Recommend an operating system (OS) for an Azure Virtual Desktop implementation

Introduction

An operating system (OS) is an essential component when implementing Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). AVD provides a virtualized desktop experience to users, allowing them to access applications and data from any device with an internet connection. When selecting an OS for your AVD implementation, you need to consider several factors, such as compatibility, performance, management capabilities, and user requirements. In this article, we will recommend an OS for an Azure Virtual Desktop implementation based on the exam Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop.

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session: The Recommended OS

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session is the recommended operating system for an Azure Virtual Desktop implementation. It offers several advantages for AVD environments, making it an ideal choice for most scenarios. Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session is optimized for multi-user environments and provides a familiar Windows 10 experience. Let’s explore the reasons why it’s the recommended OS for AVD.

1. Compatibility

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session is compatible with a wide range of applications and provides excellent backward compatibility. This ensures that your existing applications can run seamlessly on AVD without any compatibility issues. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, ensuring compatibility with a diverse set of software.

2. Performance

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session is designed to deliver excellent performance in multi-user environments. It leverages the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to provide a high-quality end-user experience with minimal latency. The OS includes optimizations specific to AVD, such as improved storage performance and GPU acceleration, resulting in smooth and responsive virtual desktops.

3. Management Capabilities

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session offers robust management capabilities that simplify the administration of AVD environments. You can use Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to manage user accounts, assign resources, and enforce security policies. Additionally, you can leverage Azure Monitor and Azure Resource Manager to gain insights into the performance and health of your AVD deployment.

4. User Experience

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session provides a familiar Windows 10 interface, ensuring a seamless user experience. Users can access their virtual desktops from various devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The OS supports features such as touch input, pen input, and multi-monitor setups, enhancing productivity and flexibility.

Deployment Steps

To deploy Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session on Azure Virtual Desktop, you need to follow the steps outlined in the official Microsoft documentation. The process involves creating an AVD host pool, configuring session hosts, and integrating with Azure AD. You can use Azure Portal, PowerShell scripts, or Azure Resource Manager templates to automate the deployment and configuration tasks.

Here’s an example PowerShell script that deploys an AVD host pool with Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session:

# Connect to Azure and select the target subscription
Connect-AzAccount
Select-AzSubscription -SubscriptionName "Your Subscription Name"

# Add the session hosts to the domain
Add-AzWvdSessionHostDomainJoin -SessionHosts $sessionHosts -DomainJoinConfiguration $domainJoin

Remember to update the parameters in the script to match your specific environment.

Conclusion

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session is the recommended operating system for an Azure Virtual Desktop implementation. Its compatibility, performance, management capabilities, and user experience make it an excellent choice for most AVD scenarios. By following the Microsoft documentation and using tools like Azure Portal or PowerShell, you can easily deploy Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session and provide a seamless virtual desktop experience to your users.