Technology

Troubleshooting AVD RemoteApp App Icons Missing in the Windows App

Last modified 4/14/2026

Problem

RemoteApp and virtual desktop icons in the Windows App (for Azure Virtual Desktop/AVD) appear blank, gray, or are entirely missing after launching the application.

Details

This issue occurs when the Windows App client's cache becomes corrupted or out-of-sync with the remote feed. Users may still be able to launch the blank applications by clicking on the empty space/gray icon where the app icon should be, but the icons themselves do not display correctly.

Solution

The fastest resolution is to reset the Windows App data. This will clear the application cache and force the application to re-download the remote feed and icons.

Steps to Reset the Windows App (Windows OS)

  1. Close the Windows App completely.
  2. Open the Windows Settings application.
  3. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
  4. Scroll down or search for the Windows App.
  5. Click the three-dot menu (...) next to the app name and select Advanced options.
  6. Scroll down to the Reset section and click the Reset button.
    1. Note: This action resets all app data and will log the user out of the application.
  7. Upon completion, relaunch the Windows App.

Outcome

The Windows App should automatically sign the user back in, and the application and desktop icons should now appear correctly.

Further Troubleshooting (Windows + macOS)

If the icon still is not displaying properly, follow these steps:

  1. For macOS, first uninstall the app by dragging it to the trash can. See Accessing AVD: A Guide to Different Clients for how to redownload the Windows App.
  2. Click on the profile picture in the top right corner to view your account.
  3. Select Sign out.
  4. When prompted to pick an account to continue, DO NOT select your account.
  5. Click Use another account.
  6. Type in your ISU email address and continue through the sign-in process.
  7. The app icon should now display properly.

Important Note

Any RemoteApp or desktop set as a Favorite will have that setting reset, and the user will need to re-select their favorites after completing the reset process.

 

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:

Feedback

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