--- title: "Getting Started with Azure Virtual Desktop" description: "Embark on this Azure Virtual Desktop journey—deploy, access, and transform your workspace for seamless remote collaboration in this ATA tutorial!" canonical: "https://adamtheautomator.com/azure-virtual-desktop/" --- # Getting Started with Azure Virtual Desktop > Embark on this Azure Virtual Desktop journey—deploy, access, and transform your workspace for seamless remote collaboration in this ATA tutorial! Source: https://adamtheautomator.com/azure-virtual-desktop/ --- ATA Learning Tap to hide [ ATA Learning ](/) * [Home](/) * [Tutorials](/tutorials/) * [Instructors](/author/) * [Advertising](/advertising/) * [Recommended Resources](/resources/) * [About Adam](/about-adam/) Search for: * [](https://twitter.com/adbertram) * [](https://github.com/Adam-the-Automator) * [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/adam-the-automator-llc) * [](/feed/) ![Getting Started with Azure Virtual Desktop](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/azure-virtual-desktop.jpg) # Getting Started with Azure Virtual Desktop [![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2788bb1a3f735603f81eca51d68daec56a9d97e805a10268fb2c20afcc76b81b?s=192&d=mm&r=g)Nicholas Xuan Nguyen](https://adamtheautomator.com/author/nicholas-xuan-nguyen/)19 January 202410 min. read Categories: [Cloud](/category/cloud/) Tags:[Azure](/tag/azure/)[Azure Virtual Machines](/tag/azure-virtual-machines/) Table of Contents * [Prerequisites](#prerequisites) * [Setting Up a Resource Group for an Azure Virtual Desktop](#setting-up-a-resource-group-for-an-azure-virtual-desktop) * [Setting Up a Virtual Network](#setting-up-a-virtual-network) * [Deploying an Azure Virtual Desktop](#deploying-an-azure-virtual-desktop) * [Verifying the Session Host VM Deployment](#verifying-the-session-host-vm-deployment) * [Enabling the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)](#enabling-the-remote-desktop-protocol-rdp) * [Assigning Users to the Application Group](#assigning-users-to-the-application-group) * [Accessing the AVD via the Remote Desktop Client](#accessing-the-avd-via-the-remote-desktop-client) * [Conclusion](#conclusion) Are remote work challenges leaving you searching for a solution seamlessly empowering your team? The struggle to balance user experience, security, and flexibility can be overwhelming. But fear not because the Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a game-changer in town. In this tutorial, you’ll learn the basics of deploying and managing cloud-based virtual desktops and applications. AVD is your solution for a secure, scalable, and flexible virtual desktop environment. Discover AVD and ensure a smooth remote working experience for your team! ## Prerequisites Before you dive headfirst into the exciting world of AVD, ensure you’ve got the following in place to follow along: * An Azure account with an active subscription – The [free tier account](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free) is sufficient for this tutorial. Related:[Unlocking Microsoft Azure Free Services](https://adamtheautomator.com/azure-free/) * A local environment to access the virtual desktops (i.e., laptop or desktop computer) – This tutorial uses a Windows 10 device, but a macOS or Linux machine also works. * [Remote Desktop Client](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/users/connect-windows?tabs=subscribe) installed on your local machine. The default Remote Desktop Connection application will not work for this tutorial. Related:[How to Set up the Chrome Remote Desktop Access](https://adamtheautomator.com/chrome-remote-desktop-access/) ## **Setting Up a Resource Group for an Azure Virtual Desktop** Embarking on deploying AVDs requires a solid foundation, starting with creating a well-structured resource group. A resource group is your project’s filing cabinet within Azure, keeping all related services neatly organized. To set up a resource group for an AVD, carry out the following: 1\. Open your web browser, navigate to the [Azure Portal](https://adamtheautomator.com/manage-azure-portal/), and enter your login credentials. Related:[Discover How to Use and Manage Azure Portal](https://adamtheautomator.com/manage-azure-portal/) 2\. Next, search for **resource** and select **Resource groups** from the auto-suggested list to navigate to the resource group management interface. ![Accessing the resource group management interface](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-111.png) Accessing the resource group management interface 3\. Hit the **Create** button on the **Resource groups** page to start the creation wizard. ![Initiating creating a resource group](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-110.png) Initiating creating a resource group 4\. On the next page, configure the basic details of the new resource group as follows: * **Subscription** – Select your preferred subscription. * **Resource group** – Assign a name to your resource group, like **myresourcegroup**. * **Region** – Choose a region close to your users for optimal performance (i.e., **(US) East US**). Once configured, click **Review + create** to validate your resource group. ![Setting basic info for the resource group](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-109.png) Setting basic info for the resource group 5\. Once validated, click **Create** to establish your new resource group. ![Establishing the new resource group ](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-108.png) Establishing the new resource group Your resource group is now created and is shown in the dashboard, as in the screenshot below. ![Verifying the newly created resource group](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-107.png) Verifying the newly created resource group > 💡 _Tip: Consider automating resource group creation using Azure CLI or PowerShell scripts, especially if you frequently