How do I use Windows Virtual Desktop with Azure?

In recent years, the concept of remote work has become increasingly popular, and businesses of all sizes have been transitioning to a more flexible work model. With the introduction of Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) in Azure, remote work has become more accessible and easier to manage. In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can use Windows Virtual Desktop with Azure. 

What is Windows Virtual Desktop? 

Windows Virtual Desktop is a service in Azure that allows users to access virtual desktops and remote apps from anywhere, at any time. It provides a multi-session Windows 10 experience, allowing multiple users to share the same virtual machine. WVD simplifies management and reduces IT costs, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking to adopt a remote work model. 

How to set up Windows Virtual Desktop in Azure? 

Setting up Windows Virtual Desktop in Azure is a straightforward process. Below are the steps to follow: 

1. Create an Azure account 

If you don’t already have an Azure account, create one at https://azure.com/free. You’ll need a valid email address, a phone number, and a credit card to sign up for the free trial. 

1. Activate Windows Virtual Desktop 

To activate Windows Virtual Desktop, you’ll need to follow these steps: 

1. Sign in to the Azure portal at https://portal.azure.com.
2. Click on the “Create a resource” button.
3. In the search bar, type “Windows Virtual Desktop” and select the service from the dropdown menu.
4. Click on the “Create” button.
5. Follow the prompts to configure the settings for your virtual desktop infrastructure, such as the region, VM size, and network settings.

1. Create a host pool 

A host pool is a collection of virtual machines that share the same configuration. To create a host pool, follow these steps: 

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to the “Windows Virtual Desktop” service.
2. Click on the “Host pools” tab.
3. Click on the “Add” button.
4. Follow the prompts to configure your host pool settings, such as the pool name, the number of virtual machines, and the VM size.

1. Create a virtual machine 

To create a virtual machine, follow these steps: 

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to the “Virtual machines” tab.
2. Click on the “Add” button.
3. Follow the prompts to configure your virtual machine settings, such as the VM name, the operating system, and the size.
4. Once your virtual machine is created, you can add it to your host pool by navigating to the “Host pools” tab and selecting the appropriate pool.

1. Configure user access 

To configure user access to your virtual desktop infrastructure, follow these steps: 

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to the “Windows Virtual Desktop” service.
2. Click on the “Workspace” tab.
3. Click on the “Add” button.
4. Follow the prompts to configure your workspace settings, such as the workspace name and the user access settings.
5. Once your workspace is created, you can add users and groups to the workspace by navigating to the “Access Control (IAM)” tab and selecting the appropriate role.

How to use Windows Virtual Desktop in Azure? 

Now that you’ve set up your virtual desktop infrastructure, it’s time to start using it. Here are the steps to follow: 

1. Connect to your virtual desktop 

To connect to your virtual desktop, follow these steps: 

1. Download and install the Remote Desktop client from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/microsoft-remote-desktop/9wzdncrfj3ps.
2. Open the Remote Desktop client and enter the name of your virtual machine.
3. Enter your username and password when prompted.
4. You should now be connected