UChicago Virtual Lab 2.0 (vLab)

The UChicago Virtual Lab (vLab) is an online equivalent to a computer lab. It provides access to certain course software without requiring installation on personal devices. Instead of a whole desktop, users see individual applications appear directly on their local device.

Access to RemoteApps requires a connection to UChicago’s VPN.

Note: This service is designed to support teaching and learning activities and is not intended for research computing.

 

Connecting to RemoteApp

Below are various methods to connect:

Connect through Windows

1. Open Control Panel, switch to Icon View, and select RemoteApp and Desktop Connections.
2. Select Set up a new connection with RemoteApp and Desktop Connections.
3. Enter: https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu and select Next.
4. Select Next again when prompted.
5. Log in using your CNetID credentials:
   • Format: ADLOCAL\CNetID
   • Password: your CNetID password.
6. Select Finish. A folder will appear in your Start Menu for vLab Remote Apps.

Connect through Mac

1. Download the Microsoft App for Mac.
2. Select + and choose Add Workspace.
3. Enter: https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu.
4. Leave User Account as “Ask When Required” or enter your credentials.
5. Authenticate and access apps from the Workspace tab.

Web Method (Mac/Linux/Shared Devices)

1. Visit https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu.
2. Select HTML5 Web Client.
3. Log in with ADLOCAL\CNetID and your password.
4. Double-click the app you want to use. You may see a security warning—check the box to suppress future warnings.
5. Click "Show more details" to view Duo 2FA when prompted. Your RemoteApp will launch.

Syncing your Local Data with OneDrive

1. Download OneDrive: OneDrive Download.
2. Install and sign in with your UChicago CNetID.
3. Place files in your local OneDrive folder to access them in vLabApps.
4. Sync OneDrive within the vLabApps environment to access your files.

 

vLab FAQ

Why can’t I access vlabapps.uchicago.edu?

Ensure you are connected to UChicago’s VPN. We might need to verify your Grouper access if the VPN isn’t the issue. Please send a ticket to academictech@uchicago.edu if you are getting a "not authorized" error.

I’m logged in, but getting a black screen or session quits when trying to use an app (STATA, etc.).

If you reach the Duo prompt and still encounter a black screen, we may need to perform a profile reset. In doing this, you will need to reinitialize OneDrive. After you log back in and launch the desired app, once it appears, return to the workstation and launch OneDrive. Please double-click OneDrive in your workstation and follow the prompts. We recommend that when it asks about selection folders to sync, you create a VLAB folder to sync a smaller set of files if your OneDrive has more than 100 MB of data. Additionally, try logging in via HTML at https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu after clearing your browser cache.

ArcGIS Authentication

ArcGIS has changed its licensing model. We no longer use a separate license server for authentication. The new model uses individual Named Users. This means you must log in to the Enterprise Portal using your CNetID and password. When prompted to authenticate, navigate to "Your Organization's URL" and enter Uchicago. Then follow the prompts to log in via SSO.

MATLAB Authentication

MATLAB has also changed its licensing model. Separate license server authentication is no longer used; MATLAB now uses SSO authentication. You are required to log in with your CNetID and password.

 

Support

This is a shared service for all Students, Staff, and Faculty — backups and storage are your responsibility. Please save all your files on your own device.

For help, visit the TechBar or contact the ITS Service Desk. For feedback, email academictech@uchicago.edu.