Managing Azure Virtual Desktop performance
Azure Virtual Desktop provides you with options to load balance users on your VM host pools. Host pools are collections of VMs with the same configuration assigned to multiple users.
You can configure session load balancing to occur as users sign in to session hosts, also known as breadth mode. Breadth mode essentially means that users are sequentially allocated across the host pool for your workload. You also have the option to configure your VMs for depth mode load balancing to save costs, where users are fully allocated on one VM before moving to the next. In addition, Azure Virtual Desktop provides the tools and the capability to automatically provision additional VMs when incoming demand exceeds a specified threshold.
Multi-session Windows 10/11
Azure Virtual Desktop enables and headlines Windows 11 and 10 Enterprise multi-session since they are the only Windows operating systems (client-based) that enable multiple concurrent users on a single Windows 11/10 VM.
Azure Virtual Desktop also provides a familiar experience with broader application support than the traditional Windows Server-based remote desktop solutions.
What licenses do I need?
Azure Virtual Desktop is available at no additional cost if you have an eligible Microsoft 365 license. However, it is important to note that you pay for the Microsoft Azure resources that are consumed by Azure Virtual Desktop:
- You must have a Windows or Microsoft 365 license to be able to use Windows 11 Enterprise and Windows 10 Enterprise desktops and apps (eligible).
- You must have a Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access License (CAL) for Windows Server Remote Desktop Services desktops and apps (eligible).
