What is the recommendation for Persistent Desktop according to OS Verion. Can we use multisession golden image for persistent Host Pool in AVD?

Question

Can we use multisession golden image for persistent Host Pool in AVD?

I don't find any reference document for the same, that for persistent desktop we must use Single session OS.

Answer 1

Hello Kajal Kumar Saphui,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A and thank you for posting your questions here.

Problem

I understand that you would like to know if you can use a multisession golden image for a persistent host pool in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). Also, you are looking for confirmation on whether persistent desktops require a single session OS, and you also haven't found explicit information stating that a single session OS is mandatory for persistent desktops.

Scenario

Your unique scenario was that Kajal is planning to set up a persistent host pool in AVD and considering using a multisession golden image. The goal is to provide each user with a dedicated virtual machine that retains their settings and data across sessions, creating a personalized desktop experience similar to a traditional physical desktop.

Solution

This prescribed solution was based on the scenario given and your questions, while focusing on the problem statement.

Your first question:

Can we use a multisession golden image for a persistent Host Pool in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?

Answer:

Using a multisession golden image for a persistent host pool in AVD is technically possible but not recommended.

Reasons:

• Typically used for pooled desktops where multiple users share the same VM. It's optimized for resource sharing.
• Each user has a dedicated VM with retained settings and data.
• Single Session OS for Persistence provides a better user experience, predictable performance, and resource allocation.
• Using a multisession OS complicates profile management.

Your question two:

I don't find any reference document for the same, that for persistent desktop we must use Single session OS.

Answer:

While Microsoft doesn't explicitly state that a single session OS is required for persistent desktops, best practices and documentation imply this and for enterprise environments, using a single session OS (like Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise) is recommended.

Kindly, use the reference sited sources to see some documentations related.

Finally

• Using multisession golden image for a persistent host pool in AVD is technically possible but not recommended.
• Opt for a single session OS for optimal performance and user experience.

References

Source: Azure Virtual Desktop Documentation. Accessed, 5/19/2024.

Source: GitHub: Overview of Azure Virtual Desktop. Accessed, 5/19/2024.

Source: Using Azure Virtual Desktop with Microsoft Intune. Accessed, 5/19/2024.

Source: Using Azure Virtual Desktop single-session with Microsoft Intune. Accessed, 5/19/2024.

Source: Conversation with Bing. Accessed, 5/19/2024

Accept Answer

I hope this is helpful! Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions.

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Best Regards,

Sina Salam

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Answer 2

• Using multisession golden image for a persistent host pool in AVD is technically possible but not recommended. --> Where it is mentioned as "Not Recommended"
• Opt for a single session OS for optimal performance and user experience's provide solutions to the user's question. ---> No such information written anywhere.

Hence, we can't conclude.

Answer 3

Yes, you can use a multisession golden image for a persistent Host Pool in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). Here’s how:

1. Choose a base image: Select a base image that suits your requirements1.
2. Clone a session host: Clone a session host for customization2.
3. Customize the cloned session host: Sign in to the VM and start customizing it with apps, updates, and other things you’ll need for your image1.
4. Sysprep the cloned session host: If the VM needs to be domain-joined during customization, remove it from the domain before running sysprep1.
5. Create the Golden Image: After customization, create the golden image2.
6. Delete the cloned images and resources: After the golden image is created, delete the cloned images and resources2.

For pooled host pools, it is recommended to use a Windows 10 or 11 multi-session (with or without Microsoft 365) or Windows Server image13. You can use either Generation 1 or Generation 2 VMs; Gen 2 VMs support features that aren’t supported for Gen 1 machines13.

Please note that the VM used for taking the image must be deployed without “Login with Microsoft Entra ID” flag1. Also, ensure that Unified Write Filter (UWF) is not enabled in your image1.