Microsoft 365 apps are widely used tools in the corporate world. They help organizations to stay connected and work even in remote settings. However, managing and providing a smooth and consistent experience to all employees across different regions and devices can be a challenge. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) provides a comprehensive solution by delivering virtualized versions of these applications. The new certification exam AZ-140 Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop chiefly focuses on the strategies and technical knowledge needed to configure and manage Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop.
II. Implementing Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop
A. Enabling Azure Virtual Desktop
To run Microsoft 365 apps on AVD, you must first establish the Azure Virtual Desktop environment. You have to set up a host pool, assign users, and provide them with the necessary permissions to access the virtual machines. You need to use Azure Active Directory for these operations.
B. Installing Microsoft 365 Apps
Once your AVD environment is ready, the next step is to install Microsoft 365 apps. AVD supports a special version of Microsoft 365 apps designed for multi-user virtual environments. You need to appropriately choose the version depending on whether you have a dedicated session host or a multi-session host. Microsoft provides a dynamic installer to make the installation process easier. The application presents options to select the specific Office apps that need to be installed.
C. Updating Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft 365 apps need to be regularly updated to receive new features and patches. AVD integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft Office Content Delivery Network (CDN) for these updates. You can configure how and when updates are applied. You can also use Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager for more granular control over updates.
III. Managing Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop
A. User Profile Management
In an Azure Virtual Desktop session host, proper management of user profiles is crucial. Microsoft’s FSLogix technology is commonly used for this and is an integral part of AZ-140 certification exam. FSLogix creates a personalized container for each user, resulting in a consistent and seamless experience across different sessions.
B. Application Access
Security is paramount when managing Microsoft 365 apps on AVD session hosts. Administrators can create conditional access rules based on the user’s location, device, and other factors. Azure Active Directory provides the tools needed to create and enforce these rules.
C. Performance and Monitoring
Managing the performance of Microsoft 365 apps is crucial to ensure a smooth user experience. Azure Monitor and Log Analytics are handy tools for maintaining a high-performing environment. They provide real-time performance metrics, alerts, and logs to help troubleshoot any issues.
In conclusion, setting up and managing Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts provides a more seamless and secure way of accessing these crucial productivity tools. Candidates appearing for AZ-140 Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop exam should focus on gaining practical skills in implementing and managing these applications on AVD.
Practice Test
True or False: Microsoft 365 apps cannot be managed on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts.
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: It is possible to implement and manage Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts, which lets you deliver a high-quality virtualization experience to your end users.
Multiple Select: Which of the following methods can be used to install Office on Azure Virtual Desktop?
- A) Use the Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise (offline install)
- B) Use the Office Deployment Tool
- C) Use Microsoft Store
- D) Use Docker
Answer: A, B.
Explanation: Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise (offline install) and Office Deployment Tool are the two recommended methods for installing Office on Azure Virtual Desktop. Both these methods support shared computer activation.
Single Select: What should be enabled to use Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts for multiple users?
- A) Shared Computer Activation
- B) Multiple Active Directory
- C) Azure AD Connect
- D) None of the above
Answer: A. Shared Computer Activation
Explanation: Shared Computer Activation (SCA) must be enabled in Office to provide Microsoft 365 Apps to multiple users on Azure Virtual Desktop session host.
True or False: Azure Virtual Desktop can support remote work scenarios.
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Virtual Desktop can indeed support remote work scenarios. It offers users productive experiences while maintaining security and compliance.
Multiple Select: Which of the following represent main components of Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure?
- A) Personal desktop
- B) Pooled desktop
- C) Azure Bot Service
- D) App group
Answer: A, B, D
Explanation: Personal desktop, pooled desktop, and app group are main components of Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure. Azure Bot Service does not have direct relevance to Azure Virtual Desktop.
Single Select: How is the licensing of Microsoft 365 Apps handled on Azure Virtual Desktop?
- A) Per user
- B) Per device
- C) Per session
- D) Per host
Answer: A. Per user
Explanation: Microsoft 365 Apps are licensed on a per user basis, and not per device, session, or host.
True or False: Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts can provide users access to the apps from any device.
- True
Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts can provide users with remote access to the applications from virtually any device.
Single Select: What language pack installation method is recommended for Azure Virtual Desktop?