set up similar environments._ Related:[Automating Azure Resource Deployments in PowerShell](https://adamtheautomator.com/automating-azure-resource/) ## **Setting Up a Virtual Network** Creating a virtual network is like setting up a private clubhouse for your virtual desktops. This virtual network is where they can securely communicate and operate, insulated from the outside world. To set up a virtual network for an AVD, complete the steps below: 1\. In the Azure Portal, search for **vnet**, and select **Virtual networks** from the dropdown list to access the [Virtual networks](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-networks-overview) service. ![Accessing the Virtual Network service](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-115.png) Accessing the Virtual Network service 2\. Next, click **Create** to initiate creating a virtual network. ![Initiating creating a virtual network](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-114.png) Initiating creating a virtual network 3\. On the next page, set up the essential details for the virtual network with the following: * **Subscription** – Select the same subscription as your resource group to ensure consistency. * **Resource group** – Select your newly created resource group (i.e., **myresourcegroup**) to host your virtual network. * **Virtual network name** – Provide a unique name (i.e., **myvnet**) for your virtual network. * **Region** – Choose the same region (i.e., **(US) East US**) as your resource group to keep latency low. Once set up, click **Review** + **create** to review and validate your settings. ![Setting up your virtual network](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-113.png) Setting up your virtual network 4\. Now, leave the default settings in place unless specific changes are required for your setup, and click **Create** to deploy your virtual network. ![Deploying the new virtual network](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-112.png) Deploying the new virtual network ## Deploying an Azure Virtual Desktop From setting up a resource group and a virtual network, you’ve laid the groundwork for a seamless AVD experience. Now, you’ll dive into the heartbeat of it all—deploying an AVD. Witness the magic unfold as you walk through the steps to deliver a user experience transcending traditional boundaries. Imagine you’re the mayor of a bustling digital city in the cloud, where people worldwide come to work without leaving their homes. This city is built within the vast Azure cloud, and your mission is to create a space where everyone can have their own personalized office. To deploy an AVD, execute the following: 1\. In the Azure Portal, search for **avd** and select **Azure Virtual Desktop** from the dropdown list to access the AVD service. ![Accessing the AVD service](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-126.png) Accessing the AVD service 2\. Next, click **Create a host pool** on the **Azure Virtual Desktop** page to initiate creating a host pool for setting up your virtual desktop environment. A host pool is a logical grouping of Azure VMs that work together to provide desktop sessions to users. ![Initiating creating a host pool](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-125.png) Initiating creating a host pool 3\. Configure your new host pool with the following: * **Subscription** and **Resource group** – Select your preferred subscription and resource group (i.e., **myresourcegroup**). * **Host pool name** – Provide a unique name (i.e., **myhp**) for your host pool. * **Location** – Choose the same region (i.e., **(US) East US**) as your virtual network and resource group. * **Preferred app group type** – Select **Desktop** from the dropdown since you’ll deploy a virtual desktop. * **Host pool type** – Choose **Personal** to assign a dedicated session host VM to each user, which ensures a consistent desktop experience. Think of a personal pool as a neighborhood of custom homes—each one designed for a specific resident. In the AVD context, a personal desktop pool is a collection of VMs assigned to individual users with their VM that maintains its state over time. * **Assignment type** – Opt for **Automatic** to allow Azure to manage the user-to-VM assignments on a first-come, first-served basis. Once set up, click **Next**: **Virtual Machines** to continue. ![Providing essential information for the host pool](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-124.png) Providing essential information for the host pool 4\. Under the **Virtual Machines** tab, make these selections for basic VM configurations, from resource to availability: * **Add virtual machines** – Choose **Yes** since the goal is to add a VM. * **Resource group** and **Name prefix** – Select your resource group (i.e., **myresourcegroup**), and provide a prefix for your VMs (i.e., **myvm**). This VM’s name will be automatically followed by a sequential number for identification (i.e., myvm-0, myvm-1, …). * **Virtual machine type** – Select **Azure virtual machine** for this tutorial. > 💡 _Note: Azure Stack HCI is only an option with an Azure Stack HCI subscription._ Related:[Getting Started with Azure Stack HCI](https://adamtheautomator.com/azure-stack-hci/) * **Virtual machine location** – Select the same region as your resource group and virtual network (i.e., US East). * **Availability options** – Choose **No infrastructure dependency required** as you will deploy a single session host VM. ![Configuring the VM settings (from resource group to availability options)](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-123.png) Configuring the VM settings (from resource group to availability options) 5\. Scroll down and configure the following: * **Security type** – Select **[Trusted launch virtual machines](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/trusted-launch)** to ensure higher trust and integrity for the VMs