Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop previously called Windows Virtual Desktop, serves as a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service. It works on the cloud. You can access Azure Desktop from multiple platforms, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, thanks to different client applications.
1. Windows Desktop Client
The Windows Desktop client supports both 32bit and 64bit applications for devices running on Windows 7 or later. It is compatible with Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019.
2. MacOS Desktop Client
This client works for MacOS 10.11 and higher versions. You can download the MacOS client from App Store.
3. Mobile Clients
Microsoft has developed mobile clients for both iOS and Android devices. These clients support iOS 12.0 and higher versions, and Android 4.4 and higher versions, respectively.
4. HTML5 Client
The HTML5 client works on web browsers and doesn’t require any installation. It supports current versions of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox.
Below is a comparison of Azure Virtual Desktop client options:
| Client | Supports | Installation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Desktop Client | Windows 7 and later, Windows Server 2012 R2 and later | Yes |
| MacOS Desktop Client | MacOS 10.11 and later | Yes |
| Mobile Clients | iOS 12.0 and later, Android 4.4 and later | Yes |
| HTML5 Client | Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox (current versions) | No |
Azure Virtual Desktop Deployment Methods
There are two main methods for deploying Azure Virtual Desktop:
1. Manual Deployment
In a manual deployment, all the required resources are manually set up in the Azure portal. This includes creating a tenant, a host pool, app groups, workspace, and assigning users.
2. ARM Template Deployment
Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates enable automated deployment of Azure Virtual Desktop. With ARM templates, you can define all resources and configurations in a JSON file and deploy them together.
For instance, here is a simple example of an ARM template:
{
"$schema": "https://schema.management.azure.com/schemas/2015-01-01/deploymentTemplate.json#",
"contentVersion": "1.0.0.0",
"parameters": { },
"variables": { },
"resources": [ ],
"outputs": { }
}
While the Manual Deployment offers a hands-on experience and better control over each configuration, ARM Template Deployment enhances consistency, repeatability, and can save time for large-scale deployments.
In conclusion, when choosing an Azure Virtual Desktop client, consider the type of device and its operating system. For deployments, contemplate whether you want a hands-on, controlled setup or a quicker, more consistent process. The right decision will depend on your specific circumstances and needs.
Practice Test
The Azure Virtual Desktop Client is available for different platforms such as Windows, macOS and Linux?
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop client is available for different platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Which deployment type is considered as a traditional or conventional deployment for Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) Lift and Shift
- b) Cloud Native
- c) Hybrid
Answer: a) Lift and Shift
Explanation: ‘Lift and Shift’ is a conventional method involving moving the on-premises resources to the cloud as-is without any modifications.
The mobile Azure Virtual Desktop client only supports iOS platforms.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: The Azure Virtual Desktop client is available not only for iOS but also for Android devices.
Azure Virtual Desktop web client supports audio redirection.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop web client supports audio redirection, allowing users to hear sounds from the Azure Virtual Desktop environment.
Which client offers the most features in Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) Web client
- b) Windows client
- c) Experimental client
Answer: b) Windows client
Explanation: The Windows client offers the most features in Azure Virtual Desktop, including support for RemoteFX encoding, local printers, and multiple monitors.
Azure Virtual Desktop does not support multi-session Windows
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop is the only service that provides multi-session Windows 10, giving multiple users remote access to Windows 10 desktops at the same time.
HTML5 client can be used for Azure Virtual Desktop with no limitations.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: While the HTML5 client can be used for Azure Virtual Desktop, it does have certain limitations like lack of support for RemoteApp programs.
The macOS client for Azure Virtual Desktop supports all the features as the Windows client.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: There are differences between the capabilities of the macOS and the Windows client for Azure Virtual Desktop. Some features like smart card redirection are not supported by the macOS client.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is used by Azure Virtual Desktop client to communicate and connect with Virtual machines.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop clients use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for connection and communication with Azure Virtual machines.
