When it comes to managing and operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, one of the major topics of concern is applying a Windows client or Windows Server license to a session host. Licensing is an essential part of setting up Azure Virtual Desktop and understanding how to correctly apply these licenses is an essential skill for anyone planning to take the AZ-140 Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop exam.
In this article, we will be delving into how to apply a Windows client or Windows Server license to a session host within the context of Azure Virtual Desktop, using information directly from Microsoft’s documentation.
What is Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Virtual Desktop is a comprehensive desktop and application virtualization service running on the cloud. It’s the only virtual desktop infrastructure that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, optimizations for Microsoft 365 apps, and support for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments.
How Licensing Works With Azure Virtual Desktop
To set up Azure Virtual Desktop and allow it to deliver desktops and applications to your users, you need to have the correct licenses. The licensing requirement varies depending on your choice of desktop image (Windows 10, Windows 7, or Windows Server 2012 R2 and later).
- For Windows 10 or 7 enterprise clients, you’re required to have Microsoft 365 E3, E5, A3, A5, F3, Business Premium, Windows 10 Enterprise E3, E5, A3, or A5, or Windows VDA.
- For Windows Server 2012 R2 or later, a Remote Desktop Services (RDS) client access license (CAL) is required.
Applying a Windows Client or Windows Server License
The Windows client or Windows Server license in Azure Virtual Desktop is typically assigned at the user level, not at the session host level, with some exceptions for Windows Server. Here, you assign licenses to your users in the Microsoft 365 admin center to ensure that they can access Azure Virtual Desktop.
Step 1: Assign Licenses to Users
- In your Azure portal, open the Azure Active Directory section, and select “Users.”
- Select the user you want to assign the license to.
- In the user’s panel, select “Licenses” > “Assignments.”
- In the Assignments section, check the licenses you want to assign to the user.
- Click “Save.”
For Windows Server, a Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CAL will also be needed in addition to Azure Virtual Desktop licenses.
Step 2: Deploy an Azure Virtual Desktop
Once the correct licenses are assigned, you’re ready to deploy Azure Virtual Desktop. The deployment process includes setting up a host pool, registering a client app, and granting users access to desktops and applications.
Microsoft Azure licensing can seem complex due to various dependencies on operating system type, user volume, and other factors. To ensure a thorough understanding, please refer to the official Microsoft documentation.
Conclusion
Understanding how to apply Windows client or Windows Server licenses to a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop is a critical part of the AZ-140 exam. Always be sure that your users have the correct assigned licenses in order to avoid service disruption.
Practice Test
True/False: You can use a Windows 10 Enterprise license to a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop supports different types of Windows client licenses, including Windows 10 Enterprise.
True/False: You cannot apply a Windows Server license to a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You can apply a Windows Server license to a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop.
Which of the following licenses can be applied to a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop? (Select all that apply)
- A. Windows 10 Enterprise
- B. Windows 7 Professional
- C. Windows Server 2016
- D. Windows 10 Home
Answer: A, C
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop supports Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows Server 2016 licenses.
True/False: Microsoft 365 E3/E5 license includes Windows license for Azure Virtual Desktop?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft 365 E3/E5 license includes Windows 10 Enterprise which can be used for Azure Virtual Desktop.
What type of Azure Virtual machine can you apply a Windows client license to?
- A. D series VM
- B. F series VM
- C. G series VM
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: You can use Windows client licenses on any type of Azure Virtual Machine.
True/False: You need to manually apply a Windows client or Windows Server license to a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: When choosing an OS image for Azure Virtual Desktop session host, the Windows license is usually included.
Single/ multiple select: The Azure Hybrid Use Benefit (HUB) allows you to …
- A. Apply your on-premises Windows Server licenses to Azure Virtual Desktop.
- B. Use Windows 10 Pro in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- C. Get discount for using Microsoft 365 license in Azure Virtual Desktop.
Answer: A
Explanation: The Azure Hybrid Use Benefit (HUB) lets you apply your on-premises Windows Server licenses covered with Software Assurance to Azure Virtual Desktop.
True/False: The same Microsoft Windows license can be used on multiple Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts simultaneously.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A single Windows license cannot be used on multiple session hosts at the same time.
Which of these licenses is not used in Azure Virtual Desktop?
- A. Windows 10 Home
- B. Windows 10 Pro
- C. Windows Server 2012 R2
- D. Windows 10 Enterprise
Answer: A, B
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop does not support Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro OS for session hosts.
