Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft, targeted to provide a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer over a network connection. When working with Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, RDP properties play a vital role in managing and controlling the performance and interactions of sessions. In the context of the AZ-140 exam, this discussion revolves around how to configure these RDP properties on a host pool within Azure Virtual Desktop.
Host Pools in Azure Virtual Desktop
A host pool is a group of session hosts, running Windows Virtual Desktop agents, which host user sessions. Configuring RDP properties on a host pool level aids in managing the session behavior, for every session host under that pool.
Let’s dive into how to configure the RDP settings on a host pool.
Configuring RDP properties
RDP properties involve varying parameters including load balancing, session behavior, connection type, and more. The PowerShell module Az.DesktopVirtualization is used to configure the RDP properties on a host pool in Microsoft Azure. Ensure that Azure PowerShell is installed and running the latest version before configuring these properties.
To retrieve all the RDP settings in your host pool, you can run the following command:
Get-AzWvdHostPool -ResourceGroupName “resourceGroupName” -Name “hostPoolName”
The Set-AzWvdHostPool command is used to modify or update the RDP settings in the host pool.
For instance, if you plan to set the maximum session limit to 10, the PowerShell command would be:
Set-AzWvdHostPool -ResourceGroupName “resourceGroupName” -Name “hostPoolName” -MaxSessionLimit 10
You can manage other pertinent parameters like load balancing, allowing new sessions, session persistence, scope of new user sessions, etc., in a similar fashion.
Key RDP Properties
Below are some key host pool RDP properties and how they can be defined.
Load Balancing
Azure Virtual Desktop offers two options for load balancing- breadth-first and depth-first.
To set the LoadBalancingType to breadth-first, use the following command:
Set-AzWvdHostPool -ResourceGroupName “resourceGroupName” -Name “hostPoolName” -LoadBalancerType BreadthFirst
Allow New Session
By default, new user sessions are permitted in the Azure Virtual Desktop host pool. To alter this default behavior, use the following PowerShell command:
Set-AzWvdHostPool -ResourceGroupName “resourceGroupName” -Name “hostPoolName” -AllowNewSession $false
Custom RDP Properties
Azure Virtual Desktop allows for the setting of tailored RDP settings for your organization. This can be achieved employing the CustomRdpProperty. For example, to set the audio playback mode to not play audio on the remote computer and to use UDP for robust data transfer:
Set-AzWvdHostPool -ResourceGroupName “resourceGroupName” -Name “hostPoolName” -CustomRdpProperty “audiocapturemode:i:0;audiomode:i:0;networkautodetect:i:1;bandwidthautodetect:i:1;prompt for credentials on client:i:0;span monitors:i:1;use multimon:i:1;remoteapplicationmode:i:1;server port:i:3390;udptransportmode:i:2”
Conclusion
Configuring RDP properties on a host pool is a vital part of controlling session behavior in Azure Virtual Desktop. Understanding these properties and their implications can significantly aid your AZ-140 exam preparations. With comprehensive PowerShell commands, configuring these settings becomes a much simpler and more efficient process. Ultimately, a correctly configured set of RDP properties will contribute to optimized performance and a satisfying user experience for Azure Virtual Desktop deployments.
When preparing for your AZ-140 Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop exam, always refer to the Microsoft Docs for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Practice Test
True or False: Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) properties cannot be modified after a host pool is created.
• True
• False
Answer: False
Explanation: The RDP properties of a host pool can be modified at any time after the pool has been created.
Which of the following properties can be configured for the RDP session in a host pool? (Select all that apply)
• A. Audio quality
• B. Persistent bitmap caching
• C. Session time limits
• D. Remote desktop licensing mode
Answer: A, B, C
Explanation: You can configure properties such as audio quality, persistent bitmap caching and session time limits. Remote desktop licensing mode applies to the Remote Desktop Services and not RDP properties.
True or False: Configuring RDP properties on a host pool in Azure Virtual Desktop requires PowerShell commands.
• True
• False
Answer: False
Explanation: While PowerShell can be used, RDP properties can also be modified via the Azure portal.
With regards to RDP properties configuration, what is ‘Client Printer Redirection’?
Answer: It allows a user to print documents on a local client printer from a remote desktop
Explanation: Client Printer Redirection is a feature that promotes seamless printing on local client printers from an Azure Virtual Desktop session.
True or False: To enable drive redirection in RDP sessions, you must have a GPU-enabled VM.
• True
• False
Answer: False
Explanation: Drive redirection is not dependent on having a GPU-enabled VM; it allows local drives to be made available in the remote session.
Which of the following Remote Desktop Protocol properties allow users to copy text and other objects from one session and paste it into another?
• A. Clipboard redirection
• B. Printer redirection
• C. Audio Quality
• D. Session time limits
Answer: A. Clipboard redirection
Explanation: Clipboard redirection is an RDP property that allows users to copy and paste text or objects across different sessions.