- A) Install language pack updates for Microsoft 365 apps
- B) Use the Office Deployment Tool
- C) Use Microsoft Store
- D) None of the above
Answer: B. Use Office Deployment Tool.
Explanation: Office Deployment Tool is the preferred method for installing language packs in Azure Virtual Desktop as it supports shared computer activation.
Multiple Select: What is needed for Shared Computer Activation to work with Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop?
- A) A subscription that includes Microsoft 365 Apps
- B) Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session OS
- C) A secure Azure VPN
- D) Microsoft Teams
Answer: A, B
Explanation: A subscription that includes Microsoft 365 Apps and Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session OS are required for enabling Shared Computer Activation.
True or False: You can implement Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop, but you can’t manage them after deployment.
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: You can both implement and manage Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts which allows for updates, policy adjustments, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal user experiences.
Interview Questions
What is the primary purpose of Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Virtual Desktop is a comprehensive desktop and application virtualization service running on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. It enables secure remote work anywhere and flexible IT operations, allowing either a full desktop or individual remote apps to be securely provided to users.
How do you deploy Microsoft 365 Apps on an Azure Virtual Desktop session host?
Microsoft 365 Apps can be deployed on an Azure Virtual Desktop session host by using the Azure portal, PowerShell, or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. Typically, the Microsoft 365 Apps installation files are downloaded using the Office Deployment Tool and saved to a shared location accessible by the session host.
Which role does the Office Deployment Tool (ODT) play in managing Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop?
The Office Deployment Tool (ODT) is used to download Microsoft 365 Apps to a shared folder, create configuration files that control the installation process, and run the installation of Microsoft 365 Apps on the Azure Virtual Desktop session host.
What is the XML configuration file used for in Microsoft 365 Apps deployment on Azure Virtual Desktop?
The XML configuration file is used to control the settings for the Microsoft 365 Apps installation. It specifies details such as which apps and languages to install or remove, where to install from, and where to get updates.
Can you use Shared Computer Activation (SCA) for Microsoft 365 on Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, Shared Computer Activation (SCA) can be used for Microsoft 365 on Azure Virtual Desktop. When enabled, it allows multiple users to share the same hardware, which is typical in Azure Virtual Desktop and other virtual desktop infrastructure scenarios.
Is user profiles’ data persistence possible in Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes. Using Microsoft’s FSLogix technology, user profiles and data can be stored separately from the virtual desktop and attached to user sessions when needed. This allows a consistent experience across sessions and enables scaling and load balancing.
How can PowerShell be used to manage Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop?
PowerShell can be used to automate the deployment and management of Microsoft 365 Apps. It can install or uninstall apps, modify settings, update apps, and perform other management tasks.
Can Azure Virtual Desktop be integrated with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager?
Yes, Azure Virtual Desktop can be integrated with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager to deploy and manage Microsoft 365 Apps. This allows centralized management of apps and settings across all session hosts.
How is Microsoft 365 Apps’ activation handled on Azure Virtual Desktop?
Microsoft 365 Apps is typically activated by using the user’s Azure Active Directory credentials. Shared Computer Activation (SCA) can also be used in scenarios where multiple users share the same Azure Virtual Desktop session host.
How are updates to Microsoft 365 Apps handled on Azure Virtual Desktop?
Updates to Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop can be managed by using the Office Deployment Tool’s configuration file to specify an update path, or by managing updates through Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. Updates can also be automatically applied from the cloud using the default settings.
Is it possible to use OneDrive with Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, OneDrive can be used with Azure Virtual Desktop. OneDrive data can be redirected to a separate disk using the FSLogix profile container, improving performance and providing a seamless experience to users.
What is FSLogix?
FSLogix is a set of solutions that enhance, enable, and simplify non-persistent Windows computing environments. It is primarily known for its Profile Containers, which seamlessly roam user data in virtual desktop environments.
Can legacy applications be run on Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, Azure Virtual Desktop supports running legacy applications. These applications are hosted on the Azure Virtual Desktop session host and accessed remotely by users.
Can we limit the access of specific Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, we can limit the access of specific Microsoft 365 apps. This can be done by using the configuration file for the Office Deployment Tool to specify which apps should be installed or excluded during the setup process.
Is it possible to monitor the performance of Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop?
Yes, the performance of Microsoft 365 Apps on Azure Virtual Desktop can be monitored through Azure Monitor, which can collect and present data about application usage and performance, as well as diagnose issues.
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