within your host pool. * **Image** – Choose **Windows 10 Enterprise, version 22H2 – Gen 2**, for this tutorial. But you may also opt for a different one, depending on your needs. ![Configuring the VM settings (from security type to VM image)](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-122.png) Configuring the VM settings (from security type to VM image) 6\. Next, set the options as follows for further VM configurations: * **Number of VMs** – Provide your initial or desired quantity of VMs (i.e., **1**) to include in your host pool. * **OS disk type** – Select **Premium SSD** for improved performance. ![Configuring the VM settings (from number of VMs to OS disk type)](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-121.png) Configuring the VM settings (from number of VMs to OS disk type) 7\. Subsequently, set the following for the network security and domain: * **Virtual network** – Choose your virtual network from the dropdown list (i.e., **myvnet**). * **Select which directory you would like to join** – Choose **Microsoft Entra ID** for directory joining. ![Configuring the VM settings (from virtual network to domain)](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-120.png) Configuring the VM settings (from virtual network to domain) 8\. Provide a **User name** (i.e., **ata**) and **Password** for creating a local administrator account, keep the other default settings, and click **Next**: **Workspace** to continue. Related:[How to Manage Active Directory Sites with PowerShell](https://adamtheautomator.com/active-directory-site/) ![Configuring the VM settings (creating a local administrator account)](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-119.png) Configuring the VM settings (creating a local administrator account) 9\. Execute the following for creating your workspace: * **Register desktop app group** – Choose **Yes** to register the default app group for the selected workspace. * **To this workspace** – Click **Create new,** provide a **Workspace name** (i.e., **myws**), and hit **OK**. In AVD, a workspace is like a digital plaza, a collection of resources where virtualized desktops and applications are made available to end-users. Once set, click **Review** + **create** to begin the deployment process, which may take some time to complete. ![Creating a workspace](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-118.png) Creating a workspace 10\. Lastly, review your selected settings after successful validation, and click **Create** to finalize deploying your AVD. ![Finalizing deploying the AVD](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-117.png) Finalizing deploying the AVD Deployment will take time to complete. Once done, you’ll see the following output with the deployment details showing the resources created, as shown below. ![Verifying the deployment is complete](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-116.png) Verifying the deployment is complete ## Verifying the Session Host VM Deployment After deploying your AVD, you might wonder, “Did everything come together seamlessly?” Well, fear not! You’re about to verify your session host VM deployment from your host pool. To verify your deployment, follow these steps: 1\. On the Azure Portal, navigate to the **Azure Virtual Desktop** page. 2\. Navigate to **Host pools** (left pane), and click your personal host pool’s name (**myhp**) from the list, as shown below, to access its overview page (step three). ![Accessing the personal host pool’s details page](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-129.png) Accessing the personal host pool’s details page 3\. Now, confirm the **Can connect** status under **Virtual machine** is set to **1**, and click on it to view more details about the session host VM. ![Viewing available VMs in the host pool](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-128.png) Viewing available VMs in the host pool Notice a properly configured session host VM shows a **Health** **state** of **Available** and a **Power** **state** of **Running**, as shown below. These indicators confirm that the session host VM is operational and ready for user connections. ![Checking the session host VM status](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-127.png) Checking the session host VM status ## Enabling the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) As you revel in the success of verifying your session host VM deployment, you now shift focus to a pivotal aspect that unlocks the full potential of your AVD environment. Like a digital mayor, you’ll enable seamless remote access to your AVD, ensuring your citizens can access their virtual office. To enable RDP in your AVD, perform the following: Switch back to your host pool’s (**myhp**) page, navigate to **RDP Properties** (left pane), and click the **Advanced** tab to access your host pool’s advanced RDP properties. ![Accessing the advanced RDP properties](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-131.png) Accessing the advanced RDP properties Now, prepend `targetisaadjoined:i:1;` to the existing instructions in the **RDP Properties** field. This parameter configures how the RDP client interacts with AVD, with the following breakdown: * The `targetisaadjoined:` refers to the target machine, implying the virtual machine or session host in Azure Virtual Desktop. * The `i` stands for an integer, and `1` is the value assigned to this parameter. In this configuration, `1` is “true” or “enabled.” Once configured, click **Save** to save your changes to the RDP properties. ![Enabling the RDP](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-130.png) Enabling the RDP ## Assigning Users to the Application Group After ensuring RDP is enabled, and your session host VM is fit for occupation, you must configure who gets to access the workspace. You’ll assign a user to an application group, like handing out keys to a trustworthy person. Imagine