How to Set Up and Use Windows Virtual Desktops

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) offers a flexible and efficient way to manage and deliver desktops to users by hosting them on virtual machines. Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) is a Microsoft Azure-based service that enables organizations to provide virtualized desktop experiences to their users. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up and using Windows Virtual Desktops.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

1. A valid Microsoft Azure account
2. A device running Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016/2019
3. A compatible web browser (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome)

Step 1: Provision Azure Resources

1. Log in to the Azure portal (portal.azure.com) using your Azure account credentials.
2. Create a new resource group to contain your Windows Virtual Desktop resources.
3. Within the resource group, create a Windows Virtual Desktop tenant:
   • Search for "Windows Virtual Desktop" in the Azure Marketplace.
   • Select the Windows Virtual Desktop offering and click "Create."
   • Provide the necessary details such as tenant name, session host pool, application group, etc.
   • Review and create the tenant.

Step 2: Set Up Session Hosts

1. Prepare a virtual machine (VM) to act as a session host in the Azure portal:

   • Create a new VM or select an existing one compatible with Windows Virtual Desktop.
   • During the creation process, ensure you fulfill the requirements for session host VMs (e.g., VM size, image, network settings).
   • Install any necessary applications or customizations on the VM.

2. Install the Windows Virtual Desktop agent:

   • Download the agent from the Microsoft Download Center.
   • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Register the session host:

   • Open PowerShell on the session host VM as an administrator.

   • Run the following commands to register the VM:

     Import-Module -Name "C:\Program Files\Microsoft\RDInfra\wvdagent\" -Force
     Add-RDRegistrationInfo -TenantRegistrationInfo <TenantRegistrationInfo>
     

   • Replace <TenantRegistrationInfo> with the registration info provided during the tenant creation.

Step 3: Create Host Pools and Application Groups

1. Create a host pool:

   • In the Azure portal, navigate to your Windows Virtual Desktop tenant.
   • Click on "Host pools" and select "Add."
   • Provide the necessary details such as host pool name, VM settings, and user assignment.
   • Configure additional settings like scaling and load balancing based on your requirements.
   • Review and create the host pool.

2. Create an application group:

   • Within the host pool, click on "Application groups" and select "Add."
   • Specify the application group name and select the host pool you created earlier.
   • Configure user access and visibility for the application group.
   • Add any required applications to the group and review the settings.
   • Create the application group.

Step 4: Assign Users

1. Grant users access to the Windows Virtual Desktop:
   • In the Azure portal, go to your Windows Virtual Desktop tenant.
   • Under "Application groups," select the application group you created.
   • In the "Overview" tab, click on "Assignments" and select "Add."
   • Choose the users or groups that need access to the virtual desktops.
   • Configure their role assignment and, if desired, add additional settings like user session timeout.
   • Save the assignments.

Step 5: Access and Use Windows Virtual Desktop

1. Access your Windows Virtual Desktop:

   • Open a compatible web browser on your device.
   • Go to the Windows Virtual Desktop web client URL provided by your system administrator.

2. Sign in to Windows Virtual Desktop:

   • Enter your Azure AD credentials associated with your assigned user account.
   • Accept any necessary permissions or prompts.

3. Launch and use your virtual desktop or applications:

   • Choose the desired virtual desktop or application from the WVD web client interface.
   • Wait for the connection to establish and enjoy your virtual desktop experience.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up and started using Windows Virtual Desktops. Customize your experience further by exploring additional Azure and Windows Virtual Desktop features and settings.

Remember to properly manage and secure your virtual desktop infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction.