Migrating from Citrix to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is an exciting step toward modernizing your virtual desktop environment. AVD brings a host of benefits, including reduced costs, streamlined management, and integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem. But a successful migration doesn’t just magically happen—it requires a clear plan to address potential challenges and ensure a smooth transition.Â
This checklist will guide you through the essential steps to make your Citrix to AVD migration seamless and effective.
1. Assess your current environment
Before diving into the migration, take stock of your existing infrastructure. Identify all applications, workloads, and dependencies within your Citrix environment. What operating systems are in use? Are any components outdated or redundant?Â
Also, evaluate the location of your infrastructure. If databases or backend systems remain on-premises, they may create latency issues when paired with AVD in Azure. A thorough assessment upfront allows you to anticipate and mitigate these challenges early.
2. Understand licensing and cost implications
Licensing is often one of the more complex aspects of moving to AVD. Citrix’s licensing models are typically intricate, involving named users, multi-year commitments, and additional RDS CALs for server workloads.Â
AVD simplifies this with licensing that is often included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions, reducing both complexity and costs. However, you’ll still need to account for Azure usage costs, including virtual machines, storage, and networking. Take time to map out your budget and compare it to your current Citrix expenses to avoid surprises.
3. Plan your approach to image migration
Decide early whether to import your existing Citrix images or start fresh. For many, importing existing images may seem like the simplest option, but it often requires cleaning up outdated agents and unnecessary components. The time it takes to troubleshoot issues with your existing images can often exceed the time it takes to create a new image from scratch.Â
Starting with new images can offer a cleaner, more stable foundation for your AVD environment. Either way, ensure your images are sys-prepped and ready for deployment in AVD. Using tools that support automation can simplify this process and reduce potential downtime.
4. Prepare for application compatibility and deployment
Applications are the backbone of any virtual desktop environment, so it’s critical to ensure they’re compatible with AVD. Identify any legacy or on-premises applications that may require adjustments or updates.Â
Define a clear deployment strategy based on your needs—whether that means manual installations, automated workflows, or modern tools such as Intune and SCCM. Start with a small pilot environment to test key applications and ensure they perform as expected before rolling them out to your broader user base. For organizations looking to speed up this process, third-party solutions such as Rimo3 can significantly reduce the time it takes to prepare and test applications for AVD compatibility.Â
Once you’re ready to deploy, Nerdio’s Unified Application Management feature can simplify the process even further. It allows you to import existing applications from SCCM and Intune while also leveraging package managers, such as Chocolatey and WinGet. With just a few clicks, you can deploy the latest versions of your applications—eliminating the need for complex repackaging and saving IT teams valuable time and effort.
5. Transition user profiles and data
User profile migration is often one of the trickiest parts of a migration. Whether your Citrix environment used proprietary profile tools or third-party solutions, moving to AVD’s native FSLogix profile management will likely involve some reconfiguration.Â
Take this opportunity to simplify your approach by setting up new, clean profiles where possible. Store user profiles in Azure Files or similar solutions to ensure secure, cloud-based access. A popular option is to move users’ data into OneDrive before the migration. This ensures that the user still has access to their required files and folders when they shift to the new solution.
6. Configure host pools and scaling
AVD organizes virtual desktops into host pools, making this a foundational element of your new environment. Plan your host pools based on your organization’s user groups and workloads, ensuring they align with your performance needs.Â
Once configured, AVD’s scaling capabilities allow you to adjust resources based on demand. For dynamic environments, consider leveraging tools that can automate scaling in response to real-time usage patterns, ensuring cost efficiency and consistent performance.
7. Optimize connectivity and policy settings
A reliable connection is key to a great user experience. Deploying the AVD Windows App or enabling browser-based access ensures that users can connect easily from any device. To further enhance performance, RDP Shortpath reduces latency by enabling direct connections between clients and session hosts, minimizing network delays.Â
Another advantage of AVD is its flexibility in host pool placement. Unlike legacy VDI solutions that may be constrained by on-premises infrastructure, AVD allows you to position host pools closer to users’ physical locations. This can result in a faster, more responsive experience—sometimes even surpassing what users were accustomed to with Citrix.Â
For policy management, take the time to tailor settings to your organization’s security and compliance requirements. Define session time limits, restrict clipboard and peripheral access, and enforce security policies to maintain a controlled and secure environment.
Where Nerdio comes in
While these steps can help guide you through the process, migrating from Citrix to AVD doesn’t have to mean doing it alone. Nerdio offers tools and automation to simplify each stage of the migration, from managing images to deploying applications and scaling host pools. Nerdio’s unified management console brings clarity to a complex process, saving time and reducing the risk of missteps.Â
Whether you’re importing existing infrastructure or building a clean slate, Nerdio’s capabilities help you transition faster and with fewer disruptions.
Executing a smooth migration
A successful Citrix to AVD migration requires preparation, the right tools, and a clear plan. By following this checklist, you’ll be ready to overcome challenges and unlock the benefits of AVD.Â
For a deeper dive into the process, download the full migration guide and explore how Nerdio can help you make your move seamless.
