Configure user settings through Group Policy and Microsoft Intune policies

Configuring user settings is essential when managing a Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environment. By using Group Policy and Microsoft Intune policies, administrators can define and enforce various configurations for user accounts. In this article, we will explore how to configure user settings through Group Policy and Microsoft Intune policies in the context of the Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop exam.

Group Policy:

Group Policy is a powerful tool that allows administrators to manage user and computer settings within an Active Directory domain. When it comes to Azure Virtual Desktop, Group Policy can be used to configure user settings for AVD sessions.

To configure user settings through Group Policy, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Group Policy Management console on a domain-joined machine.

2. Create a new Group Policy Object (GPO) or edit an existing one.

3. Navigate to “User Configuration” -> “Policies” -> “Administrative Templates” -> “Windows Components” -> “Remote Desktop Services” -> “Remote Desktop Session Host” -> “Remote Session Environment”.

4. Here, you can configure various user settings such as session time limits, idle session limits, and device redirection settings. Modify the desired settings according to your requirements.

5. Once the configurations are done, link the GPO to the appropriate Organizational Unit (OU) in Active Directory.

6. The configured user settings will now be applied to the AVD sessions of the users within the targeted OU.

Microsoft Intune Policies:

In addition to Group Policy, Microsoft Intune can also be used to manage and configure user settings for Azure Virtual Desktop. Intune provides cloud-based device and application management capabilities that can be leveraged to control AVD user settings.

To configure user settings through Microsoft Intune policies, follow these steps:

1. Access the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center using your Intune account.

2. Navigate to “Devices” -> “Configuration Profiles” -> “+ Create profile”.

3. Select the appropriate profile type based on your requirements, such as “Windows 10 and later” or “Windows 10X”.

4. Configure the desired settings within the profile. For AVD user settings, look for options related to remote desktop services, session settings, and user experience.

5. Once the configurations are complete, assign the profile to the appropriate user groups or individual users.

6. The configured user settings will now be applied to the AVD sessions of the targeted users.

Example: Configuring AVD User Settings via Microsoft Intune Policies

Below is an example of configuring user settings for AVD sessions through Microsoft Intune policies using the OMA-URI settings.

1. In the Intune admin center, navigate to “Devices” -> “Configuration profiles” -> “+ Create profile”.

2. Select “Windows 10 and later” as the profile type and provide a suitable name for the profile.

3. Under “Settings”, select “Add” to add a new setting.

4. Choose “Custom” as the OMA-URI setting type.

5. In the “Name” field, enter “AVD User Settings”.

6. In the “OMA-URI” field, enter “vendor/MSFT/Policy/Configurations/RdBrokerUserSettings”.

7. In the “Data type” field, select “String (XML)”.

8. In the “Value” field, enter the desired XML configuration for AVD user settings.

9. Save the configuration profile and assign it to the appropriate user groups or individual users.

10. The specified user settings will now be applied to AVD sessions for the targeted users.

Conclusion:

Configuring user settings through Group Policy and Microsoft Intune policies is crucial for managing Azure Virtual Desktop environments effectively. By utilizing these tools, administrators can define and enforce policies related to session limits, device redirection, and other user settings. Understanding how to configure user settings is important for the Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop exam, as it demonstrates proficiency in managing AVD environments.