Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a fully managed virtualisation service for desktop environments and app usage. It is hosted remotely on the Microsoft Azure cloud, making it accessible anywhere with an internet connection. Formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop, this desktop and app virtualization service is a foundational Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering.
Businesses use AVD to create, deploy, and manage virtual environments or access specific apps in a secure environment across a range of devices and from different locations. It effectively bridges the gap between traditional on-premises solutions and a modern, cloud-based desktop experience.
A need for scalable work solutions, including hybrid and home office setups and pure remote usage, increased demand for the Azure Virtual Desktop service. Azure virtual desktop pricing costs scale with appropriate licences and usage, making it affordable for SMEs and larger corporations.
What Is Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Virtual Desktop uses its virtual desktop infrastructure to run on the Microsoft Azure platform. It provides a scalable, modular, or custom full Windows desktop virtual experience. This applies when accessing AVD via an Azure remote desktop client or an HTML5-capable web browser (web client).
Virtual machines are used to create Windows virtual environments, plus Linux OS and other environments are supported, too. Unlike traditional Remote Desktop Services, AVD is the only service that provides a multi-session Windows 11 and Windows 10 experience. Desktop images are either added to AVD or selected from an online virtual image catalogue. These provide common desktop environments for users, reducing setup time. An individualised virtual desktop is possible for senior personnel, too.
Various devices, from laptops to desktops to smartphones and tablets, can access an AVD using a Microsoft remote desktop app or a web browser.
Azure uses Azure Identity Protection and other sophisticated security systems to restrict usage only to those granted access. The Azure virtual environment scales effortlessly by creating session hosts as required and offering multiple geo-location server options to boost uptime. For UK businesses, this includes data residency in UK South and UK West regions to satisfy GDPR requirements.
For users of Microsoft 365, AVD offers a unified workspace environment with full support for all the apps included with the 365 licences.
How Does Azure Virtual Desktop Work?
The service uses Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) to create an Azure Virtual Desktop. The VM (or session host) hosts the virtual desktop environment or software application instance, with users accessing it remotely using either a remote app or a web browser.
The architecture is split into a Microsoft-managed control plane (handling the broker and gateway) and a customer-managed data plane (your VMs and data). Secure authentication and encrypted network traffic are approved and managed using Azure Active Directory (now Microsoft Entra ID). This manages server, folder, and user-level access. While two employees may use the same or a similar secure virtual desktop, different security levels or roles determine what they can access.
Data is transmitted using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). With features like RDP Shortpath, this ensures a responsive user experience comparable to a local PC. Gone are the days when using a virtual environment slows your PC to a crawl.
Admins can fully manage AVD environments using the Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell command line, or the consistent, easy-to-use Azure portal interface.
Key Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop
AVD provides some major positives for its business users. Below are the benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop.
Cost Efficiency
Managing extensive physical infrastructure, including servers, VMs, load balancing, and more, is expensive and labour intensive. Using a virtualised environment based in the cloud, system admins can rely on predictable Windows, Linux, and other environments with a pre-loaded selection of apps, known as Application Groups.
Using a pay-as-you-go pricing model and applying the autoscaling feature helps to optimise costs. Multi-session capabilities allow multiple users on a single virtual machine, significantly reducing the cost per seat. Depending on day, time, and other factors, expenses are further managed when setting limits to virtual machine availability. AVD is more affordable and offers greater flexibility than managing technology infrastructure and virtualisation in house.
Security
Security relies on Conditional Access policies to control who can access files, folders, desktop environments, and more. By using a “Reverse Connect” architecture, AVD removes the need to open inbound ports, making session hosts invisible to external scanners. The Azure Active Directory is the backbone of access management and is widely used by corporate users.
Data management, backups, and security are tightly controlled within the Azure environment. Because data lives in the cloud and not on the physical device, a lost laptop does not mean a data breach. Ultimately, virtual machines and desktops are safer when data protection is essential.
Scalability
Scaling up or down as needed is built into the AVD model. Adding extra virtual machines using an existing desktop image is easily done. The virtual machines sit in a host pool, a collection of VMs, ready to use.
No additional hardware investments are required to enjoy effortless scaling opportunities. Whether you need to deliver Windows 11 to five employees or five hundred, the process remains the same.
Zero long-term commitments are required when adding new VMs or deploying a new virtual desktop. Created as required, additional costs only apply for usage. This prevents customers from getting locked into pricey long-term commitments, which stalls implementation.
Flexibility
Azure Virtual Desktops are accessible for many devices and platforms, including Windows 11 or Windows 10, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Remote virtual apps are available on multiple platforms to connect directly to the AVD. Furthermore, an HTML5-capable web browser (web client) permits secure access to the virtual desktop environment.
AVD’s flexibility allows it to support remote working initiatives fully. BYOD policies are also possible because even if the remote app is unavailable, only a web browser is required. No fixed location is necessary either; approved access is possible from any location.
Integration with Microsoft 365
Avid users of Microsoft 365 will not be disappointed. In a virtualised environment, the user can access all assigned apps within their published desktop. Therefore, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook apps are all accessible. AVD uses FSLogix profile containers to ensure that user settings and Outlook caches roam seamlessly between sessions, providing a full Windows experience every time you log in.
Centralised access is likely familiar to users of Microsoft 365 or Teams. The AVD interface adopts a similar GUI, making it a doddle to learn to use it and maximise effectiveness.
