Escape-AWS-Workspace

Basic Tkinter program that adds an always-on-top button to get out of AWS (back to the host) quickly.

Introduction

AWS (Amazon WorkSpaces) is a software that allows users to connect to an Amazon-hosted Windows VM installation.

In full screen mode (View > Enter Full Screen), it's very difficult to switch back to the parent/host OS without exiting AWS.

This program adds an "Exit" button that shows in AWS that allows you to jump back to the host OS.

Instructions

All instructions are completed in the host OS.

• Clone this repo.
• Use python -m pip install -r requirements.txt to install requirements.
• Run EscapeAWS.py to ensure it runs without errors.
• Press Windows+R to go to the Run dialog.
• Type "shell:startup" and press enter. This takes you to the startup programs for your computer.
• Make a new shortcut to the Python files, like: C:\Users\<name>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\pythonw3.exe C:\Users\<name>\<path>\Escape-AWS-Workspace\EscapeAWS.py

Alternative Methods

Instead of using this mediocre piece of software to exit AWS, you can instead:

• Move your cursor the very top of the screen, click Support > "About my workspace", click the new window, and press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Set Task Manager (in the host OS) to be "Always on top" (in the Options menu), size it small, and keep in in a corner of your screen. To exit AWS, click on Task Manager, and press the Windows key on your keyboard.

Limitations/Known Bugs

• Always puts the button on your main monitor.
• Only tested on Windows. Likely doesn't work on other host operating systems.

Feel free to submit pull requests to make this tool better!