Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) with Windows 11 Enterprise multi session

What is Azure Virtual Desktop?

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is Microsoft's cloud-based desktop and application virtualization platform. Azure Virtual Desktop supports both full virtual desktops and published RemoteApps.

Users can securely access Windows desktops and applications from Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, or any device with a web browser.

AVD supports:

• Full Windows desktops
  
• Individual published applications
  
• Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session
  
• Microsoft 365 Apps
  
• Microsoft Entra ID integration
  

Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop enables organisations to centralise desktops and applications while keeping company data within the Microsoft cloud. This simplifies device management and supports secure remote work.

Benefits include:

• Work securely from almost any device
  
• Reduce dependency on local PCs
  
• Centralized administration
  
• Built-in Microsoft security features
  
• Fast deployment of new workstations
  
• Easy scaling for temporary staff or projects
  
• Support remote and hybrid work
  

Common Use Cases

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) provides secure and flexible remote desktop environments.
Data and applications are stored centrally in the cloud. This solves many operational challenges.

AVD is mostly used:

• Remote Workforce
  Provide employees with secure access to applications and company data from home or while travelling.
  
• Application Virtualization
  Publish individual business applications without providing a complete desktop.
  
• Hybrid Cloud
  Provide access to applications that remain hosted in Azure or on-premises environments.
  
• Business Continuity
  Provide employees with access to their desktop and business applications even when their local device needs replacement or maintenance.
  
• Secure Contractor Access
  Provide temporary workers with controlled access to company applications without distributing company-owned computers.
  

Microsoft Entra ID and Security

Azure Virtual Desktop works with Microsoft's Zero Trust security model and supports:

• Microsoft Entra ID
  
• Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
  
• Conditional Access
  
• Microsoft Intune
  
• Defender for Endpoint
  
• Secure web access through browsers
  

This helps protect users, devices, and business data while supporting flexible work scenarios.

Azure Virtual Desktop Licensing

Virtual Desktop usage rights are included with several Microsoft subscriptions, including:

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium
  
• Microsoft 365 E3
  
• Microsoft 365 E5
  

Azure infrastructure costs depend primarily on:

• Number of users
  
• AVD VM sizing
  
• Storage requirements
  
• Operating hours
  

We can help estimate Azure costs and identify optimization opportunities before deployment.
Significant cost savings are often possible through automated start and stop schedules outside business hours. See the blog post: AVD Cost Optimization.

Azure Virtual Desktop Consulting and Support

We help organisations plan, deploy, migrate, and optimize Azure Virtual Desktop environments.

Our services include:

• AVD design and deployment
  
• Migration from Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
  
• Migration from Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
  
• Microsoft Entra ID integration
  
• Application deployment
  
• Access to Azure Files and other private Azure resources
  
• Secure administration and jump-host environments
  
• Security configuration
  
• Cost optimization
  
• Performance troubleshooting
  

Suitable for organisations using Microsoft 365 and Azure.