Azure Virtual Desktop

For the client, see Azure Virtual Desktop (client).
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
Developer(s)Microsoft
Initial releaseSeptember 2019; 5 years ago (2019-09)
Stable release
1.2.5713.0 / 12 November 2024; 40 days ago (2024-11-12)[1]
Operating systemWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, and HTML5 web browsers
PlatformCross-platform
TypeDesktop virtualization service
WebsiteOfficial site

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD),[2] is a Microsoft Azure-based system for virtualizing its Windows operating systems, providing virtualized desktops and applications securely in the cloud (over the Internet) using the Remote Desktop Protocol.[3][4][5] It is aimed at enterprise customers rather than at individual users.[6]

Azure Virtual Desktop with Windows 10/11 Enterprise Multi-Session is a cloud-based alternative to an on-premise Remote Desktop Server (RDS). AVD is deployed in Azure Cloud as a virtual machine. License costs are already included in several Microsoft 365 subscriptions, including Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Microsoft 365 E3.

History

Azure Virtual Desktop was first announced by Microsoft in September 2018,[7] available as a public preview in March 2019,[8] and generally available at the end of September 2019.[9]

Client software

Main article: List of Remote Desktop Protocol clients

Azure Virtual Desktops can be accessed with the Remote Desktop client for Windows, also called Azure Virtual Desktop, on Windows and with Microsoft Remote Desktop on other platforms, including the web.[10] Other non-Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol clients can also be used to connect to Azure Virtual Desktops.

Availability/compatibility

Azure Virtual Desktop supports Windows 10/11 multi-session, Windows 10/11 single-session, Windows Server 2012 R2 and newer operating systems.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Azure Virtual Desktop (HostApp)". Microsoft Apps. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  2. ^ Foley, Mary Jo (June 7, 2021). "Microsoft rebrands WVD as 'Azure Virtual Desktop'; adds new app-streaming pricing option". ZDNet. Retrieved 2021-06-07.
  3. ^ Lardinois, Frederic (September 30, 2019). "Microsoft's Windows Virtual Desktop service is now generally available". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  4. ^ Alspach, Kyle (30 September 2019). "5 Things To Know About Microsoft's 'Revolutionary' Windows Virtual Desktop". CRN. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  5. ^ femila (2023-06-12). "Understanding Azure Virtual Desktop network connectivity - Azure". learn.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
  6. ^ Speed, Richard. "An unbearable itch to migrate your OS to the cloud? You might have a case of Windows VD". The Register. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  7. ^ Foley, Mary Jo. "Microsoft to bring multi-user virtualization to Windows and Office with Windows Virtual Desktop service". ZDNet. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  8. ^ Foley, Mary Jo. "Microsoft delivers public preview of Windows Virtual Desktop". ZDNet. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  9. ^ Foley, Mary Jo. "Microsoft makes Windows Virtual Desktop generally available globally". ZDNet. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  10. ^ dknappettmsft (2024-02-22). "Remote Desktop clients for Azure Virtual Desktop - Azure Virtual Desktop". learn.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
  11. ^ "Azure Virtual Desktop | Microsoft Azure". learn.microsoft.com. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 2023-07-21.