Concepts
Configuring session timeout properties in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is an essential task to manage user sessions effectively. By adjusting these properties, you can control how long a session remains active and specify what should happen when a session times out. In this article, we will explore the different session timeout properties and how to configure them in AVD.
1. Idle Session Timeout
The idle session timeout determines the period of inactivity before a user session times out. To configure this timeout value, you need to modify the AVD host pool properties. Here is an example of how to set the idle session timeout to 30 minutes using PowerShell:
$timeout = New-RdsIdleSessionCollectionConfiguration -IdleSessionTimeoutMinutes 30
Set-RdsHostPool -ResourceGroupName "MyResourceGroup" -Name "MyHostPool" -IdleSessionTimeoutConfiguration $timeout
2. Active Session Timeout
The active session timeout specifies the maximum duration a user session can remain active. This timeout is useful to limit the time a user spends connected to a session. You can configure the active session timeout by adjusting the session host properties. Here’s an example using PowerShell to set an active session timeout of 8 hours:
Set-RdsSessionHost -TenantName "MyTenant" -HostPoolName "MyHostPool" -Name "MySessionHost" -ActiveSessionTimeoutHours 8
3. Disconnected Session Timeout
Disconnected sessions occur when a user disconnects from their active session without logging off. The disconnected session timeout controls how long a disconnected session can remain on the server before it is terminated. To configure this timeout, modify the session host properties. For instance, to set a disconnected session timeout value of 24 hours using PowerShell:
Set-RdsSessionHost -TenantName "MyTenant" -HostPoolName "MyHostPool" -Name "MySessionHost" -DisconnectedSessionTimeoutHours 24
4. Sign-in Session Timeout
The sign-in session timeout defines the duration that a user can remain signed in before being automatically signed out. This timeout is set at the AVD workspace level. You can configure it using the Azure portal or PowerShell. Here’s an example using PowerShell to set the sign-in session timeout to 2 hours:
Set-RdsWorkspace -TenantName "MyTenant" -Name "MyWorkspace" -SignInSessionDurationHours 2
It is important to consider your organization’s requirements and user usage patterns for session timeout configurations. Properly setting these timeout properties ensures a balance between security and usability.
In conclusion, configuring session timeout properties in Azure Virtual Desktop allows you to manage user sessions effectively. By adjusting idle, active, disconnected, and sign-in session timeout settings, you can optimize user experience and enhance security. Refer to the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop documentation for further details and additional configuration options.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
Which parameter in the Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) session host pool properties allows you to configure the maximum time a user can be idle before their session is disconnected?
a) MaxSessionIdleTimeInSeconds
b) MaxConnectionsInSession
c) MaxInactiveTimeBeforeDisconnect
d) SessionScreenTimeoutInSeconds
Answer: a) MaxSessionIdleTimeInSeconds
True or False: The default session idle timeout value in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is 30 minutes.
Answer: True
Which PowerShell cmdlet can be used to configure the session timeout properties for an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) host pool?
a) Set-RDSessionHostPool
b) Set-RDHostPool
c) Set-RDSessionHost
d) Set-RDVirtualDesktop
Answer: a) Set-RDSessionHostPool
Multiple Select: Which of the following session timeout properties can be configured for a specific user in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?
a) IdleSessionTimeoutInSeconds
b) ActiveSessionTimeoutInSeconds
c) DisconnectedSessionTimeoutInSeconds
d) LogoffSessionTimeoutInSeconds
Answer:
– a) IdleSessionTimeoutInSeconds
– c) DisconnectedSessionTimeoutInSeconds
True or False: The session timeout properties in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) are applied individually to each user in the host pool.
Answer: True
Which of the following session timeout settings can be modified in the Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration tool for Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?
a) End a disconnected session
b) End a session when a user is idle for a specified amount of time
c) Set time limit for disconnected sessions
d) Limit maximum active sessions
Answer:
– a) End a disconnected session
– c) Set time limit for disconnected sessions
Single Select: Which Azure portal blade can be used to configure the session timeout properties for an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) host pool?
a) Virtual machines
b) Networking
c) Session host
d) Windows Virtual Desktop
Answer: d) Windows Virtual Desktop
True or False: Once configured, the session timeout properties take effect immediately for all users connected to the Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) host pool.
Answer: True
Multiple Select: Which of the following actions can be performed when a session reaches the idle timeout threshold in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?
a) Disconnect the session
b) Log off the user
c) Terminate the session process
d) Lock the user’s session
Answer:
– a) Disconnect the session
– b) Log off the user
Single Select: Which registry key can be used to configure session timeout properties in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?
a) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W3SVC\Parameters
b) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
c) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Terminal Server
d) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services
Answer: c) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Terminal Server
Great article on configuring session timeout properties!
Having trouble setting session timeouts. Anyone else facing this?
Can’t seem to get the Idle Timeout configured correctly. Any tips?
Is there any way to configure session timeouts via the Azure CLI?
Thanks for this detailed guide!
What about conditional access policies for session timeouts?
Tried everything but my users still complain about abrupt session logouts.
Interesting read, thanks!