The UCCS Virtual Lab is a cloud based computing platform that allows students and faculty to remotely access UCCS supported lab applications. 

The Open Lab

This service is initially limited to a single Open Lab style environment that includes a limited selection of general use and licensed applications available to everyone. Specific software or dedicated labs may be available by request.

Access Options and Instructions

You have two options for accessing the Virtual Lab Systems: Web Browser or Windows Remote Desktop Client

Preferred client platforms are the Microsoft Windows 10 OS or Edge browser. Mac users are limited to Internet Browser Access. Chromebook devices may use either method.


If you experience connection errors or delays using the Web Browser method of access, it is recommended you use the Windows Remote Desktop Client method instead.

Internet Browser Access

  1. Open a browser to virtuallabs.uccs.edu, or directly at Remote Desktop Web Client (microsoft.com). Microsoft Edge is preferred if you have issues with your existing browser. 
  2. Enter UCCS SSO login credentials
  3. Select the Open Lab Desktop icon under UCCS Virtual Labs:
  4. Select local resources to make available, then Allow:
  5. Enter your domain email credentials:
  6. Virtual Lab Desktop will appear and work normally through the browser.

Windows Remote Desktop Client

This is the preferred connection utility for improved connection speed and stability.

  1. From a Windows desktop download the Microsoft Remote Desktop application directly from Microsoft, or see the Microsoft KB for additional Microsoft Desktop Documentation and Downloads.
  2. Install application using default settings
  3. Open from Start Menu:
  4. If prompted with Let's Get Started, you must login first:
    2. Sign in with your UCCS email account:
  5. Double-click on the Open Lab Desktop icon (or right click to modify connection settings first):
  6. Enter your domain email credentials then click OK:
  7. Remote Desktop Connection window will open normally.

OneDrive, Profiles, and Data Storage

Any content saved on a Virtual Lab system not stored in your OneDrive or campus network drive will be lost! This includes all content in your local 'Downloads' directory and the system's 'Temp' directory. 

The new Virtual Lab systems no longer link your on-campus home directory to your account's profile, and instead use your personal OneDrive for redirected data storage. This means your Documents, Desktop, and Pictures directories on the Virtual Lab will save content to OneDrive automatically. 

The common shared drive mapping for your home directory and department directory are still in place, allowing you to manually save content to this storage if needed. 

Available Software

Currently the Virtual Labs are limited to a single Open Lab environment, so access to specific licensed software may not be available yet.

Please contact the Help Desk to request additional licensed software be available on the Virtual Labs.