When the pandemic began, millions of employees moved from office desks to home setups almost overnight. Businesses quickly moved their apps and data to the cloud to keep operations running and protect against data loss during disasters. In fact, according to Buffer, 71% of companies are permanently allowing remote work for employees.
As remote work became the norm, many companies turned to Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) to support flexible work without adding pressure on IT teams. VDI made it easier for employees and contract workers to stay productive while keeping company data secure.
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However, VDI requires complex infrastructure, high hardware, and licensing costs. Thus, it is difficult for organizations to add multiple users and set up devices securely.
Microsoft introduced Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), a flexible and cost-effective cloud-based solution to meet these remote work policies. Businesses can access Microsoft Teams, Office 365 apps, and other pre-configured apps easily, anywhere, anytime, without any additional expenses.
In this blog, we’ll look at how Azure Windows Virtual Desktop works and why it’s become a smart choice for modern businesses.
What Is Windows Azure Virtual Desktop?
Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), now known as Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), is a cloud-based service from Microsoft. With enterprise-grade security, it lets organizations run Windows-based apps on any device, including macOS and iOS.
Unlike traditional VDI, which requires on-site servers and a complex setup, AVD runs on Microsoft Azure’s scalable cloud. It provides a fully managed Windows 11 environment where multiple users share the same virtual machine but still have their personalized desktops. Thus, this saves resources and cuts costs on complex IT workloads.
Note: Support for Windows 10 virtual desktop ends on October 14, 2025. Upgrade to Windows 11 virtual desktop now for quick access, better security, and a consistent user experience.
Don’t wait! Upgrade to Windows 11 now for stronger security, faster performance, and uninterrupted access.
How Azure Virtual Desktop Helps Businesses Work Better
Azure Virtual Desktop uses virtualization to deliver Windows desktops and apps from the cloud. Instead of running on physical hardware, the desktop environment is hosted on Azure virtual machines (VMs). A control system manages user access, resources, and security behind the scenes. Here’s how AVD helps businesses work better:
- Multi-Session Capabilities: Multiple users can share a single Windows 11 VM and share resources efficiently without affecting user experience.
- Flexible deployment: IT teams can use custom or ready-made Azure images to publish full desktops or specific apps tailored to each user group.
- Autoscaling: AVD automatically adjusts the number of VMs and storage based on demand, controlling costs while meeting performance needs.
- Secure remote access: Users connect using the Remote Desktop app or a web browser to enhance security. No open network ports are needed.
- Quick Microsoft 365 Integration: Access to Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and other applications to share files and collaborate easily.
- High-Performance Storage: AVD connects to fast, block-based storage that works like a regular hard drive for better speed and reliability.
- Disaster Recovery and Backup Plans: Store all your virtual desktop data in the cloud. Recover sensitive data instantly during outages, attacks, or accidental loss.
- Endpoint Manager Enrollment: VMs can be enrolled in Microsoft Endpoint Manager for centralized device management and policy enforcement.
Why Windows Virtual Desktop Matters?
Virtual desktop platforms like WVD transform the modern workplace by enabling secure, flexible, and cost-effective remote work.
Here are four key reasons why Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure is crucial for your organization:
1. Enhanced Data Security
AVD keeps corporate data and apps in the secure Microsoft Azure cloud instead of local devices. This means no sensitive information is stored on laptops or phones. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
Microsoft adds layers of protection with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and compliance with HIPAA, SOC, and other standards. You can monitor threats and secure access at all times.
Microsoft invests over $1 billion every year in cybersecurity. Azure benefits from that investment, offering stronger protection than most on-premises solutions. You get constant monitoring and advanced security infrastructure. This reduces risks from ransomware, malware, and lost or stolen devices.
2. Simplified IT Management
AVD lets IT teams manage all desktops in one place through an Azure subscription. There is no need to fix or update individual employee devices. Admins can remotely deploy, update, and control settings across all Windows Virtual Desktops.
AVD supports automatic patching and app updates. Apps run separately from the OS, so updates apply once and work for everyone.
If a device is not working correctly, users can log into their virtual Windows desktop from any other device without facing any data loss or downtime. Thus, this saves time and IT resources and fixes problems faster than ever.
3. Access from Anywhere, Hiring Without Borders
Azure virtual desktop lets employees access their full desktop from home, office, or while traveling. It works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. If there’s an internet connection, they can connect using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
FSLogix loads personal files, settings, and preferences instantly. Users get a familiar and consistent experience every time, no matter the device.
This supports remote and hybrid work for developers, engineers, and designers on graphic-intensive applications. You can hire talent globally without worrying about location or hardware, boosting employee productivity and job satisfaction. It also helps keep the business running during disruptions like pandemics or natural disasters.