You can configure session time limit for active and idle RDP sessions. True or False?
• True
• False
Answer: True
Explanation: This feature can help manage resources, ensuring idle or undesired long sessions are terminated or disconnected.
In the context of RDP properties, what does ‘LPT port redirection’ mean?
Answer: It allows users to redirect data to LPT (Line Print Terminal) ports during a remote session.
Explanation: This feature can be useful if the virtual desktop software needs to interface with an LPT device.
Is it possible to block USB redirection on Azure Virtual Desktop RDP properties?
Answer: Yes
Explanation: It’s possible to block USB redirection in host pool RDP settings, which prevents users from accessing local USB devices in remote session.
What benefit does configuring audio quality in RDP properties provide?
Answer: It helps manage how much bandwidth audio playback and recording use during a remote session.
Explanation: Adjusting this setting can help save bandwidth, which can then be directed towards other processes or tasks.
Which of the following can you configure, in terms of users’ ability to record audio in a remote session?
• A. Block audio recording
• B. Allow audio recording
• C. Both A and B
• D. None of the above
Answer: C. Both A and B
Explanation: You can configure whether or not to allow users to record audio during a remote session.
True or False: You can disable the clipboard redirection in RDP properties for specific users.
• True
• False
Answer: True
Explanation: The clipboard redirection can be enabled or disabled as per user or session requirements.
On the Azure Portal, where can you configure the RDP properties in a host pool?
• A. Application Group
• B. Workspace
• C. Session Hosts
• D. Properties
Answer: D. Properties
Explanation: The RDP settings for a host pool can be found and configured under the ‘Properties’ section.
True or False: It’s possible to enable video capture in RDP properties.
• True
• False
Answer: False
Explanation: Video capture is not a configurable RDP property in a host pool.
What RDP property should be configured to allow users to redirect their local computer’s drives in a remote session?
• A. Drive redirection
• B. LPT port redirection
• C. USB redirection
• D. None of the above
Answer: A. Drive redirection
Explanation: Drive redirection allows a user’s local drives to mirror on the remote session and vice versa.
Interview Questions
What is RDP Properties in Azure Virtual Desktop?
RDP Properties is an option in Azure Virtual Desktop that allows the administrator to configure the settings of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for a particular host pool.
How do you configure RDP Properties for a host pool?
In Azure portal, navigate to the Azure virtual desktop. Choose a host pool and then select the RDP Properties option. You can then adjust the settings as per your requirements.
What are the options present under the RDP Properties?
Options under RDP Properties include Audio input, Clipboard, Disk drives, Plug and play devices, and Printer.
How can you disable RDP redirectional properties under RDP settings?
You can disable RDP redirectional settings by setting the corresponding options to “No”.
What is the purpose of the ‘Max redirect monitors’ setting in RDP properties?
The ‘Max redirect monitors’ setting determines the maximum number of monitors that can be used simultaneously in a remote desktop session.
In RDP Properties, what happens if the “clip board” option is marked as “No”?
If the Clipboard option is marked as No in RDP Properties, the ability to copy and paste between the local and remote desktop will be disabled.
What does the ‘Max session limit’ depict in RDP properties?
The ‘Max Session Limit’ setting in RDP properties allows administrators to set a limit on the total number of simultaneous sessions a user can have on the Azure Virtual Desktop.
Why might an admin want to disable ‘Printer redirection’ in RDP properties?
An administrator might want to disable ‘Printer redirection’ to prevent users from printing documents from the remote desktop to a local printer, enhancing security and preventing unauthorized document printing.
In RDP Properties, what does the ‘load balancing algorithm’ option help with?
In RDP Properties, the ‘load balancing algorithm’ option helps distribute incoming client connections evenly across all available desktops in the host pool.
What will happen if ‘Persistent Desktop’ is enabled in RDP properties?
If Persistent Desktop is enabled, the configuration allows users to reconnect to the same desktop across all sessions, maintaining their settings and files just as they left them.
What is ‘Connect A Smart Card’ option in RDP properties?
The ‘Connect A Smart Card’ option allows users to use smart card authentication during remote desktop sessions.
How to configure the RDP properties for disk drives?
To configure the RDP properties for disk drives, simply navigate to the RDP properties and set the ‘Disk drives’ option to yes or no, based on your requirement.
What does the ‘Max Idle time’ setting in RDP properties do?
The ‘Max Idle Time’ in RDP properties allows an administrator to set the duration after which an idle session is automatically disconnected.
How does specifying an ‘RDP Gateway’ in RDP properties help?
Specifying an ‘RDP Gateway’ directs Remote Desktop connections to a specified Remote Desktop Gateway server to provide secure, encrypted connections to a Virtual Desktop.
What is the ‘Screen Capture Rate’ option in the RDP properties?
‘Screen Capture Rate’ option determines the maximum number of screens per minute that can be captured in a remote session, which can improve the performance of the Remote Desktop session.
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