Implement and manage Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts

Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop) is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service that runs on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. It enables organizations to deploy and manage Windows desktops and apps virtually, offering a scalable, secure, and cost-effective solution for remote work scenarios.

As part of Azure Virtual Desktop, you can implement and manage Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts. This allows users to access familiar applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, directly from their virtual desktop environments. In this article, we will explore the process of configuring and operating Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts.

Before You Begin

Before we proceed, there are a few important prerequisites to keep in mind:

• You need a valid Microsoft 365 subscription to use the Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop.
• Familiarize yourself with the licensing requirements and terms for deploying Microsoft 365 apps in a virtualized environment.

Implementation and Management Process

Let’s dive into the implementation and management process for Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts:

1. Provision Azure Virtual Desktop Session Hosts

To get started, follow these steps:

• Create a new virtual machine (VM) on Azure or use an existing VM as the session host.
• Ensure that the VM meets the hardware and software requirements for Azure Virtual Desktop.
• Install the required roles and features on the VM, including the Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session operating system.

2. Configure Azure Virtual Desktop Session Host

Configure the Azure Virtual Desktop session host by performing the following tasks:

• Install the Azure Virtual Desktop agent on the session host VM.
• Register the session host VM with the Azure Virtual Desktop service through the agent.
• Provide the necessary permissions and access rights to the session host VM in the Azure portal.
• Join the session host VM to an Azure Active Directory (AD) domain if necessary.

3. Prepare the Azure Virtual Desktop Image

Prepare the Azure Virtual Desktop image by completing the following actions:

• Customize the session host VM by installing and configuring the necessary applications and settings.
• Optimize the image for performance and scalability, following the best practices recommended by Microsoft.
• Sysprep the session host VM to generalize the image and prepare it for deployment to multiple VM instances.

4. Configure Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop

Configure the Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop following these steps:

• Verify that the user account used for the image preparation and configuration has the necessary Microsoft 365 licensing.
• Sign in to the session host VM using the user account and install the desired Microsoft 365 apps.
• Activate the Microsoft 365 apps using the appropriate licensing method, such as product keys or shared computer activation.

5. Deploy the Azure Virtual Desktop Image

To deploy the Azure Virtual Desktop image, perform the following tasks:

• Create a new host pool in the Azure portal and specify the image details, session host VMs, and other configuration settings.
• Configure the required user assignments, application groups, and access controls for the host pool.
• Validate the deployment by launching a remote desktop session and verifying the availability and performance of the Microsoft 365 apps.

6. Monitor and Manage Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop

To effectively monitor and manage the Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop, follow these best practices:

• Use the Azure portal or command-line tools to monitor the performance and health of the session hosts and user sessions.
• Update and manage the Microsoft 365 apps by following the standard software deployment and update procedures.
• Implement security measures such as conditional access policies, multi-factor authentication, and data loss prevention policies to protect the Microsoft 365 apps and user data.

By following these steps, you can successfully implement and manage Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts. This allows your users to access and utilize their favorite productivity applications seamlessly from their virtual desktop environments.

Remember to refer to the official Microsoft documentation for detailed instructions and best practices regarding the specific versions, licensing requirements, and troubleshooting methods for deploying Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts.