​​Virtual Desktop Service​

If you are working off campus (or on campus using a non managed laptop) ​you can use the Virtual Desktop Service (VDS) to access University online services such as software and your data. 

To access the VDS you’ll need internet access.  You can either install a VMware Horizon Client or access via a browser if you do not wish to install the client. 

Accessing the Virtual Desktop Service (VDS) via a browser

To access the VDS via a browser:

1. From your browser of choice, go to https://desktop.napier.ac.uk  and choose VMWare Horizon HTML Access.
   
2. From the Edinburgh Napier login box (if prompted), enter your University email address and password. 
   
3. From the VMWare Horizon green login box enter your staff number only and your University password.  
4. Choose Staff Desktop (external). 
   

Installing the Virtual Desktop Service (VDS) Client

To access the VDS you will need internet access and you will need to install a VMware Horizon Client:

Find out how to install the VDS on a PC, laptop or tablet with no VMWare Horizon client available in the app store​

Using the VDS client 

To open and use the Virtual Desktop Service:

• Open the VMware Horizon client or app:

• Connect to the Connection Server: “desktop.napier.ac.uk”:
• Log in using your University username (staff number) and password:

• When you successfully logon you will see all virtual desktops available to you, select the required desktop. 
• Your virtual desktop will open enabling you to:
• Securely access the University's online services and teaching applications
• Save your work and access the files stored on your networked data areas

Once finished remember to Log off via the Virtual Desktop Start Menu.​

VDS Frequently Asked Questions

A range of Virtual Desktop Service (VDS) frequently asked questions can be found on askNapier​.