What is AVD?
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), previously Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), is a Microsoft Azure-based virtual desktop operating system used to securely host desktops and applications in the cloud.
Compatible across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, Azure Virtual Desktop enables users to not only access their desktops at any time and from any location, but also access their applications without needing them to be installed on the device.
In terms of licensing and pricing, all AVD license costs are already included in many Microsoft 365 (M365) subscriptions, including Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Microsoft 365 E3, but more on that below.
Now, let’s dive into some of the specifics of Microsoft AVD, including aspects of architecture, management, benefits, use cases, and much more.
Azure Virtual Desktop architecture
Read a more in-depth breakdown of the complete Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop technical architecture here, otherwise, the graphic below provides a quick summary.
Management
All components of Azure Virtual Desktop are managed via the Azure portal, PowerShell, or third-party tools like Nerdio Manager.
Operating system
AVD supports all current versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and 11 Enterprise (single- and multi-session). This allows you to tailor deployments to specific user needs.
Image management
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop can leverage all image types, including Azure Marketplace images, custom images, and shared Azure Compute Galleries. Session host VMs can be created from these images and kept current by updating the image and then re-imaging session hosts to the latest version.
Images can be stored in one or more Azure regions for geographic distribution and resilience. Images can also use any supported operating system and can be created as either a Generation 1 or Generation 2 VM.
Finally, there is no limit on the number of Azure images that can be used in an AVD environment.
Applications and updates
AVD session hosts can be updated via Microsoft Endpoint Manager, through a golden image, or manually in the Azure portal. Applications can be delivered to session hosts via image updates, manual installation on host VMs, using MSIX app attach, or through Nerdio’s Unified Application Management (UAM) feature. The update and application delivery processes are very flexible and can be fully automated.
Images can be stored in one or more Azure regions for geographic distribution and resilience. Images can also use any supported operating system and can be created as either a Generation 1 or Generation 2 VM.
Finally, there is no limit on the number of Azure images that can be used in an AVD environment.
Backup and disaster recovery
Azure allows organizations to create robust backup, disaster recovery (DR), and business continuity strategies for their virtual desktop environments. AVD session hosts can be backed up and protected in several different ways including using native offerings like Azure Site Recovery and Azure Backup.
For further reading, check out this article about making AVD deployments more resilient with DR considerations.
Monitoring
Azure Virtual Desktop includes robust logging, diagnostic, monitoring, and reporting capabilities.
Logs are generated by the AVD service and AVD agent running on session host VMs. This information is then streamed to Azure Log Analytics where it is captured and visualized with Azure Monitor workbooks. Many third-party tools are also available to help monitor and measure performance, issues, etc. across your desktop environment.
Azure Virtual Desktop user profiles
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop leverages FSLogix for user profile encapsulation. This allows users to easily roam between session host VMs without losing their user state. Personal AVD desktops can be deployed without FSLogix, but even in persistent scenarios FSLogix profiles provide a valuable backup capability and make it easier to manage session host updates through images.
A Server Message Block (SMB) file share is required to host the FSLogix profile containers. This can be an Azure Files share, Azure NetApp File volume, or a file server VM.
Azure Virtual Desktop networking
Leveraging Azure Virtual Desktops can improve operational efficiencies across IT departments while bolstering organizations’ security and compliance. The flexible, scalable solution reduces complexity but still enables IT to fully control all aspects of Azure Virtual Desktop networking. Static IP addresses can be assigned, VPN tunnels configured, and firewall rules enforced.
Azure also allows for the creation of self-contained virtual networks or VNets. These can be connected directly to other Azure VNets with firewalls, Network Security Groups (NSGs), or VNET peering attached to control traffic.
While routing is handled through Microsoft, route tables can be created if required.
A Server Message Block (SMB) file share is required to host the FSLogix profile containers. This can be an Azure Files share, Azure NetApp File volume, or a file server VM.
Optimize costs with auto-scaling
While the native Microsoft AVD auto-scaling feature provides basic automation to adjust the number of active session hosts based on demand, many third-party tools offer more advanced and customizable options.
Leveraging the Azure usage-based pricing model, the native capabilities can be used to drastically reduce Azure compute and storage costs. However, using third-party automation and management tools has been shown to save up to 75% of the costs of peak Azure demand.
It is also possible to use Azure Reserved Instances to reduce costs and guarantee available capacity.
Read more about native vs non-native auto-scale comparisons here.
Azure also allows for the creation of self-contained virtual networks or VNets. These can be connected directly to other Azure VNets with firewalls, Network Security Groups (NSGs), or VNET peering attached to control traffic.
While routing is handled through Microsoft, route tables can be created if required.
A Server Message Block (SMB) file share is required to host the FSLogix profile containers. This can be an Azure Files share, Azure NetApp File volume, or a file server VM.
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Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop empowers organizations to work securely, efficiently, and affordably.
Here’s how:
Enhanced security
With Microsoft AVD, organizations benefit from over 3,500 global cybersecurity experts working tirelessly to defend against every threat and protect data and assets in Azure.
Azure Virtual Desktop leverages an organization’s existing Azure security framework to ensure the security of company data and applications. Staff working on sensitive data in high-risk situations are protected because data is not stored on their devices. This is equally true for staff working from non-secure networks, like cafes or other public locations, ensuring an organization is fully protected.
