Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop, delivers Windows desktops as a cloud service. Instead of every user running Windows on a local PC, users connect to a Windows session running in Microsoft Azure. The desktop, apps, and data live in the cloud; only the display and input travel back to the user device.
What makes AVD different
- Windows 10/11 Enterprise multi-session — multiple users share one VM (cost efficient)
- Or per-user dedicated VMs — one Windows session per user (better for personalization)
- FSLogix profile containers — user profiles roam between sessions seamlessly
- Native Microsoft 365 integration — Office apps are tuned to run well in multi-session
- Pay only for what you use — scale up during business hours, scale down overnight
When AVD makes sense
- Distributed / remote-first workforces — consistent experience regardless of user device
- BYOD scenarios — corporate desktop on personal devices without corporate data on the device
- Contractors and seasonal staff — provision a desktop fast, deprovision when contract ends
- Regulated environments handling CUI — data stays in Azure (or GCC High), never leaves to local endpoints
- Bring-your-own-license legacy apps — consolidate Windows 7-era apps in a managed environment
- Hardware-constrained users — field workers, kiosks, thin clients
When AVD doesn't make sense
- Stable office workers with normal PCs — local Windows is cheaper
- Heavy graphics / CAD users — AVD GPU instances exist but are expensive; local workstations often better
- Poor network connectivity at user locations — AVD needs reliable internet
- Latency-sensitive applications — voice/video editing, anything where input lag matters
Cost
Per-user AVD costs typically run $30-$80/month including Windows licensing, compute, storage, and bandwidth — comparable to a local Windows PC at refresh but with the operational benefits of central management. The break-even vs. local PCs depends heavily on usage patterns, app mix, and existing infrastructure.
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