Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is Microsoft’s desktop and app virtualization service for virtualized Windows desktops and RemoteApps from the cloud.
What is Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly Windows Virtual Desktop) delivers a full Windows experience with Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows Server — as a single-session assignment per user or as multi-session for greater scalability. The management and control plane (gateway, broker) is operated by Microsoft, so no separate VDI broker infrastructure is required; you’re essentially billed for the Azure resources you use.
The unique selling point is Windows 11/10 multi-session capability, exclusive to Azure Virtual Desktop: multiple users can connect to a single VM simultaneously, each getting a full Windows desktop, which reduces costs compared to personal desktops. FSLogix profiles separate user data from the VM so profiles stay consistent across sessions. In addition to classic Azure VMs, AVD now also supports hybrid deployments (Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid) and operation on Azure Local.
AVD is well suited for remote work, external employees, legacy application access via RemoteApp streaming, dev/test scenarios, and highly secure workstations. Users connect via the Windows App, the Remote Desktop client, or an HTML5 web browser from virtually any device.
Core Features
- Windows 11/10 multi-session for multiple concurrent users on a single VM
- RemoteApp streaming to deliver individual applications instead of full desktops
- FSLogix profile management for consistent, portable user profiles
- Autoscale for host pools to scale on demand and control costs
- Support for GPU-accelerated VMs for graphically demanding workloads
- Hybrid deployment options via Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid and Azure Local
Typical Use Cases
Remote Work and Home Office
Deploy full Windows desktops for home office employees with central management, security, and compliance. Access from virtually any device.
VDI for Contractors and External Employees
Temporary desktops for external staff, provisioned via Azure AD/Entra ID guest access and removed again after the project ends.
RemoteApp Streaming for Legacy Applications
Publish individual applications instead of full desktops — ideal for legacy apps that shouldn’t be rebuilt as cloud-native.
Dev/Test Environments and Seasonal Workloads
Quickly provisioned, autoscale-driven desktop environments for development teams or seasonally fluctuating demand (e.g., retail, tax firms).
Benefits
- No separate VDI broker or gateway infrastructure required
- Exclusive Windows multi-session capability reduces infrastructure costs compared to personal desktops
- Tight integration with Microsoft 365 Apps and Teams optimization
- Flexible deployment: pure cloud VMs, hybrid scenarios, or Azure Local
Frequently Asked Questions about Azure Virtual Desktop
What does Azure Virtual Desktop cost?
There is no separate usage charge for the AVD control plane itself. You pay for the underlying Azure resources such as compute (VMs), storage for FSLogix profiles, and network traffic, plus any required Windows or Microsoft 365 licensing. Current exact pricing is available on the official Azure pricing page.
Do I need additional Windows licenses?
This depends on your existing licensing model: certain Microsoft 365 and Windows Enterprise licenses, as well as RDS CALs with Software Assurance, entitle you to use Windows multi-session in AVD. Which license type applies should be verified against current Microsoft licensing terms.
What is the difference from regular Azure Virtual Machines?
AVD is specialized for desktop virtualization and includes AVD-specific features: Windows multi-session, FSLogix integration, autoscale for host pools, RemoteApp streaming, and simplified user and application management. Regular VMs require additional RDS licensing and self-managed broker infrastructure for multi-user access.
Does AVD support GPU workloads?
Yes, GPU-accelerated Azure VM series can be used to run graphically demanding applications such as CAD, 3D modeling, or video editing in AVD.
How does FSLogix work?
FSLogix stores user profiles (including application data such as the Outlook cache) in containers on Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files. At login, the container is mounted rather than copied, which typically leads to faster sign-in times than classic profile roaming.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you in designing and implementing Azure Virtual Desktop for remote work, VDI, and legacy app migration. We help with sizing, FSLogix profile design, autoscale configuration, and integration with Microsoft 365.
Contact us for a non-binding consultation on Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Azure.
Typical Use Cases
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Azure (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Azure.
