Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD),[1] is a Microsoft Azure-based system for virtualizing its Windows operating systems, providing virtualized desktops and applications securely in the cloud (over the Internet).[2][3] It is aimed at enterprise customers rather than at individual users.[4]
Developer | Microsoft |
---|---|
Type | Desktop virtualization service |
Launch date | September 2019 |
Platform(s) | Cross-platform |
Operating system(s) | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and HTML5 web browsers |
Status | Active |
Website | Official site |
WVD was first announced by Microsoft in September 2018,[5] available as a public preview in March 2019,[6] and generally available at the end of September 2019.[7]
Azure Virtual Desktop with Windows 10/11 Enterprise Multi-Session is a cloud-based alternative to an on-premise Remote Desktop Server (RDS). AVD is deployed in Azure Cloud as a virtual machine. License costs are already included in several Microsoft 365 subscriptions, including Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Microsoft 365 E3.
Azure Virtual Desktop supports Windows 10/11 multi-session, Windows 10/11 single-session, Windows Server 2012 R2 and newer operating systems.[8]