Overcoming 5 common challenges in Citrix to AVD migrations
Switching from Citrix to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is an exciting step toward modernizing your IT infrastructure. AVD offers simplified management, cost savings, and native integration with Microsoft tools—but like any major migration, it comes with its challenges. Without the right strategy, it’s easy to run into roadblocks.
Fortunately, with the right tools and preparation, these challenges can be tackled head-on. Here are five common hurdles organizations face during a Citrix-to-AVD migration and how Nerdio helps you overcome them.
1. Navigating complex licensing differences
Challenge: Citrix licensing can feel like solving a puzzle, and not the fun kind. Between named user models, multi-year commitments, and the need for separate RDS CALs, many IT teams struggle to calculate costs or plan budgets.
Solution: AVD simplifies things. Licensing is included in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions, and there’s no need for extra RDS CALs if you’re using Windows 11 Multi-Session. Nerdio makes it even easier by offering pay-as-you-go licensing with no minimum commitments. You only pay for what you use, helping you control costs without sacrificing functionality.
2. Rebuilding or migrating images
Challenge: Let’s face it: migrating images from Citrix to AVD can be tricky. Legacy operating systems, third-party tools, and outdated configurations often add complexity to the process.
Solution: That’s where Nerdio steps in. Whether you’re importing existing images or creating clean, new ones, Nerdio provides tools to automate the entire process. Administrators can use Nerdio’s console to manage image lifecycles, remove unnecessary components, and deploy sys-prepped images quickly. It’s a streamlined way to rebuild your environment without the headaches.
Nerdio also can install applications onto your image during the image creation process, making it a one-stop shop for all your image preparation needs.
3. Ensuring application compatibility and deployment
Challenge: Applications are the backbone of your virtual desktop environment, but moving them from Citrix to AVD can bring unexpected hurdles. Legacy apps or on-premises databases may not play nicely with the new setup, creating delays and frustration.
Solution: Nerdio makes deploying and managing applications straightforward. Tools like Unified Application Management and Scripted Actions allow you to automate deployments, manage updates, and even integrate with existing systems like Intune and SCCM. Whether you’re deploying standard apps or custom-built solutions, Nerdio reduces complexity and gets your apps running on AVD faster.
Additionally, Nerdio integrates directly with package managers, such as Chocolaty and WinGet, enabling you to keep your applications fully updated with a few clicks of a button.
4. Migrating user profiles and data
Challenge: User profiles are notoriously tricky to migrate. Many Citrix environments rely on older profile management solutions or third-party tools, making the transition to AVD feel overwhelming.
Solution: AVD simplifies this process with FSLogix, Microsoft’s native profile management solution, which delivers faster logins and consistent user experiences. Nerdio takes it a step further by automating the creation of Azure Files storage for profiles and injecting FSLogix configurations into session hosts. The result? A smooth migration with minimal disruption to end users.
5. Adjusting to AVD’s cloud-native architecture
Challenge: Moving from an on-premises Citrix environment to AVD’s Azure-based platform can be a big adjustment. Host pools, session hosts, and scaling require a different mindset—and without the right tools, the learning curve can be steep.
Solution: Nerdio eliminates this friction with its intuitive management console. From configuring host pools to setting up dynamic auto-scaling, Nerdio makes managing AVD feel effortless. You’ll have everything you need to keep your environment running efficiently, even as your business scales.
Turn migration roadblocks into opportunities
Migrating from Citrix to Azure Virtual Desktop doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and a clear plan, you can overcome the common challenges and unlock all the benefits AVD has to offer.
Ready to dive deeper? Download the full migration guide to learn how Nerdio makes Citrix to AVD migrations seamless.