4. Cost Efficiency and Scalability
AVD offers a flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model. So, you don’t need to buy and manage physical desktops, servers, or networks, and pay only for what you use. It allows businesses to increase or decrease users/resources based on capacity and demand.
You also save on software licensing. Ace Cloud Hosting AVD includes Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session rights. Unlike traditional virtual desktop infrastructure, there’s no need for extra Client Access Licenses (CALs). These features reduce capital and maintenance costs and simplify budgeting.
Is Azure Virtual Desktop the same as Windows Virtual Desktop?
Microsoft launched Windows Virtual Desktop in September 2019. In 2021, it rebranded the service to Azure Virtual Desktop.
The name change reflects Microsoft’s goal to align the platform more closely with the broader Azure ecosystem, not just Windows. AVD now positions itself as a flexible, cloud-based VDI solution within Azure’s suite.
Since the rebrand, Microsoft has introduced several new features to enhance usability and integration for remote workers.
Ace Cloud Hosting’s Windows Virtual Desktop delivers all these capabilities, backed by an expert team for seamless remote work and support. These are:
- Simplified Setup: You can now quickly set up a full AVD environment in Azure. The process checks your setup, automates deployment, and follows best practices. Moreover, the Azure virtual desktop is joined directly to the Azure Active Directory (AAD). This means you don’t need a traditional server (domain controller), and you save time and money.
- Direct Launch URLs: Users can connect directly to a specific desktop or app via a URL. The URL opens in the Windows app through a web browser, so no menu selection is needed. This is helpful for direct access scenarios.
- New Pricing Model: Microsoft introduced pay-as-you-go pricing to scale up and down resources according to your capacity and business needs.
What is the Difference Between Windows Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365?
Choosing between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 isn’t about picking the better option; it is about finding the right fit for your needs. Both are cloud-based desktop solutions from Microsoft, but they serve different business goals.
Windows 365: Simple, Predictable, and Easy to Deploy
Windows 365 is a subscription-based service. You pay a fixed monthly fee per user; each user gets their own Cloud PC. It’s integrated with Microsoft Intune, making it ideal for organizations already using Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
Setup is fast, deployment is simple, and IT teams love predictability. Windows 365 is the best option for small IT teams and employees working on dedicated Microsoft remote desktops without worrying about infrastructure.
However, there are some missing points too:
- No multi-session support; each user needs a separate Cloud PC.
- Less control over infrastructure and configurations.
- Higher overall cost compared to pooled resources in AVD.
But it’s not ideal for every situation. It may not work well for roles that depend on high-quality voice or video communication, like call center agents. This made it hard for agents and clients to hear each other clearly.
Azure Virtual Desktop: Flexible, Powerful, and Cost-Efficient
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop runs on the Azure platform with a consumption-based pricing model. That means you only pay for what you use. It supports multi-session desktops, remote apps, and even GPU-powered workloads, making it ideal for teams with complex needs or power users.
AVD is a good choice if you need:
- Full infrastructure control is ideal for advanced IT teams.
- Flexible, usage-based pricing to save costs.
- Customize environments to fit different teams or roles.
- Scale resources up or down based on demand.
AVD gives you full control over your environment. You can choose VM sizes, configure autoscaling, manage storage and networking, and more.
AVD does require more management than Windows 365. However, it offers much more freedom for teams that are comfortable with Azure and looking to optimize cost or performance.
Can you run Citrix on Azure?
Citrix helps you create a hybrid cloud environment that connects your on-premises systems, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs. It lets you access and manage apps, virtual desktops, and IT issues from a single platform for a consistent experience.
Citrix HDX technology enhances Microsoft Teams and multimedia apps, delivering high-quality graphics, video, and voice, even on slow or unstable networks.
Hence, integrating Windows Azure virtual desktop on the Citrix platform gives users a smooth experience for all kinds of apps anywhere. It includes web, traditional, or cloud-based without being tied to one cloud or setup.
Who Benefits Most?
- Large enterprises with hybrid or multi-cloud setups.
- Healthcare organizations with high security and compliance needs.
- Consulting firms and finance industries handle mergers and acquisitions.
- Teams running complex, custom, or high-performance applications.
- HR, accounting, and IT staff who need persistent desktops.
Discover a flexible, secure, and cost-efficient way to enable remote work. Let our team guide you through a hassle-free setup.
Is Windows Virtual Desktop Right for You?
Azure Virtual Desktop is a strong choice for organizations that need a secure, flexible, and cost-effective way to support remote work. It simplifies IT management, improves security, and helps your team work from anywhere, anytime.
Ace Cloud Hosting offers secure, high-performance Microsoft Azure virtual desktops on the Citrix platform. It supports multiple Windows Server versions, including Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, and more.
Our dedicated team provides end-to-end delivery with 99% uptime and ongoing support to resolve your doubts quickly. Book a free consultation or start your 7-day free VDI trial today!