True/False: If you are using Azure Virtual Desktop, you do not need to have license for accessing other microsoft online services like Office 365?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: To access services like Office 365, separate licenses are required and are not included in Azure Virtual Desktop license.
To apply a Microsoft Windows license to a Azure Virtual Desktop session host, which of the following steps is required?
- A. Assign the license in Azure Active Directory.
- B. Install the license on the session host.
- C. Purchase the license through Microsoft.
- D. All of the above.
Answer: D. All of the above.
Explanation: All the steps are required in order to apply a Microsoft Windows license to a Azure Virtual Desktop session host.
True/False: Microsoft provides free licenses for test and development usage of Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft does not provide free licenses for test and development usage. You are responsible for the licenses used in your environment, even in test and development scenarios.
In the context of a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop, what is a “license assignment”?
- A. License assigned to each user account
- B. License assigned to Virtual Machine
- C. License assigned to each Azure Active Directory
- D. License assigned to each Tenant
Answer: A. License assigned to each user account
Explanation: In Azure Virtual Desktop, licenses must be assigned to each user account that will access a session host.
True/False: An Azure Virtual Desktop session host requires a separate license for each user account.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: In the Azure Virtual Desktop model, licenses need to be assigned to each user account that will access a session host.
Which of the following licenses are part of the per-user eligibility requirements in Azure Virtual Desktop?
- A. Microsoft 365 E3/E5
- B. Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5
- C. Both A and B
- D. Neither A nor B
Answer: C. Both A and B
Explanation: Both Microsoft 365 E3/E5 and Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5 are part of the per-user eligibility requirements in Azure Virtual Desktop.
Interview Questions
What is a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop?
A session host in Azure Virtual Desktop is a machine that runs the Remote Desktop Session Host role service, which offers resources to users connected remotely.
What is the first step in applying a Windows client or Windows Server license to a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop?
The first step is to have a Windows client or Windows Server license purchased either from Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or any other method of procurement.
For an Azure Virtual Desktop, when do you need a Windows client license?
For Azure Virtual Desktop, you require a Windows client license when you’re using personal desktops or pooled desktops comprising of Windows Client OS.
What type of CAL (Client Access License) is needed for Azure Virtual Desktop with Windows Server session host?
For Azure Virtual Desktop with a Windows Server session host, you will need a RDS (Remote Desktop Services) CAL.
Why is it necessary to apply a license to a session host?
Applying a license to a session host is necessary as it provides the required rights to connect to an AVD instance. Without a proper license, users may not have full access to various resources and functionalities.
How often does the Remote Desktop Licensing Server issue new licenses to clients?
The Remote Desktop Licensing Server will issue new licenses to clients the first time they connect. Afterward, only license renewal requests will be issued.
How can you verify the licensing status of a session host in Azure Virtual Desktop?
You can confirm by using the RD Licensing Diagnoser tool from the Windows Server or by checking the Licensing settings in the server properties on the Remote Desktop Server.
Which operating systems require a Windows Server CAL in addition to a Remote Desktop Services CAL for Azure Virtual Desktop?
A Windows Server CAL is needed in addition to a Remote Desktop Services CAL whenever you are using any version of the Windows Server operating system.
What will happen if a session host isn’t accurately licensed in Azure Virtual Desktop?
If a session host isn’t accurately licensed, the Remote Desktop Service may stop working after a grace period of 120 days.
Can you change the licensing mode on a session host after it has been activated?
Yes, the licensing mode can be changed even after the session host has been activated. It can be altered between Per User and Per Device modes based on the changing needs of the organisation.
Where can you view the assigned licenses in the Azure portal?
Licenses are visible under the Azure Active Directory -> Licenses -> All products, in the Azure portal.
Are Windows 10 Enterprise licenses valid for session hosts running Windows Server in AVD?
No, Windows 10 Enterprise licenses are not valid for session hosts running Windows Server. In this situation, a Windows Server license is required.
Can you assign different types of licenses to different session hosts in the same Azure Virtual Desktop environment?
Yes, it’s possible to assign different types of licenses to various session hosts in the same Azure Virtual Desktop environment to meet specific business requirements.
Is there a specific order to follow while applying licenses in Azure Virtual Desktop?
No, there is no specific order to follow. However, you must ensure that all the necessary licenses such as Windows Server CAL, RDS CAL, or Windows 10 Enterprise licenses are appropriately assigned.
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