Virtual Sites: Removal of User Data on August 1, 2026

A review of how to back up data that may have inadvertently been being stored within the Virtual Sites environment.

Environment

Virtual Sites

Issue

I received an email about files saved locally in Virtual Sites and I’m unsure how to move forward. 

Resolution

Virtual Sites local storage is not intended for permanent file storage. Files saved locally were always meant to be deleted automatically within 72 hours. Due to a technical issue since February 2025, files may have accumulated. On August 1, 2026, ITS will perform a service refresh that will permanently delete all locally stored files with no possibility of recovery. You need to check and move any important files from both the GPU Desktop local files and the Application files before August 1, 2026. If you are unsure whether you have files stored locally, log in and check both locations as described:

1. Confirm you have Kumo enabled to make saving to cloud storage as easy as possible.
2. GPU Desktop local files:
   1. Open the Virtual Sites webpage.
   2. Click the large orange button to launch Virtual Sites.
   3. Log in with your U-M credentials.
   4. From the Devices menu, launch a VS GPU Desktop session.
   5. Within Windows, browse local folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Downloads.
   6. Move any important files to supported cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
      1. With Kumo enabled, you should see your cloud storage providers under This PC within the file explorer window.
3. Application local files:
   1. Open the Virtual Sites Windows App and log in with your U-M credentials.
   2. From the Apps menu, launch the app called Files (GPU) This opens Windows Explorer with access to storage folders for all applications.
   3. Review these folders and move any important files to cloud storage.
      1. With Kumo enabled, you should see your cloud storage providers under This PC within the file explorer window

Michigan Medicine Users

• Some Michigan Medicine users may have gained access to VS due to nuances in affiliations and eligibility rules. These users should follow the above steps by logging into VS with their @umich.edu credentials. 

Additional Information

• The deadline to move your files is August 1, 2026. After this date, all local files will be permanently deleted with no exceptions or recovery options.
• Do not store files in Virtual Sites local storage going forward; the 72-hour automatic purge will resume after the service refresh.

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.