/
How to use the Application Gateway

How to use the Application Gateway

Oct 16, 2025

Overview

The USF Application Gateway can be used from any device with a web browser to access many applications available in USF computer labs.

It’s available to current students, faculty, and staff.

Users may access software on USF’s Application Gateway for learning, teaching, training, development, and non-commercial research.


Table of Contents

Getting to Application Gateway

There are 2 ways to access the Application Gateway. 

  1. Visiting the website directly: https://windows.cloud.microsoft
        OR
  2. Downloading the Windows App

How to download Windows App

  1. Log into https://windows.cloud.microsoft using your USF email address and password.

  2. Select Download located on the lower left


  3. Select the version you wish to download.


  4. You will be redirected to your chosen application store for download.

Accessing Programs

  1. Log into your chosen Application Gateway. 

  2. Select Apps located on the left column. 

  3. Find your application from the list and left-click to launch.


  4. Choose the local resources to make accessible to the remote application session. (Example application: MatLab)


  5. Enter your password when prompted. (Example application: MatLab)


  6. Select Yes to finish connect. (Example application: MatLab)


  7. The application will load within the current browser tab.
    To upload or download files to the remote application session, refer to the Uploading and Downloading files to remote session section. (Example application: MatLab)

Back to top

Tips on Saving Your Files to OneDrive

If OneDrive is not installed on your computer, you can find download and installation instructions here: OneDrive - Download and Installation of Desktop App.

  1. You will need to ensure your files are uploaded to OneDrive. Your OneDrive can be managed via a browser at https://usfedu-my.sharepoint.com/.

  2. Within an application, use the Open or Save prompt and select the OneDrive – University of South Florida shortcut to access your files stored in OneDrive.

    OneDrive Documents Folder

    Make sure all files are saved in the Documents folder on your OneDrive – University of South Florida. Files not saved in this location may be permanently lost.



Back to top

Devices

Access to the Windows 365 Cloud Virtual Machine through either the Application Gateway website or the Windows App is done via the Devices button.

To do this,  select the icon located on the left named Devices.


Back to top


If you are unable to solve your issue with this knowledge base article, please contact the USF IT Service Desk by using Chat at itchat.usf.edu, calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu. 

If you find any errors or omissions in any knowledge base article, please contact and inform the USF IT Service Desk by calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu.