Skip to content

Windows Installation and Setup

Step 1: Boot from the ISO

On first boot, the BIOS may not automatically identify the ISO as bootable.

1. Enter the boot manager
  1. Press Enter when prompted to open the BIOS
  2. Select Boot Manager

windows bios

2. Update boot settings
  1. Select the first QEMU DVD-ROM
  2. Press Enter when asked to boot from disk

boot manager

Step 2: Install Windows

Proceed through the windows setup screens.

Important

  1. When asked for a product key, select "I don't have a product key". You can enter your product key after your drivers are installed.
  2. Select Custom: Install Windows only (not Upgrade)
  3. Select the 50 GB drive we defined during our template creation as the installation target
  4. Wait for installation to complete (Windows may reboot several times—this is expected)
  5. When Windows asks about internet connection: Select "I don't have internet"
  6. Select "Continue with limited setup"

    Why no internet? Windows doesn't ship with VirtIO network drivers. The network adapter won't function until you install drivers in the next section.

VNC Notes

While using the VNC viewer during installation:

  • Mouse behavior may be erratic—this is normal and only affects VNC
  • No audio— VNC does not support audio
  • Disconnections—VNC may disconnect and reconnect periodically; this is expected

These issues are resolved when you switch to RustDesk or other VDI solutions for regular use.

Step 3: Install VirtIO Drivers

With Windows installed, you need to install VirtIO drivers for network access and other virtual devices.

1. Open Device Manager
  1. Search for "Device Manager" in Windows
  2. Open it

device manager

2. Identify Missing Drivers

Under "Other devices", you'll see several items with yellow caution icons. These are the VirtIO devices needing drivers, including your network adapter.

3. Install Drivers

For each device with a caution icon:

  1. Right-click the device → Update driver

update driver

  1. Select "Browse my computer for drivers"

browse drivers

  1. Click Browse and navigate to the CD drive containing "virtio" in the name
  2. Select the root of the disk and click OK

select drivers

  1. Click Next to install

Note

Repeat for ALL devices except the "Video Controller"— there is no VirtIO driver for video, so you can skip that one.

Step 4: Verify Network Connection

After installing the Ethernet controller driver, Windows should connect to the internet. Verify by opening a browser or checking network status.

Step 5: Install and Configure RustDesk

With internet access available, install RustDesk for performant remote access.

1. Download and Install
  1. Navigate to https://rustdesk.com
  2. Download the Windows installer
  3. Run the installer and complete setup

rustdesk install

2. Configure RustDesk
  1. Open RustDesk and click Settings (gear icon)

rustdesk settings

  1. Go to Security

rustdesk securty

  1. Click "Unlock security settings"
  2. Scroll to "Use Permanent Password" and set your password

rustdesk password

  1. Scroll to "Enable direct IP access" and enable it

rustdesk ip

Step 6: Test the Connection

1. Connect to Restdesk via Port
  1. In Orion, click the Connect button on your workload
  2. Select the Port option and copy the port number

rustdesk connect

Tip

If you have Quick Bar enabled, hover over the workload sidebar icon to see active workloads and quickly copy connection info.

  1. Open RustDesk on your local machine

rustdesk local

Enter the connection: <node-hostName>:<port> OR <node-ip>:<port>

(e.g., superalpha.juno-innovations.com: 31234 `OR` `192.168.1.100:31234`)
  1. Click Connect and enter your permanent password

local connect

Using Other VDI Solutions

The RustDesk setup demonstrated here follows the same pattern for other direct-connect VDI solutions. Whether you're using HP Anyware (RGS), Parsec, Nice DCV, or similar tools, the process is:

  1. Install your VDI software inside the Windows VM
  2. Configure it for direct IP access with a static/permanent password
  3. Set up the appropriate port(s) in your Orion workload template
  4. Use the Port option from the Connect button to get your assigned port
  5. Connect from your local client using <node-hostName>:<port> OR <node-ip>:<port>

Orion's dynamic port assignment works as a connection broker for any VDI solution that supports direct connections — you're not locked into RustDesk.