UQ Digital Workspace
The UQ Digital Workspace (UQDW) provides approved students and staff access to virtual software applications or full desktop environments using any device from any location with an internet connection.
Accessing the UQ Digital Workspace
Access to the UQ Digital Workspace is granted by course code at the start of each semester.
To check if you have access, follow the instructions to open the UQ Digital Workspace.
If you don't have access, students and staff can request access to existing software, or request for software to be added, through the UQ Digital Workspace by submitting a:
- Students - request.vdi.uq.edu.au (UQ login required), or
- Staff - UQ Digital Workspace request form (staff login required).
If you're not sure of the name of the software you need, you can view the list of available software.
UQ Digital Workspace does not provide remote access to your physical work computer. Visit get remote access to my work computer for further information.
How to open the UQ Digital Workspace
Follow the instructions below for the operating system you use, or follow the instructions to connect through your web browser.
If you are unable to follow these instructions, please submit an IT request for assistance.
You should save any work on your network drive or cloud storage, as all data is destroyed when you log off.
Windows
These instructions are for Windows 11 and 10. Other Windows versions are not supported.
To check if the UQ Digital Workspace will work on your device, see the system requirements.
Step 1: Install VMware Horizon Client
If you're using a UQ computer, you can use the Microsoft Software Centre to self-install the VMware Horizon Client.
If you’re using a personal computer, or UQ computer with no self-install option, watch the video guide or follow the instructions below.
Watch: Installing the VMWare Horizon Client and accessing virtual applications on Windows
- Go to the UQ Digital Workspace portal.
- Log in with your UQ username and password. You will be required to MFA.
- Select ‘Support Guides’ at the top of the page.
- Select ‘Horizon Client Downloads’.
- Under ‘VMware Horizon Client for Windows’, click ‘Go to Downloads’.
- Click ‘Download Now’.
- Open the file when it has finished downloading.
- Click ‘Agree & Install’.
- Once the installation is complete, click ‘Finish’.
- You will be required to restart your computer. Make sure you save any open work on your computer, then click ‘Restart Now’.
Step 2: Access your virtual application or desktop
- Go to the UQ Digital Workspace portal.
- Log in with your UQ username and password.
- Click ‘Apps’ at the top of the page.
- Select ‘All Apps’.
- Select the application or desktop you wish to open.
- Click ‘Open’ to launch the VMware Horizon Client.
- Enter your UQ password again on the 'Password Request' prompt, then click 'Sign In'.
Apple
macOS for Mac
These download instructions are for macOS:
- Big Sur (11)
- macOS Monterey (12)
- macOS Ventura (13)
Other macOS versions are not supported.
To check if a virtual application or desktop will work on your device, see the system requirements.
Step 1: Install VMware Horizon Client
If you’re using a UQ computer, you can use the Self Service application to self-install the VMware Horizon Client.
If you’re using a personal computer, or a UQ computer with no self-install option, watch the video guide or follow the instructions below.
Watch: Installing the VMWare Horizon Client and accessing virtual applications on macOS
- Go to the UQ Digital Workspace portal.
- Log in with your UQ username and password. You will be required to MFA.
- Select ‘Support Guides’ at the top of the page.
- Select ‘Horizon Client Downloads’.
- Under ‘VMware Horizon Client for Mac, click ‘Go to Downloads’.
- Click ‘Download Now’.
- Open the file when it has finished downloading.
- Click ‘Agree’.
- Click and drag the VMware Horizon application icon into the ‘Applications’ folder.
The application is now installed.
Step 2: Access your virtual application or desktop
- Go to the UQ Digital Workspace portal.
- Log in with your UQ username and password.
- Click ‘Apps’ at the top of the page.
- Select ‘All Apps’.
- Select the application or desktop you wish to open.
- Click ‘Open’ to launch the VMware Horizon Client.
- Enter your UQ password again on the 'Password Request' prompt, then click 'Sign In'.
iOS for iPhone and iPad
To check if a virtual application or desktop will work on your device, see the system requirements.
Step 1: Install the VMware Horizon Client app
Download and install the VMware Horizon Client app from the App Store.
Step 2: Access your virtual application or desktop
- Go to the UQ Digital Workspace portal.
- Log in with your UQ username and password. You will be required to MFA.
- Tap 'All Apps'.
- Tap 'Open', then 'Open' again to launch the VMware Horizon Client.
- Enter your UQ password again on the 'Password Request' prompt, then tap 'Sign In'.
Android
These are general instructions for Android. Because there are so many different Android devices and versions, some details may be different on your screen.
To check if a virtual application or desktop will work on your device, see the system requirements.
Step 1: Install the VMware Horizon Client app
Download and install the VMware Horizon Client app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Access your virtual application or desktop
- Go to the UQ Digital Workspace portal.
- Log in with your UQ username and password. You will be required to MFA.
- Tap 'All Apps'.
- Tap 'Open', then select 'Open'.
- Enter your UQ password again on the 'Password Request' prompt, then tap 'Sign In'.
Web browser
If you don’t have permission to install the VMware Horizon Client on your device, you can access the UQ Digital Workspace through a web browser. There are some limitations:
- Google and Firefox are the only supported browsers.
- No USB support.
- No personal drive mapping to local storage.
- Your session will time out after one hour.
To access the UQ Digital Workspace through your web browser:
- Go to the UQ Digital Workspace portal.
- Log in with your UQ username and password. You will be required to MFA.
- Select 'All Apps'.
- Click the 3 dots next to the virtual application or desktop, then select ‘Launch from Browser’.
- Enter your UQ password again on the 'Password Request' prompt, then tap 'Sign In'.
To set your browser as the default method of accessing virtual applications and desktops:
- In the UQ Digital Workspace portal, click your profile icon on the top right of the screen.
- Click 'Account'.
- Under ‘Horizon Remote Apps’, select ‘Browser’.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
General use
How do I copy and paste between my computer and the UQ Digital Workspace?
How do I change the screen size of my virtual desktop?
How do I reset my virtual application or desktop session?
What can I do if I'm having problems connecting on the UQ Digital Workspace?
How long does my virtual application or desktop session last?
Manage and store data
Where do I store my data when using the UQ Digital Workspace?
How do I transfer files between my computer and the web browser virtual desktop?
How do I configure and access my computer's local storage on my virtual desktop?
How do I upload data to my student H drive from my personal device?
Software
What software is available on the UQ Digital Workspace?
Is all software compatible with the UQ Digital Workspace?
Is my device capable of running applications on the UQ Digital Workspace?
Computer lab and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
What does the UQ Digital Workspace mean for computer labs?