More information on Microsoft Azure security can be found here.
Reduced costs
AVD is a much more affordable option compared to on-premises options. On top of the absence of expensive, outdated hardware that an organization must maintain and store, AVD Operating System license entitlement is already included in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Click here for more information on how desktop as a service (DaaS) saves your organization money.
Simplified management
Although Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop can be complex when deployed and managed natively, with the help of Nerdio Manager, almost all functions can be performed by any IT admin with just a few clicks. Additionally, most customers saw up to 80% time savings when using Nerdio Manager compared to the native capabilities.
Increased accessibility
Unlike traditional on-premises options, AVD allows multiple sessions on a Windows 10 or 11 VM. This means that an organization can have multiple users access the same virtual machine while reducing the cost of maintaining multiple VM licenses. Additionally, because these sessions are isolated from each other, it creates better security and privacy.
Read about more benefits of deploying Azure Virtual Desktop here.
Use cases for Azure Virtual Desktop
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop offers flexible, scalable, and secure virtual desktop solutions that address all the needs of a modern business. AVD is ideal for organizations that require more customization within Azure.
If an organization’s number of virtual desktops fluctuates often, AVD is highly cost-effective since admins can closely dial in Azure compute to reduce overall costs for the organization.
However, to achieve greater granularity, IT will either need to have an experienced Azure engineer on staff or will need to implement an AVD deployment and management platform like Nerdio.
Microsoft does offer another DaaS solution (Windows 365), but it is a simpler, pre-configured option. Read more about the use cases of Azure Virtual Desktop here: Azure Virtual Desktop vs. Windows 365: Comparing Two DaaS Products.
Who should use Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Virtual Desktop is well-suited for businesses of all sizes seeking to modernize their desktop infrastructure and adapt to the evolving workplace. Particularly in a post-pandemic world where remote work is increasingly common, Microsoft AVD offers a flexible and scalable solution for providing secure access to desktop environments. Organizations with varying desktop needs (such as those with seasonal or fluctuating workforce requirements) can benefit from AVD’s ability to quickly provision and de-provision virtual desktops as needed.
How much does Azure Virtual Desktop cost?
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop requires the user to have an assigned Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise subscription license. Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise can be purchased as a standalone subscription or be included as part of a Windows 365 suite subscription (e.g. M365 E3/E5 and Business Premium).
This Windows subscription license includes usage rights of the AVD control plane and entitles the user to connect to Windows desktops hosted in Azure. All other costs compute, storage, networking). This includes the compute costs of running session host VMs, the cost of OS disks, and the usage of Azure Files for FSLogix storage. All costs are based on actual usage — if a VM is powered off, there is no compute charge.
AVD networking costs are incurred at the Azure subscription level where session host VMs run. These charges typically include egress bandwidth, Network Address Translation (NAT) gateways, VPNs, and firewalls.
Intune is a fantastic option to manage Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts but is not required for an AVD deployment. Most environments can be managed via images.
Find more information about the true cost of Azure Virtual Desktop here.
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How to connect to Azure Virtual Desktop
Users can connect to AVD sessions and Cloud PCs using the same client app, which is available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and as an HTML client. Admins can control the resources visible to individual end-users, and the user will see everything in a single feed using the same app.
Additionally, the authentication and multi-factor experience should be very familiar since it leverages Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), which is used for both M365 and AVD authentication.
To connect to Azure Virtual Desktop, users can go to https://aka.ms/wvdwebarm or download a client app from https://aka.ms/wvdclients.
How to deploy Azure Virtual Desktop
With Nerdio, deploying Azure Virtual Desktop has never been easier. Nerdio Manager’s intuitive and easy-to-use interface enables admins to deploy AVD in just a few hours or connect to an existing environment in as little as 10 minutes — an 80% reduction in deployment time.
Why choose Azure Virtual Desktop with Nerdio?
By combining the power of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop and Nerdio, modern businesses can optimize their deployments and address the complexities and expenses that have long been associated with traditional VDI.
Historically, deploying and managing virtual desktop solutions required significant upfront investments and expertise, making them inaccessible to many organizations. However, Nerdio simplifies this process by offering automated deployment and configuration tools that streamline setup and reduce administrative overhead.
With Nerdio, IT professionals can automatically deploy a complete virtual desktop environment in a couple of hours or connect to an existing environment in 10 minutes. Admins can manage all users from one intuitive management platform and save up to 75% on Azure compute and storage costs with Nerdio’s Auto-scaling feature. Auto-scaling allows organizations to fine-tune resource allocation up or down as needed, ensuring that they only pay for what they use.
Plus, Nerdio’s intuitive interface allows organizations to easily provision virtual desktop environments with minimal manual intervention, saving time and resources. This automated approach ensures consistency and reliability across deployments, mitigating the risk of errors and ensuring a seamless user experience.
Finally, whether it’s troubleshooting technical issues, optimizing performance, or navigating licensing requirements, Nerdio plays a crucial role in making Azure Virtual Desktop accessible and manageable. The support team is dedicated to helping organizations maximize the value of their AVD investments and confidently embrace Microsoft AVD as a strategic tool for enhancing productivity, security, and flexibility across operations.
