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Launch a Windows Virtual Lab

Beginner 5 minutes Auto-generated screenshots

Overview

In this tutorial, you'll launch a Windows Virtual Lab on the RosettaHub Supercloud platform. Virtual Labs provide a full desktop environment accessible directly in your browser -- no RDP client, VNC software, or any other local application required. The Windows desktop is streamed to your browser using VNC/Guacamole technology, giving you a complete Windows graphical interface from any device with a modern web browser.

Virtual Lab vs. Workspace

Feature Virtual Lab Workspace
Access Method Browser-based desktop (VNC/Guacamole) RDP client (Remote Desktop)
Client Software Required None -- just a web browser Remote Desktop client
Desktop Environment Full Windows desktop in browser Full Windows desktop via RDP
Best For Quick access from any device, no setup Power users who prefer native RDP performance
Customization Clone, customize, snapshot (same workflow) Clone, customize, snapshot (same workflow)

Prerequisites

  • [ ] RosettaHub account with active subscription
  • [ ] At least one cloud account connected (see Cloud Keys)
  • [ ] Access to the Windows Virtual Lab formation under Virtual Labs
  • [ ] A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari)

Steps

Step 1: Select the Windows Virtual Lab

From the RosettaHub dashboard, select the Workspaces and Labs perspective. In the Virtual Labs section of the formations panel, click on Windows Virtual Lab.

Step 2: Launch the Virtual Lab

The launch confirmation panel appears. Click Yes to deploy the virtual lab.

Your session appears under the Sessions panel. Wait for the status indicator to show a green tick, indicating the virtual lab is ready.

Note

Windows Virtual Labs typically take a few minutes to provision as the Windows OS completes its initial setup.

Step 3: Connect to Your Desktop

Click on the running session. A new browser tab opens, and you are connected to a full Windows desktop running in the cloud.

You now have a complete Windows graphical environment with:

  • File Explorer
  • Start menu and taskbar
  • Web browser (Edge)
  • System settings and administrative tools
  • Full administrator access

All interaction happens through your browser -- mouse, keyboard, clipboard, and file operations work as expected.

Tip

For the best experience, use your browser's full-screen mode (typically F11) to maximize the desktop area and make it feel like a native Windows session.

Working with Your Virtual Lab

The Windows desktop works like any standard Windows installation. Use the Start menu, taskbar, and File Explorer to navigate. Right-click the desktop for personalization options.

Installing Software

You have full administrator rights. Install software as you normally would on Windows:

  • Download installers from the web using Edge
  • Use the Microsoft Store
  • Run installers from the command line or PowerShell

Clipboard Integration

Copy and paste between your local machine and the virtual lab desktop is supported through the browser. Use the standard keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V) or the Guacamole clipboard panel if direct copy-paste does not work in your browser.

Tip

Some keyboard shortcuts (like Ctrl+Alt+Del) may be intercepted by your local operating system. Use the Guacamole menu to send special key combinations to the remote Windows desktop.

Customizing Your Virtual Lab

To create a personalized virtual lab with custom software pre-installed, follow the same clone-customize-snapshot workflow used for workspaces:

  1. Clone the Windows Virtual Lab formation (right-click > Clone)
  2. Launch your cloned formation
  3. Install software and configure Windows to your needs
  4. Snapshot the session (right-click session > Create Machine Image)
  5. Share the formation with others

See Create a Custom Windows Workspace for detailed instructions on each step of this workflow.

Managing Your Session

Stopping the Session

When you are finished working, shut down the session to stop compute costs:

  1. Right-click your running session in the Sessions panel
  2. Select Shutdown

Warning

Running virtual labs incur hourly compute costs. Always shut down when you are not actively using the desktop.

Reconnecting

If your browser tab is closed while the session is still running, simply click the session again in the Sessions panel to reconnect. Your desktop state is preserved -- open applications and unsaved work remain intact.

Next Steps

Troubleshooting

Desktop does not load in the browser

Ensure that:

  • The session shows a green tick (fully provisioned)
  • Your browser allows pop-ups from the RosettaHub domain
  • You are using a modern, up-to-date browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari)
  • Your network does not block WebSocket connections (required for VNC/Guacamole)

Try refreshing the tab or closing and reopening it from the Sessions panel.

Desktop is slow or unresponsive

Performance depends on several factors:

  • Network latency - Choose a cloud region closer to your physical location
  • Instance type - Select a larger instance type with more CPU and memory
  • Browser - Chrome and Firefox generally provide the best performance
  • Other tabs - Close unnecessary browser tabs to free local resources
Copy-paste does not work between local and remote

Clipboard integration depends on your browser's permissions:

  • Allow clipboard access when your browser prompts for it
  • Use the Guacamole clipboard panel (accessible via the side menu) as an alternative
  • Some browsers restrict clipboard access in certain security contexts
Special keyboard shortcuts are not working

Some key combinations (Ctrl+Alt+Del, Windows key, Alt+Tab) may be captured by your local operating system instead of being sent to the remote desktop.

  • Use the Guacamole menu to send special key combinations
  • Enter full-screen mode to improve keyboard passthrough
  • Check your browser's keyboard shortcut settings for conflicts
Session shows green tick but clicking does not open the desktop

This may be caused by:

  • A pop-up blocker preventing the new tab from opening
  • Browser extensions interfering with the connection
  • Try right-clicking the session and selecting the connection option explicitly