Profile Containers in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) make it possible for you to separate the user data from the virtual machine (VM) operating system. They enable user profiles to be stored in standalone virtual disks, which are then linked to the VMs when users sign in. In the context of the AZ-140 (Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop) exam, Profile Containers can be a powerful tool for managing and optimizing user experience in a virtual desktop environment.
Understanding Profile Containers
Profile Containers are essentially virtual hard disks (VHDs) or virtual hard disk sets (VHDXs) that store user profile data, including desktop settings and application data. They appear to the user and the operating system as if they were stored locally, but in fact, when a user signs into a VM, their Profile Container is attached to the VM and their profile data is loaded onto the VM from the Profile Container.
Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop and FSLogix products work together to create and manage Profile Containers. FSLogix software runs on the AVD VM and hooks into the operating system’s profile system. When a user signs in, FSLogix creates a Profile Container for them if necessary and stores it in a network location you specify.
This approach has several benefits:
- Consistency: With Profile Containers, users experience the same settings and data each time they sign on.
- Speed: Because only changes are synchronized, sign-ins are faster.
- Scalability: Profile Containers simplify user profile management for large numbers of users.
- Flexibility: As standalone VHDXs, Profile Containers can be easily moved, backed up, and restored.
Configuring Profile Containers
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Install FSLogix on the VM
FSLogix is installed on every VM that will host users with Profile Containers. Microsoft provides a standard installer that you can use to deploy the software using standard software management processes.
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Specify the Profile Container location
You need to specify the location where Profile Containers will be stored in the network. This can be done by setting Registry entries on the VM.
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Configure file type associations (optional)
If desired, you can configure file type associations (FTAs) so that users get the correct applications for their work.
# Download FSLogix
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://aka.ms/fslogix_download" -OutFile "FSLogixAppsSetup.exe"
# Install FSLogix
Start-Process -FilePath "FSLogixAppsSetup.exe" -ArgumentList "/install", "/quiet", "/norestart" -NoNewWindow -Wait
# Registry entry to configure the VHD location
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\FSLogix\Profiles" -Name "VHDLocations" -Value "\\Server\Share"
You’d replace “\\Server\Share” with the UNC path to the file share where the containers would be stored.
# Registry entry to enable FTAs
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\FSLogix\Profiles" -Name "RedirXMLSource" -Value "\\
You’d replace “\\
The key to successfully configuring and operating Profile Containers in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop lies in understanding the above steps and how they fit into AVD’s structure and functionality. This knowledge will be indispensable when it comes to the AZ-140 exam and your broader work with AVD and FSLogix.
Practice Test
Multiple Select: Which are the two types of profiles supported by Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) User Profiles
- b) FSLogix Profiles
- c) Network Profiles
- d) Guest User Profiles
Answer: a) User Profiles, b) FSLogix Profiles
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop supports both user profiles and FSLogix Profiles. Network Profiles and Guest User Profiles are not supported.
True/False: Only standard storage is supported for FSLogix Profile Container in Azure Virtual Desktop.
Answer: False
Explanation: Both standard and premium storage options are supported for FSLogix Profile Container in Azure Virtual Desktop.
Single Select: What does the Profile Container include in FSLogix?
- a) User Data
- b) Settings
- c) Applications
- d) Both a) and b)
Answer: d) Both a) and b)
Explanation: The Profile Container in FSLogix includes both user data and settings.
Multiple Select: To have an optimal experience with Azure Virtual Desktop, you should?
- a) Use FSLogix profile containers
- b) Use user profiles
- c) Connect to an Azure file share
- d) Connect to a local file share
Answer: a) Use FSLogix profile containers, c) Connect to an Azure file share
Explanation: Using FSLogix profile containers and an Azure file share provides an optimal user experience with Azure Virtual Desktop.
True/False: To configure FSLogix Profile Container, you must configure a computer policy.
Answer: True
Explanation: To configure an FSLogix Profile Container, a computer policy must first be configured.
Single Select: How is the Size of Profile Containers controlled?
- a) Through disk space allocation
- b) User Permissions
- c) File System
- d) Data Migration
Answer: a) Through disk space allocation
Explanation: The size of Profile Containers is controlled by disk space allocation within FSLogix.
Multiple Select: Which are the two types of platforms supported by Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) User Profiles
- b) FSLogix Profiles Containers
- c) Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session
- d) Windows 7 Enterprise
Answer: b) FSLogix Profiles Containers, c) Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session
Explanation: FSLogix Profiles Containers and Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session are supported by Azure Virtual Desktop. Azure Virtual Desktop does not support the User Profiles or Windows 7 Enterprise.
True/False: The Maximum Size of the Profile Container can be defined by Group Policy.
Answer: True
Explanation: It is possible to define the Maximum Size of the Profile Container by configuring a Group Policy.
Single Select: What can be stored in a profile container in Azure Virtual Desktop?
- a) Video files
- b) Settings
- c) Music files
- d) All the above
Answer: b) Settings
Explanation: In Azure Virtual Desktop, the Profile Container is used to store settings.
True/False: Azure Virtual Desktop does not offer Cloud Cache for the Profile Container.
Answer: False
Explanation: Cloud Cache for the profile container is offered in Azure Virtual Desktop to provide data redundancy and efficient data handling.
Interview Questions
What are Profile Containers in the context of Azure Virtual Desktop?
Profile Containers in Azure Virtual Desktop are used to redirect user profile folders to a network location, storing user data persistently and separately from the virtual machine.
What is the primary purpose of using Profile Containers?
The primary purpose is to provide a consistent user profile experience, by ensuring that users access the same user profile and data, regardless of which Azure Virtual Desktop they log into.
What technology does Azure use to implement Profile Containers?
Azure utilizes the FSLogix technology to implement Profile Containers.
Can other cloud computing services outside of Azure use FSLogix?
Yes, FSLogix can be used with other cloud computing services like AWS (Amazon Web Services), GCP (Google Cloud Platform), and even in on-premises settings.
What types of user data are stored in the Profile Container?
The user’s entire profile is stored in the Profile Container, including the NTUSER.dat file, registry, and user data.
How does Size Management work in Profile Containers?
Profile Containers grow dynamically and automatically as more data is added. The system has a feature to ensure the containers never grow above a specified size, and it sends a warning message when the size is close to being reached.
What operating systems are supported by Profile Containers?
Profile Containers support Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019.
What implications does the use of Profile Containers have on system performance?
Profile Containers marginally increase the logon and logoff times due to the redirection of user profiles, but they largely improve overall system performance by providing faster access to user data.
Can an admin access the contents of a Profile Container?
Yes, an admin can access the contents of a Profile Container by using the Azure Storage Explorer.
How is user data secured in Profile Containers?
User data in Profile Containers is secured using Azure storage service encryption.
Can multiple users access the same Profile Container?
No, multiple simultaneous attempts to access the same profile container result in an “Access Denied” error message for all instances after the first.
Is it mandatory to use Profile Containers with Azure Virtual Desktop?
No, it is not mandatory. However, using Profile Containers enhances user experience by providing a consistent profile environment across all sessions.
How do Profile Containers differ from roaming profiles?
Unlike roaming profiles, Profile Containers do not copy data back and forth during logon and logoff. They attach a VHD(X) to the user’s profile and all changes are written directly to this disk, making the process faster and more efficient.
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