. Confirm you're signed in with your Housing Connector work account (not a personal Microsoft account).

Black screen or stuck at "Starting remote session" Close the session window and reconnect. If you see a Power on prompt, click it and wait up to 5 minutes for the VM to start.

Mic or camera not working in Teams Check local privacy permissions on your physical computer (see the Mic & Camera section above). Then go to Windows App → Settings → Devices and re-launch the Housing Connector desktop.

Session keeps disconnecting Try a different network (or a mobile hotspot) to rule out a local network issue. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or switch to a wired connection. Restart your router if possible.

Security & Good Habits

  • Always work inside AVD. Data cannot be transferred between your local machine and AVD, so keep all Housing Connector files inside the virtual desktop.
  • Sign out at the end of each day. Don't just close the window — go to Start → Profile icon → Sign out. This ensures your session ends cleanly and your data is protected.
  • Never share your work account credentials with anyone.

Need Help?

If you don't see the Housing Connector desktop after signing in, or you can't connect after multiple attempts, take a screenshot of any error message and contact IT Support at support@latitudes.io.

Web client (browser fallback): rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient

New User & Device Setup

Complete onboarding process for new Housing Connector users and devices. Covers both new user + device setup and device replacement.

AVD Contractor BYOD Access

Azure Virtual Desktop Conditional Access configuration for contractor BYOD access — Entra ID policies, Intune compliance, and RDP restrictions.

On this page

Before You StartStep 1: Connect via Windows App (Recommended)WindowsmacOSStep 2: Connect via Web Browser (Fallback)Morning Startup — First Login of the DayDisplay & Multi-Monitor SetupUsing Multiple Monitors (Windows App)Text Too Small?Network & Performance TipsMicrophone & Camera (Teams)Windows — Camera & Mic PermissionsPrinting, Clipboard & USBTroubleshootingSecurity & Good HabitsNeed Help?