Getting Started with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) SQL Labs

Tags Lab sql avd

Summary

The AVD SQL Labs provide dedicated, cloud-hosted virtual desktops designed for coursework in SQL and database management classes. Each environment comes pre-installed and configured with:

  • Microsoft SQL Server 2025

  • SQL Server Management Studio v22 (SSMS)

  • Course-required sample databases

Every SQL Class enrolled student is provisioned their own personal virtual machine (VM) based on a request from your instructor. Your desktop configuration and files remain intact and persist throughout the entire academic quarter.

NOTE: When logging in for the first time, the VM will be slow for about 15 minutes while it initializes your profile and installs software in the background.

How to Access Your Virtual Desktop

You can access your AVD SQL Lab environment either through a web browser or using the dedicated desktop client called Windows App.

Method A: Web Browser (Recommended for quick access)

  1. Open a web browser.

  2. Navigate to the web client URL: https://windows.cloud.microsoft/#/devices

  3. Log in using your NetID credentials.

  4. In the Devices dashboard, locate and click the SQL Labs pane to launch your session.

Method B: Windows App Client

  1. Download and install the Windows App from the Company Portal (for BC Owned Devices) or from the Microsoft Store (for personal devices).

  2. Open the app log in using NetID credentials.

  3. In the Devices dashboard, locate and click the SQL Labs pane to launch your session.

Functionality & Tools

Your virtual machine comes fully configured:

  • SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): When connecting:

    • Server name: localhost 

    • Authentication: Windows Authentication

    • Check: Trust Server Certificate

  • Local Database Engine: The SQL Server instance runs directly within your assigned VM, allowing you to run queries, build tables, and perform administrative database tasks with full local permissions.

  • Course Resources: In case you need to restore databases back to default, the .bak files are stored in C:\SQLLab\DB

Key Features & Best Practices

OneDrive Automatic Sign-In & File Persistence

  • Seamless Cloud Sync: Your campus OneDrive account automatically signs in and syncs when you log into the VM. You will notice your documents from your OneDrive will populate on your desktop, and your documents folder. Your files are cloud native, and only download to the local instance of OneDrive if opened. This can be seen with the status icon in file explorer. 

  • Saving Your Work:

    • Always save your .sql scripts, query results, project files, and homework assignments directly to your OneDrive folder or Documents / Desktop (which are synced to OneDrive).

    • Do not store them on the VM C:\ drive, as it will be lost at the end of the quarter when the VM is decommissioned. 

Auto-Shutdown & Power Management

To optimize resources and ensure stable performance, automated power policies are configured for your lab:

  • Inactivity & Idle Disconnects: If a session is left inactive for 15 minutes, the VM will disconnect.

  • After being disconnected for 10 minutes, you will be logged off.

  • Scheduled Auto-Shutdown:

    • VM's automatically power down after 5 minutes of being logged off.

  • Persistence Guarantee: Shutting down does not wipe your VM. Your assigned machine retains all installed files, custom configurations, and desktop state for the entire quarter.

  • Reconnection: If your machine was shut down, launching it from the AVD portal will simply power it back up. Starting up may take 1–2 minutes while the VM boots.

Troubleshooting & Support

  • Connection Drops: If your connection drops unexpectedly, simply re-launch the portal and reconnect. Any open unsaved SQL queries will typically still be open if reconnected within the idle threshold.

  • Can't Sign In: Ensure you are entering your full campus email address and completing MFA verification.

  • Need Assistance? Contact the Campus IT Help Desk.

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