Azure Virtual Desktop

For the client, see Azure Virtual Desktop (client).
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
Developer(s)Microsoft
Initial releaseSeptember 2019; 5 years ago (2019-09)
Stable release
1.2.5713.0 / 12 November 2024; 1 day ago (2024-11-12)[1]
Operating systemWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, and HTML5 web browsers
PlatformCross-platform
TypeDesktop virtualization service
WebsiteOfficial site

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD),[2] is a Microsoft Azure-based system for virtualizing its Windows operating systems, providing virtualized desktops and applications securely in the cloud (over the Internet) using the Remote Desktop Protocol.[3][4][5] It is aimed at enterprise customers rather than at individual users.[6]

Azure Virtual Desktop with Windows 10/11 Enterprise Multi-Session is a cloud-based alternative to an on-premise Remote Desktop Server (RDS). AVD is deployed in Azure Cloud as a virtual machine. License costs are already included in several Microsoft 365 subscriptions, including Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Microsoft 365 E3.

  1. ^ "Azure Virtual Desktop (HostApp)". Microsoft Apps. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  2. ^ Foley, Mary Jo (June 7, 2021). "Microsoft rebrands WVD as 'Azure Virtual Desktop'; adds new app-streaming pricing option". ZDNet. Retrieved 2021-06-07.
  3. ^ Lardinois, Frederic (September 30, 2019). "Microsoft's Windows Virtual Desktop service is now generally available". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  4. ^ Alspach, Kyle (30 September 2019). "5 Things To Know About Microsoft's 'Revolutionary' Windows Virtual Desktop". CRN. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  5. ^ femila (2023-06-12). "Understanding Azure Virtual Desktop network connectivity - Azure". learn.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
  6. ^ Speed, Richard. "An unbearable itch to migrate your OS to the cloud? You might have a case of Windows VD". The Register. Retrieved 2019-10-01.