Which client is recommended when lower end-user latency is required in Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) Web client
- b) Windows client
- c) Experimental client
Answer: b) Windows client
Explanation: The Windows client is recommended when lower end-user latency is required as it offers multiple features for performance optimization.
Azure Virtual Desktop Express for Windows is a single session Windows 10 deployment option.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop Express is not a single session Windows 10 deployment. It’s a deployment interface used for simpler and quicker deployments.
Azure Virtual Desktop only supports Windows-based virtual machines.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop does not only support Windows-based virtual machines, but also multi-session and session-based desktops.
Azure Virtual Desktop does not support virtual machine scale sets.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop supports virtual machine scale sets, which help create and manage a group of identical, load balanced VMs.
Azure Virtual Desktop Pools cannot be associated with more than one application group.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: b) False
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop Pools can be associated with more than one application group, allowing multiple users to make use of the same pool of resources.
Azure Virtual Desktop HTML5 client requires an active network connection to function properly.
- a) True
- b) False
Answer: a) True
Explanation: The Azure Virtual Desktop HTML5 client requires an active network connection to function properly as it operates over the web.
Interview Questions
What are the two main types of Azure Virtual Desktop clients?
The two main types of Azure Virtual Desktop clients are Windows Desktop client and Web client.
What is the purpose of the Web Client in Azure Virtual Desktop?
The Web client allows users to access their Windows Virtual Desktop resources directly from their browser without any software installation.
Can you name a few supported operating systems for the Windows Desktop client?
The supported operating systems for Windows Desktop client include Windows 7 (with Extended Security Updates), Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, and later.
What is the Azure Virtual Desktop deployment method using PowerShell?
Azure Virtual Desktop can be deployed using a PowerShell script. Scripts are run by the PowerShell local client installed on administrator’s machine, which makes use of the Remote Desktop PowerShell module and Azure Resource Manager.
Describe the Azure Virtual Desktop deployment method using ARM Template.
Azure Resource Manager (ARM) Templates are a method to deploy Azure Virtual Desktop. The template is a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) file that defines the infrastructure and configuration of your Azure solution.
What are the two types of user group assignments in Azure Virtual Desktop?
The two types of user group assignments are Direct and Inherited. Direct assignments are applied directly to an object, while Inherited assignments are applied to a parent object and inherited by child objects.
Will editing a deployment cause disruptions to usage?
No, editing a deployment in the Azure portal, using PowerShell, or the REST API does not disrupt usage. The changes take effect the next time a user signs in.
Which protocol does the Azure Virtual Desktop use to deliver desktop applications?
Azure Virtual Desktop uses the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to deliver desktop applications.
What is FSLogix role in Azure Virtual Desktop client?
FSLogix is a set of features that manage user profiles and applications, improving logon times and providing a consistent user experience.
Which browsers are supported in Azure Virtual Desktop Web client?
Azure Virtual Desktop web client currently supports Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Google Chrome.
What’s the significance of Azure Virtual Desktop client in the context of Windows 365?
Azure Virtual Desktop client is used to access Cloud PC resources provided by Windows 365. Windows 365 relies on Azure Virtual Desktop for delivering a full, personalized Windows experience.
Can you install Azure Virtual Desktop client on Linux?
Yes, there is a version of Azure Virtual Desktop client supported on several Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and more.
What is the use of Azure Virtual Desktop client settings?
Azure Virtual Desktop client settings allow you to configure things like the local resources that you want to share with your Virtual Desktop, managing your user accounts, and setting your display options.
In Azure Virtual Desktop, what is the purpose of a deployment group?
Deployment groups in Azure Virtual Desktop control which users can access what resources. They play a critical role in managing permissions and access.
What is Azure Bastion and how it can be used with Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Bastion is a service that provides secure and seamless RDP connectivity to your virtual machines directly in the Azure portal over SSL. It can be used with Azure Virtual Desktop for providing an additional layer of security and seamless access to virtual desktop instances.
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