How to Set Up AWS WorkSpaces

AWS WorkSpaces is a fully managed service that enables you to set up cloud-based desktops easily. It offers users secure access to a Windows or Linux desktop environment delivered directly from the cloud. By setting up AWS WorkSpaces, you can customize each virtual desktop to meet your organization’s unique requirements and efficiently manage user access and performance.

Sign in to the AWS Management Console

1. Go to the AWS Management Console.
2. Log in with your AWS account credentials

Launch AWS WorkSpaces Service

1. In the AWS Management Console, type “WorkSpaces” in the search bar and select Amazon WorkSpaces from the list.
2. You’ll be directed to the Amazon WorkSpaces dashboard.

Configure a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)

AWS WorkSpaces requires a VPC, you can skip this step. Otherwise, you will need to create one.

1. Go to VPC Dashboard: In the AWS Management Console, search for “VPC” and click on it.
2. Create a VPC: Follow the wizard to create a new VPC with the default settings (or customize as needed). You’ll want to ensure that your VPC includes both public and private subnets for flexibility.
3. Set Up a Security Group: Make sure the security group allows RDP (for Windows) or SSH (for Linux) access.

Create an AWS WorkSpace Directory

1. In the Amazon WorkSpaces dashboard, select Directories from the left menu.
2. Click Create Directory and choose the Simple AD or Microsoft AD option, depending on your requirements. Simple AD is suitable for smaller environments, while Microsoft AD is better for more advanced Active Directory features.
3. Directory Details: Enter your directory name, admin credentials, and select the VPC you just created.
4. After the directory is created, it will take some time for the directory status to show as Active.

Create WorkSpaces

1. Once the directory is active, go back to the WorkSpaces dashboard and select Launch WorkSpaces.
2. Select the directory you just created.
3. Choose WorkSpace Bundle: Select the type of virtual desktop you need (e.g., Standard, Performance, Power). These bundles define the amount of CPU, RAM, and storage.
4. Assign Users: Enter the email addresses of users who will be assigned the WorkSpaces. Each user will receive an email invitation to set up their own virtual desktop.
5. Review and Launch: Review your configurations and click Launch to create the WorkSpaces.

Configure WorkSpaces Settings

1. After launching, you can configure additional settings like:
   • Encryption Settings: Choose to encrypt your WorkSpace’s storage and traffic for enhanced security.
   • Backup Settings: Enable automatic backups or create custom snapshots.
   • Network Settings: You can configure advanced network settings for VPN connections or other networking needs.

Monitor and Manage WorkSpaces

1. After your WorkSpaces are up and running, you can monitor their status on the WorkSpaces Dashboard.
2. You’ll see their current status (Available, Stopped, etc.). You can also reboot or restart a WorkSpace as needed.

Accessing AWS WorkSpaces

1. Once a WorkSpace is launched, the user will receive an email with a link to download the Amazon WorkSpaces client.
2. Download the WorkSpaces Client:
   • For Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, download the appropriate client from the AWS WorkSpaces Downloads Page.
3. Open the WorkSpaces client and enter the registration code and username provided in the email to connect to your virtual desktop.

Managing WorkSpaces

• User Management: You can add, remove, or modify users at any time. Use the Directory page to add new users or modify user settings.
• WorkSpace Customization: You can configure the virtual desktops for specific users, including installing software, assigning storage, and adjusting settings.
• Scaling WorkSpaces: If your organization grows, you can quickly scale by adding more WorkSpaces or changing the type of virtual desktops assigned to users.

Conclusion

AWS WorkSpaces is an excellent solution for organizations seeking to provide secure, scalable virtual desktops for their teams. By following these steps to set up AWS WorkSpaces, you can easily create and manage virtual desktops, giving your employees secure access to corporate resources from anywhere in the world.

For assistance on How to Set Up AWS WorkSpaces, our expert team at Skynats is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re setting up AWS WorkSpaces for the first time or need help with configuration, our professionals provide personalized support to ensure a seamless setup.