With the vSphere Web Client, you can access a virtual machine's desktop by launching the HTML 5 remote console to the virtual machine. From the HTML 5 remote console, you can perform tasks in the virtual machine such as installing an operating system, configuring the operating system settings, running applications, monitoring performance, and so on.

About this task

Prerequisites

  • If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer, verify that the Client Integration Plug-in is installed.

    For more information, see Install the Client Integration Plug-In.

  • Verify that the virtual machine has a guest operating system and that VMware Tools is installed.

  • Verify that the virtual machine is powered on.

Procedure

  1. In the vSphere Web Client, navigate to a virtual machine in the inventory.
  2. Right-click the virtual machine and select Open Console.

    The HTML 5 remote console opens in a new tab of the Web browser.

  3. Click anywhere inside the console window to start using your mouse, keyboard, and other input devices in the console.
  4. (Optional) Click Send Ctrl-Alt-Delete to send the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keystroke combination to the guest operating system.
  5. (Optional) Press Ctrl+Alt to release the cursor from the console window and work outside the console window.

    This keystroke combination is only available if the Client Integration Plug-in is installed for your Web browser.

  6. (Optional) Click Full Screen to view the console in full screen mode.

    This button is only available if the Client Integration Plug-in is installed for your Web browser.

  7. (Optional) Press Ctrl+Alt+Enter to enter or exit full screen mode.

    This keystroke combination is only available if the Client Integration Plug-in is installed for your Web browser.