Overview
This lecture provides a step-by-step beginner's guide to Azure Virtual Desktop, covering setup, user and group management, host pool creation, application deployment, and user experience.
Introduction to Azure Virtual Desktop
- Azure Virtual Desktop allows remote delivery of desktops and applications in business and work environments.
- Common uses include standardized desktops for call centers or extending life to old PCs.
Setting Up a Virtual Network
- Create a virtual network (VNet) in Azure before deploying desktops for more control.
- Set VNet name, select data center location, and configure IPv4 or IPv6 address ranges and subnets.
User and Group Management in Entra
- Typically, two user types: users and admins.
- Create security groups in Microsoft Entra for application groups and resource groups.
- Add user accounts to appropriate groups for access control.
Creating a Host Pool
- A host pool is a collection of virtual machines (VMs) acting as the base for desktop or app delivery.
- Select subscription, resource group, and provide a meaningful name and geographic location.
- Choose usage type: Remote App or Desktop, and select host type (pooled for shared, personal for dedicated).
- VM allocation methods: breadth-first (spread users) or depth-first (fill one VM before next).
- Add VMs with name prefix, OS version (multi-session for shared use), and storage options.
- Link host pool to created subnet and select directory integration (typically Entra ID for cloud resources).
Application Groups and App Deployment
- Application groups let you assign resources (desktops/apps) to user groups.
- Assign users/groups to application or desktop groups within a host pool.
- Add applications (like Word, Excel, PowerPoint) by specifying their file paths and settings.
- Assign application groups to relevant user groups for access control.
Assigning and Customizing Applications
- Multiple application groups can be created for different departments or teams.
- Applications can include traditional apps or command-line tools (e.g., PowerShell, Command Prompt).
- Set display names, icons, and descriptions for each application.
Accessing Azure Virtual Desktop
- Download and install the Windows app (Remote Desktop app) to connect to Azure Virtual Desktop.
- Sign in with Microsoft account; supports multi-factor authentication.
- Configure session settings such as multiple displays and resolution.
- Users see only the desktops and apps they've been assigned in their session.
User Experience
- Apps launch seamlessly, appearing like local applications on the user's device.
- Only assigned apps/desktops are visible to the user.
- Supports both full desktops and remote applications.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) — Microsoft cloud service for delivering virtualized desktops and apps.
- Virtual Network (VNet) — Logical isolation of the Azure cloud dedicated to a subscription.
- Host Pool — Collection of VMs that serve as session hosts for users.
- Application Group — Logical grouping of apps/desktops assigned to user groups.
- Remote App — Individual applications delivered remotely via AVD.
- Pooled Host — Multiple users share VMs.
- Personal Host — Each user has a dedicated VM.
- Breadth-First/Depth-First — Methods for distributing user sessions across VMs.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice creating a virtual network and subnets in Azure.
- Set up user groups in Microsoft Entra and assign users.
- Create a host pool and deploy test applications.
- Download and test the Windows Remote Desktop app for accessing AVD resources.
- Experiment with configuring session and display settings.