application groups as community centers in a district where people can access different services. Application groups are collections of applications available to users within the workspace. To assign a user to an application group, proceed with the following: 1\. On the AVD page, navigate to **Application groups** (left pane), and click your application group’s name (**myhp-DAG**) to access its details page (step two). This application group is automatically created during deploying an AVD. > 💡 _Note that you can have one group for financial apps, another for creative software, and so on. This feature enables a tailored approach to your virtual desktop environment, allowing each team to access only the applications relevant to their roles._ ![Accessing the application group](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-136.png) Accessing the application group 2\. Next, click **manage** next to **Assignments**, as shown below, to access the application group’s dashboard. ![Accessing the application group’s dashboard](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-135.png) Accessing the application group’s dashboard 3\. Click **Add** on your application group’s (**myhp-DAG**) page to initiate adding a new user. ![Initiating adding a new user](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-134.png) Initiating adding a new user 4\. Now, select the desired user to add to your application group from the sidebar that appears, and click **Select**. ![Adding a user to an application group](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-133.png) Adding a user to an application group 5\. Once added, copy the user’s email address, which is crucial for future access to the virtual desktop environment. ![Copying the user’s email address for future access to the virtual desktop environment](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-132.png) Copying the user’s email address for future access to the virtual desktop environment ## Accessing the AVD via the Remote Desktop Client With a fine-tuned AVD experience, you must test that the workspace is “just a click away.” You’ll access the workspace via the Remote Desktop Client, so ensure you have the user’s email address ready. To remotely access your AVD, proceed with these steps: 1\. Launch the Remote Desktop Client on a user’s device. 2\. Next, select **Subscribe with URL** at the main screen, enter _**[https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com](https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com)**_ into the URL field, and click **Next** to start the connection process. This URL connects users to the Remote Desktop Web (RDWeb) access portal, an integral part of AVD, facilitating access to virtual desktops and applications. ![Subscribing to the workspace via RDWeb](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-142.png) Subscribing to the workspace via RDWeb 3\. When prompted, input the user’s email address and click **Next** to proceed. ![Providing the user’s email address](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-141.png) Providing the user’s email address 4\. Input the user’s password and click **Sign in** to sign in to the workspace. ![Signing in to the workspace](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-140.png) Signing in to the workspace 5\. Now, double-click **SessionDesktop** to connect to the session host VM designated for the logged-in user. ![Establishing a connection to the session host VM](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-139.png) Establishing a connection to the session host VM 6\. Finally, input the user’s password again to authenticate the connection. ![Connecting to the session host VM designated for the user ](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-138.png) Connecting to the session host VM designated for the user If all goes well, the user can access an AVD session, as shown below, and commence their tasks. ![Initiating remote connection to the VM](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-137.png) Initiating remote connection to the VM ## Conclusion You’ve embarked on transforming your workspace with Azure Virtual Desktop. You’ve mastered setting up a virtual network, verifying your session host VM deployment, and assigning users to application groups. Your virtual desktop is now primed for remote access, allowing you and your team to collaborate seamlessly from anywhere. But moving forward, why not explore advanced configurations, such as fine-tuning access controls and customizing user experiences with more application groups? Remember, just like how a city requires maintenance and upkeep, so does your virtual desktop environment. Stay on top of [updates](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/scheduled-agent-updates) and watch [performance](https://getnerdio.com/resources/how-to-troubleshoot-performance-in-windows-virtual-desktop-wvd-environments/) to ensure your citizens are happy and productive in their virtual environment! Share this article [Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fadamtheautomator.com%2Fazure-virtual-desktop%2F&text=Getting%20Started%20with%20Azure%20Virtual%20Desktop)[Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fadamtheautomator.com%2Fazure-virtual-desktop%2F)[Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fadamtheautomator.com%2Fazure-virtual-desktop%2F) ## Related Posts ![](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/featured_image-12.webp) ### [Prevent Azure VM Outages with Load Balancer Health Probes](/distribute-traffic-azure-load-balancer/) Create a Standard Azure Load Balancer with the Azure CLI, configure health probes and backend pools, and distribute traffic across zone-redundant VMs. ![](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/featured_image-8.webp) ### [Ready to Move Beyond Lift-and-Shift? 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