March 2026 Virtual Data Enclave (VDE) Updates

By ICPSR Staff

We have several updates regarding the Virtual Data Enclave (VDE).  Please subscribe to the DSDR quarterly newsletter to keep up with all of our announcements that may impact your work in the VDE. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at DSDR-data@umich.edu.

(1) New Server Path:
The VDE server path has changed. Please update your server path for the VDE to vde.icpsr.umich.edu.

The below URLs no longer work:

  • midesktop.it.umich.edu
  • midesktop.it.umich.edu

(2) Software Changes:
Due to challenges presented by licensing requirements, there are some changes to software in the VDE:

  • Anaconda is no longer in the VDE.
    • Miniforge is available.
    • Spyder, Anaconda Navigator, and Jupyter Notebook are not available in Miniforge.
    • The conda command can still be used to manage environments.
  • ArcGIS is no longer in the VDE. It has been replaced by QGIS.  Additionally, R has strong geographic capabilities.
  • MS Office is being replaced by LibreOffice.

(3) Logging Off versus Disconnecting:

  • Logging off will shut down all programs and completely remove you from the virtual environment.
  • Disconnecting will log you out but leave any programs running.
  • Please see the User Guide for additional information: https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/sites/icpsr/posts/shared/vde
  • PLEASE LOG OFF when done with your work as this frees up VDE resources for other researchers. There are a limited number of virtual machines available and if you only disconnect or if you only close the window, you are continuing to occupy that machine “seat” and prevent others from doing their work.

(4) OKTA versus Duo:

At this time, you will continue to use Duo authentication when signing into your Virtual Data Enclave (VDE) via Omnissa Horizon Client.

The reason OKTA credentials are important is two-fold:

  • OKTA authentication will be necessary if you need to change your password going forward (as of February 25, 2026)
  • In the future, there is an expectation that the VDE authentication will also move to OKTA. We do not have a date for that transition at this time. For now, you will continue to use Duo.

Important notes:

  • It is not a problem to have both Duo and OKTA applications on your phone; they do not interfere with each other.
  • For guidance on first-time enrollment in OKTA: