Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-hosted virtual desktop platform that enables organizations to deliver Windows 11 desktops and software to distributed users. Built on Microsoft Azure, it provides dynamic infrastructure, centralized management, and integration with Azure Active Directory and other MS services.
Key components
- host pools contain virtual machines that run user sessions.
- Session hosts are Windows virtual machines deployed in the Azure cloud.
- Application groups publish full desktops or specific programs.
- FSLogix containers manage user profiles for persistent user experiences.
- Azure Files https://github.com/azvdesk/Azure-Virtual...p/releases or ANF provide profile storage and shared folders.
Benefits
Azure Virtual Desktop delivers adaptability by enabling telework and supporting bring your own device scenarios. It offers cost optimization through session-based desktops and elastic scaling that reduce compute spend. Operational ease of management comes from centralized management, integration with the monitoring stack and governance tools.
Deployment and management
Deploying Azure Virtual Desktop typically involves creating host pools, configuring app groups, and assigning users through Azure Active Directory. Administrators can use the Azure management portal, PowerShell, or infrastructure as code for automation. For profile management, configure FSLogix with file storage or ANF backed profile shares.
Security and compliance
Security is enforced through conditional access, MFA, and network controls such as network virtual appliances and Network Security Groups. Data protection is achieved with disk encryption, TLS encryption, and role assignments. For regulatory compliance, AVD supports enterprise security standards and integrates with governance for auditing.
Microsoft AVD is a cloud-delivered virtual desktop platform that enables organizations to deliver Windows 10 desktops and software to off-site users. Built on Microsoft Azure, it provides dynamic infrastructure, centralized management, and integration with AAD and other Microsoft services.
Key components
- host pools contain session hosts that run user sessions.
- session host VMs are client OS virtual machines deployed in Azure subscriptions.
- remote apps publish full desktops or single apps.
- FSLogix manage user profiles for consistent user experiences.
- Azure Files storage
https://github.com/azvdesk/Azure-Virtual...p/releases or NetApp provide profile storage and shared folders.
Benefits
Microsoft AVD delivers flexibility by enabling work from anywhere and supporting BYOD scenarios. It offers cost savings through session-based desktops and autoscaling that reduce compute spend. Operational administrative efficiency comes from single-pane management, integration with the monitoring stack and policy management.
Deployment and management
Deploying Microsoft AVD typically involves creating host pools, configuring application groups, and assigning end users through Azure Active Directory. Administrators can use the Azure Portal, PowerShell, or ARM for orchestration. For profile management, configure FSLogix profile containers with Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files backed profile repositories.
Security and compliance
Security is enforced through Azure AD Conditional Access, Multi-Factor Authentication, and network controls such as firewall and security groups. Data protection is achieved with storage encryption, encryption in transit, and RBAC. For compliance, AVD supports enterprise controls and integrates with policy engine for regulatory reporting.
Windows Virtual Desktop is a cloud-hosted virtual workspace platform that enables organizations to deliver Windows 10 desktops and applications to distributed users. Built on Microsoft Azure, it provides dynamic infrastructure, centralized management, and integration with AAD and other Microsoft services.
Key components
- host pools contain virtual machines that run user sessions.
- Session hosts are client OS virtual machines deployed in Azure subscriptions.
- Application groups publish full desktops or specific programs.
- FSLogix profile containers manage user data for consistent user experiences.
- Azure file shares
https://github.com/azvdesk/Azure-Virtual...p/releases or Azure NetApp Files provide profile storage and shared folders.
Benefits
Azure VDI delivers adaptability by enabling work from anywhere and supporting bring your own device scenarios. It offers cost efficiency through pooled multi-session Windows 10/11 and automatic scaling that reduce compute spend. Operational ease of management comes from centralized control, integration with the monitoring stack and governance tools.
Deployment and management
Deploying Microsoft AVD typically involves creating host pools, configuring remote apps, and assigning end users through Azure AD. Administrators can use the Azure Portal, CLI scripts, or infrastructure as code for repeatable deployment. For profile management, configure FSLogix with Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files backed profile stores.
Security and compliance
Security is enforced through conditional access, two-factor authentication, and network controls such as firewall and security groups. Data protection is achieved with encryption at rest, secure transport, and role-based access control. For compliance, AVD supports security frameworks and integrates with governance for regulatory reporting.