Connect to your ProStation

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Spark ProStation delivers cloud-hosted virtual ProStations through secure Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) technology. The remote session opens in a dedicated connection window. Your local device acts as a secure access point, displaying the remote session and transmitting user input in real time. A stable internet connection is recommended for the best experience.

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Before You Begin

Complete the following steps before attempting to connect to your ProStation:

1. Install the Spark App or VDI Receiver

You'll need the Spark software installed on your local machine before you can connect.

• Windows & macOS: The connection client (VDI Receiver) is built into the Spark app. Install the app for your OS, sign in, and connect to your ProStation in just a few clicks.

  Get Spark Desktop App for WindowsGet Spark Desktop App for MacOS

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Connecting to Your ProStation

Showing steps for: Windows

Step 1: Launch the Spark App

Open the Spark app on your computer.

Step 2: Sign In to Your Account

Sign in using your Spark Cloud Studio account credentials.

Already signed in?

If you have already signed in or registered before, you can skip this step when the app opens.

If you do not already have an account, complete the registration process before continuing.

After successful authentication, you will be redirected to the Dashboard.

Step 3: Create or Start a ProStation

After accessing the dashboard, navigate to the ProStations section.

• If you have not created a ProStation yet, follow the ProStation Creation Guide to provision a new ProStation instance.
• If an existing ProStation is already available, click Start to power it on.

Step 4: Wait for the ProStation to Initialize

Allow the ProStation sufficient time to fully initialize and enter the Running state.

First launch may take a few minutes

When a newly created workstation is launched for the first time, startup may take approximately 5 to 10 minutes while provisioning and resource allocation complete. Subsequent starts typically take less than 2 minutes.

Once the ProStation status changes to Running, the Connect button will become available.

Step 5: Connect to Your ProStation

Click the Connect button on the ProStation card.

The Spark App will automatically launch the VDI Receiver and securely process the connection request.

Step 6: Access the Remote Session

After the connection is established, the remote ProStation desktop session will open automatically.

Wait for the session to load

Wait for the remote environment to fully initialize before interacting with the ProStation.

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After Connecting to Your ProStation

Once the connection is successfully established, your ProStation desktop environment will appear inside the connection window.

You can now begin using your remote ProStation normally.

Your ProStation is all yours

Your ProStation remains available until it is manually deleted from the Dashboard. You can start and stop at any time without affecting your installed applications.

Available ProStation Window Controls

The toolbar allows you to manage your remote session efficiently using built-in connection window controls.

Feature	Description
Display Controls	Adjust display scaling, resolution, and fullscreen mode
Multi-Monitor Support	Expand the session across multiple displays
USB Device Sharing	Connect local USB peripherals to the remote ProStation
Network Statistics	Monitor session latency and connection quality
Session Controls	Minimize, restore, or disconnect the session

Workspace overview

For a complete overview of the workspace environment, toolbar controls, session settings, and advanced features, refer to Inside Your Workstation.

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Connection Window Keyboard Shortcuts

Use the following keyboard shortcuts to quickly manage your remote session.

Session Action	Keyboard Shortcut
Minimize Session	Ctrl + Alt + N
Maximize Session	Ctrl + Alt + M
Restore Window	Ctrl + Alt + W
Toggle Fullscreen	Ctrl + Alt + S
Enable Multi-Screen	Ctrl + Alt + D
Disconnect Session	Ctrl + Alt + X

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Ending Your Session

Option A: Connection Window

When you're finished, move your cursor to the top of the connection window to reveal the close (✖) button. From the connection window controls you can:

Action	Effect	Screenshot
Disconnect	Closes the connection window and returns you to your local desktop. Your ProStation remains powered on and running in the cloud; applications stay open and you can reconnect later.
Log Out	Ends your user session on the ProStation and closes user applications. The connection window will close; the ProStation typically remains powered on (use Dashboard to stop it if needed).
Cancel	Closes the dialog and returns you to your active remote session.

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Option B: From Inside the OS

If you select power or session actions from inside the remote operating system (for example using the Start menu, Apple menu, or system menu in Linux), the OS operation will run on the ProStation itself and the connection window will close automatically when the operation begins.

OS Action	What Happens	Screenshot
Shutdown	The ProStation powers off. The connection window closes automatically. To reconnect you must start the ProStation again from the Dashboard.
Restart	The ProStation reboots. The connection window closes automatically; wait for the ProStation to return to the Running state before reconnecting.
Log Out	Your user session ends and all user applications are closed. The connection window will close; the ProStation typically remains powered on (check Dashboard).

Don't forget to stop your ProStation

Disconnecting or logging out does not stop your ProStation. It continues running and billing. If you're done for the day, go to the Dashboard and click Stop.