Within the Microsoft ecosystem, software licensing and app management are simplified. For many, an existing Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Enterprise subscription already includes the rights to access AVD. This reduces the time required to set up new employees with the proper access and deliver virtual desktops kitted out with a range of productivity apps.
Use Cases for Azure Virtual Desktop
Are you not yet sold on Azure Virtual Desktop? Below are some use-case examples for your consideration.
Remote and Hybrid Work
Complete support for remote and hybrid work activities by offering secure, remote access to company resources. AVD allows secure approved access where needed, whether working from home or meeting at a client’s office to give a presentation.
Distributed teams are often difficult to manage. IT management is simplified when department personnel in similar roles use unified or common desktop environments. Different access controls and separate virtual desktops for specific people are possible, too.
Disaster Recovery
Disaster recovery support is built into AVD. Virtual environments are accessible from one or more locations, providing continued access to apps and company data under almost all imaginable circumstances.
The geo-redundant data centres support rapid recovery in the event of company equipment loss because of a fire or another unforeseen eventuality. Managed Service Providers can leverage Azure Site Recovery to replicate session hosts across different UK regions for maximum resilience.
Compliance and Legacy Apps Requirements
Compliance is more important than ever. Certain industries operate under rigid standards that must be adhered to, including the finance and healthcare sectors. AVD supports all necessary compliance requirements by keeping data within the sovereign UK boundary.
For SMEs relying on older ERP or CRM software, AVD provides a way to host these legacy applications in the cloud without a total rewrite, effectively acting as a bridge to a cloud-first future. Data is always securely handled. This includes tracking all access for future auditing purposes, too.
Comparing AVD to Windows 365 and Traditional VDI
When considering whether to deploy azure virtual desktop, comparing AVD to Windows 365 and traditional VDI is helpful. We do this directly below.
Cost
AVD uses an efficient pay-as-you-go pricing model and supports multi-session windows. This reduces the initial expenses and lowers operational costs, too. In contrast, Windows 365 (Desktop as a Service) offers a fixed monthly price per user, which is simpler but often more expensive at scale.
No additional hardware investments are required to use AVD.
Management
Managing a centralised AVD portal is simpler than traditional remote desktop services options. However, it provides more granular control than Windows 365, allowing for custom networking and app virtualization service configurations. There is also less training on how to manage virtual desktops and applications compared to on-premises solutions.
Significant investment in IT resources is required to set up and manage traditional VDIs.
Scalability
On-premises VDI scales poorly compared to AVD. Adding extra hardware, new software installations, and configuration is not quickly achievable.
Scaling by adding new virtual machines or creating new desktop images is simple when using Azure Virtual Desktop. The technology infrastructure is already available when required and accessible almost instantaneously.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Below are some common challenges and our suggested solutions to them.
Challenge – complexity in managing diverse devices and user access.
Solution – manage varied devices through the Azure portal and third-party tools like Nerdio Manager for unified management.
Challenge – ensuring consistent performance during peak usage.
Solution – peak usage is managed through AVD features like load balancing and autoscaling. Load balancing more evenly distributes the workload between servers. Autoscaling creates more virtual machines and makes other resources available when required.
Challenge – security and compliance risks.
Solution – Microsoft Entra ID and other security systems manage and protect data encryption, safe data transit, and network security. Security policies and user access controls are fully respected to limit access to only those approved. Compliance certifications ensure data is controlled in a compliant manner, with audit-ready systems in place.
How to Get Started with Azure Virtual Desktop
To learn about Azure Virtual Desktop and its implementation, follow these steps:
Planning: determine business needs, user profiles, access needs, and application requirements.
Licensing: select the correct Windows or Microsoft 365 licenses for AVD access. (Most SMEs find M365 Business Premium is the best entry point).
Deployment: use the portal to complete AVD configurations, including virtual machines, desktops, network access, and Azure security requirements.
Management: manage virtual server performance using real-time analytics and security systems. The Azure Virtual Desktop Insights app and other tools are provided for this purpose.
Conclusion
Azure Virtual Desktop delivers a fully managed scalable, virtualised desktop environment that is fast, secure, and cost effective. Whether wishing to support remote workers better or meet the challenges of hybrid or distributed teams, AVD is an excellent option worthy of strong consideration.
At Microbyte, we offer a specialized “1U” Virtual Desktop solution designed specifically for SMEs to bridge the gap between complex physical infrastructure and a seamless cloud-based desktop and application experience.
Business managers should explore how AVD can deliver a more flexible digital workplace with secure access and rapid scalability at an affordable cost. Discuss your virtual desktop needs with our experts at Microbyte.
Azure Virtual Desktop FAQs
Is Azure Virtual Desktop secure for remote work?
Yes. It uses reverse connect technology to keep data off local devices and integrates with Microsoft Entra ID for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
How is AVD different from a VPN?
A VPN connects a device to your network, which is risky if the device is infected. AVD streams the desktop pixels, keeping the actual computing and data isolated safely in the Azure cloud.
Does AVD support UK data sovereignty?
Yes. AVD allows UK companies to pin their data and backups specifically to the UK South or UK West regions to satisfy post-Brexit requirements.
Can I use my existing Microsoft 365 licenses?
Likely yes. If you have Microsoft 365 Business Premium, E3, or E5, the user access rights for AVD are usually included, and you only pay for the underlying Azure consumption.
