Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) brings desktop and application virtualization to the cloud. It’s a comprehensive desktop and application virtualization service running on the cloud. It’s the only service that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, optimizations for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, and support for remote desktop services (RDS) environments. One of its exciting features is the use of MSIX app attach, which is used to configure dynamic application delivery in your environment.
MSIX app attach and AVD
MSIX app attach is a significant part of the AVD experience, which decouples the application from the operating system for faster and more flexible app delivery. Thus, applications can be delivered dynamically to users, on-demand, rather than during the image-deployment process.
Configuring MSIX app attach
Configuring MSIX app attach involves several steps. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Create an MSIX image: The first step is to create an MSIX image of the application you want to deliver. This can be done using the MSIX Packaging Tool available on Microsoft Store. This tool enables you to update your existing win32 application packages to the MSIX format.
- Upload the MSIX image to Azure: The next step is to upload the image to Azure. This can be done using the Azure portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI. The uploaded MSIX image must be stored in an Azure Blob Storage container in the virtual hard disk (VHDX) format.
- Add the MSIX app to AVD Session host: Next, you add the previously uploaded MSIX image to a Virtual Desktop session host. This step is performed using PowerShell scripting. You must mount the MSIX package to the AVD Session host and then register the package for the users.
- Assign the app to the users: Finally, the MSIX app is assigned to the user. This can be done through the Azure portal, via Azure Active Directory groups.
The advantages of using the MSIX app attach method are multi-fold. It offers dynamic delivery, meaning applications are not tied to the golden image and can be added and removed easily. It also provides a much faster logon experience for users, as apps are attached when needed and not during the logon process. It also simplifies image management as you can maintain fewer images.
Comparison of application delivery methods
Here is a high-level comparison of traditional app delivery methods with MSIX app attach:
| Method | Application Delivery | User Experience | Image Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional RDS | Apps are part of the image | Slower logon times | Multiple images need to be maintained |
| MSIX app attach | Apps are dynamically delivered | Faster logon times | Fewer images need to be maintained |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MSIX app attach feature in Azure Virtual Desktop provides a highly efficient and flexible solution for delivering applications to users. It separates the lifecycle of applications from the base image, significantly simplifying image management, and improving users’ logon experience. It provides a robust solution for AVD environments and a significant step forward in application delivery and maintenance for virtual environments.
Practice Test
True/False: MSIX app attach can be used to create and manage packages for application layering in Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: MSIX app attach technology allows for decoupling applications from the operating system, which then enables administrators to manage and update applications independently from the operating system for Azure Virtual Desktop.
Single select: What type of storage is used by MSIX app attach in Azure?
- A. Blob storage
- B. File shares
- C. Tables
- D. Queues
Answer: A. Blob storage
Explanation: MSIX app attach leverages Azure Blob Storage, layering applications onto a running OS during the user login process.
True/False: MSIX app attach doesn’t support dynamic application delivery.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: MSIX app attach supports dynamic application delivery as it separates the application from the operating system, allowing apps to be assigned to users and groups dynamically.
Multiple select: Which of the following are key benefits of using MSIX app attach in Azure?
- A. Increased scalability
- B. Simplified app updates
- C. Improved VM density
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: MSIX app attach increases scalability, simplifies updates, and improves VM density, making it an ideal choice for Azure Virtual Desktop environments.
True/False: With MSIX app attach, you need to reboot the host pool after you update the package.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: One of the advantages of MSIX app attach is that it decouples the application lifecycle from the OS, so you don’t need to reboot the host pool after updating a package.
Single select: Which of the following does MSIX app attach NOT support?
- A. Windows server apps
- B. Linux server apps
- C. Windows 10 apps
- D. Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps
Answer: B. Linux server apps
Explanation: MSIX app attach is tailored for Windows operating systems. It doesn’t support Linux server applications.
True/False: MSIX app attach supports real-time application delivery.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: MSIX app attach supports real-time delivery of applications. Once an app has been assigned to a user, it gets deployed to the user immediately, enhancing the user experience.
Multiple select: What is required to configure dynamic applications delivery using MSIX app attach in Azure Virtual Desktop?
- A. App installation source files
- B. An Azure storage account
- C. Efficient network connectivity
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Configuring dynamic application delivery via MSIX app attach requires application installation source files, an Azure storage account, and efficient network connectivity to provide optimal user experience.
True/False: MSIX app attach requires users to have admin rights to their local system for app installation.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: System administrators control the delivery of applications using MSIX app attach, so users do not need admin rights for app installation.
Single select: What tool can be used to create MSIX packages for app attach?
- A. Azure portal
- B. Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
- C. MSIX Packaging Tool
- D. PowerShell
Answer: C. MSIX Packaging Tool
Explanation: To create MSIX packages for app attach, you’ll need to use the MSIX Packaging Tool available from Microsoft.
Interview Questions
What is MSIX app attach in Microsoft Azure?
The MSIX app attach is a concept of separating the MSIX application package from the virtual machine, which helps in managing and deploying applications separately and as needed.
What is the key benefit of using MSIX app attach?
One of the key benefits of using MSIX app attach is the reduction in storage and improved scalability since applications no longer need to be included in the base image.
Which technologies does MSIX app attach combine in Azure Virtual Desktop?
MSIX app attach on Azure Virtual Desktop combines MSIX packaging format, the MSIX packaging tool, and the Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) to deliver non-persistent applications dynamically.
How do you enable MSIX app attach for Azure Virtual Desktop?
To enable MSIX app attach for Azure Virtual Desktop, it is necessary to create an MSIX image, upload it to the Azure environment, and then attach it to the appropriate Azure Virtual Desktop.
Can existing MSIX packaged applications be used with MSIX app attach?
Yes, existing MSIX packaged applications can be used with MSIX app attach without any modification required.
Are there any prerequisites for using MSIX app attach in Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, one of the prerequisites of using MSIX app attach is that the application must be packaged in the MSIX format, and the virtual desktops must be running Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session, version 2004 and later.
Which virtual disk formats are supported by MSIX app attach?
MSIX app attach currently supports two virtual disk formats: VHD and VHDX.
How does MSIX app attach improve the user experience?
MSIX app attach enhances the user experience by allowing applications to be attached and presented to users dynamically, and applications behave as if they were installed locally.
What is the role of the MSIX packaging tool in MSIX app attach?
The MSIX Packaging Tool enables applications to be re-packaged into the MSIX format, directly from the installer or from a traditional application, ready for use with MSIX app attach.
Can applications that are not MSIX packaged be used with MSIX app attach?
Applications must be packaged as MSIX to be used with MSIX app attach. If an application is not already MSIX packaged, it can be repackaged using the MSIX Packaging Tool.
What is the maximum file size that can be used for MSIX app attach?
Currently, MSIX app attach supports attaching Virtual Hard Disk files up to 4TB in size.
Can MSIX app attach be used with both persistent and non-persistent virtual desktops?
Yes, MSIX app attach can be used with both persistent and non-persistent Azure Virtual Desktops.
How does licensing work with MSIX app attach?
Licensing for applications used with MSIX app attach depends on the specific application’s licensing requirements. It’s essential to ensure compliance with all licenses when using applications with MSIX app attach.
How do you troubleshoot issues with MSIX app attach on Azure Virtual Desktop?
You can use the Azure portal, PowerShell, or the MSIX Packaging tool to troubleshoot MSIX app attach issues on Azure Virtual Desktop.
What types of applications can be packaged into MSIX for use with MSIX app attach?
Almost any Windows applications, including those that rely on services, tasks, and protocols, can be packaged into MSIX for use with MSIX app attach.
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