Note: Connecting to the Windows Remote Desktop Service from off-campus networks will require use of the
U-M VPN client.
Connect Using the Omnissa Horizon Client
The Omnissa Horizon Client is available for many common operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebook.
To ensure you install the current version of the client for your computer or device, refer to the following article, then continue with the instructions to connect:
Where can I find the most current version of the Horizon Client for my computer or device?
When you finish installing the client and first launch it, you should be asked to enter a Connection Server. Otherwise, click the + Add Server button in the top-left corner, and you will be prompted to enter the name of a new Connection Server. Enter caen.midesktop.it.umich.edu, and click the Connect button:
Your browser will then open, and you will be prompted to log in with your U-M uniqname, UMICH password, and Okta multi-factor authentication. Once logged in, you will be prompted to open the Omnissa Horizon Client, similar to below:
After clicking Open Omnissa Horizon Client, you will then be presented with a window showing your available connection options:
Select the desired connection to access the latest version of the CAEN Lab Software Environment (CLSE):
- CAEN Labs 2026 provides access to the latest software licensed for student instructional or non-commercial research use during the 2026-2027 academic year.
- CAEN Labs 2026 - High Performance provides access to a smaller pool of computers with higher-performance specifications, as needed.
You will be logged onto the remote computer automatically within your web browser window, and presented with the CLSE Windows desktop.
Connect Using a Web Browser
Note: The option to connect via a web browser is provided for convenience. Using the Horizon Client, as described above, will provide the best performance for graphics-intensive applications, and the most stable user experience.
Otherwise, to connect using a web browser, go to: https://caen.midesktop.it.umich.edu
Select the Omnissa Horizon Web Client option, and you will then be prompted to log in with your U-M uniqname, UMICH password, and Okta multi-factor authentication:
After authenticating with Okta, you will be presented with a window showing the available connection options, as described above. Click an option, and you will be logged into the remote computer automatically within your web browser window, and presented with the Windows CLSE desktop.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you experience connection problems, here are a few things you can do:
- Clear your web browser cache/cookies: You can try to do this individually for items containing midesktop.it.umich.edu in the name, but you may need to completely clear all items. This fixes most issues.
- Clear your DNS cache: Instructions can be found at this article.