Guide

Change settings or troubleshoot MyDesktop

Updated on 29 August 2023

You can alter settings on the MyDesktop client to make it easier to use, plus tips for troubleshooting some common issues

On this page

You can adjust several of the settings on the VMWare Horizon client for an even smoother experience with MyDesktop. Options for the web client are more limited and are described on the Connect to MyDesktop guide.

Change display settings

By default, MyDesktop will open on all monitors currently connected to your device, meaning you may have unusable space if you have multiple monitors connected.

You can adjust which monitors are used for the current session by clicking the down arrow next to the Fullscreen button.

Screen grab showing the full screen drop menu. You can select the screen using the left and right arrows, and then click apply to select a setting.

To change the default option for future settings, click the ... button, click Settings, then chose an option from the Display dropdown box:

  • Fullscreen - All Monitors: opens multiple by default, you can then pick which monitors to use using the down arrow beside the fullscreen button.
  • Fullscreen - Single Monitor: MyDesktop will launch on your Primary monitor (for example your laptop screen).

Use USB devices

A MyDesktop session must be running before you can change any of these settings.

This allows you to share any USB devices that are connected to your physical device to the MyDesktop session. This includes printers, cameras, and USB sticks that you may want to use.

Tick the options for Automatically Connect at Startup and Automatically Connect when Inserted, and then select the toggle for the individual USB device you want to use on your MyDesktop session. These devices will connect to MyDesktop and you will be able to use them as you would expect.

Sharing a USB printer connected to your physical device will allow you to print from the MyDesktop session to your own printer. This will only work if the printer is supported by MyDesktop.

Drive sharing

This allows you to share a non-local folder from your physical device to MyDesktop so you can access files on your own machine. You cannot share a local drive using MyDesktop.

Select the Add option and navigate to the folder you wish to use, then select Add Folder. This will appear in the list alongside other folders you have already added.

Screengrab showing the drive sharing window. There are buttons to add, remove, and apply

Once you have added your drives, select Apply to save the changes. You can also remove any folders you do not want to share with MyDesktop any longer.

Other settings

There are other settings that you can change, but these should only be changed by advanced users as they will not affect normal use of MyDesktop.

Troubleshooting

I have logged out and cannot log back in

If you try to log back in too soon after logging out, you may experience issues when using the MyDesktop Horizon Client.

To fix this, in the VMware Horizon Client right click on the device and select Reset Desktop.  Then try launching the session again.

Screengrab showing the VMware Horizon Client and the dialog box that appears when you right click on a desktop. The options to reset desktop is highlighted.

MyDesktop Horizon Client has hung or frozen

If MyDesktop freezes and does not resume in a reasonable amount of time when using the Native Client, try closing the window using the floating toolbar. 

Screengrab showing the myDesktop toolbar. On the far right is the X icon to close it.

If this does not work, in the VMware Horizon Client right click on the device and select Reset Desktop (see above). Then try launching the session again.

MyDesktop Horizon Client opened on multiple screens

MyDesktop Horizon Client has opened on more than one screen and I can't use my other ones.

This issue occurs by default on the MyDesktop Horizon Client and you will need to change the display settings as described above.

Cannot launch from apps anywhere

There is a known issue with the version of the client on AppsAnywhere. The current solution is to only use the MyDesktop Horizon Client or Web Access from the Connect to MyDesktop guide until a version fix can be applied.

Cannot use USB accessories using web version

This feature is only supported in the full VMWare Horizon Client, not the web version.