What is Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualisation service running on Microsoft Azure. It’s the only cloud VDI solution that natively supports Windows 11 and Windows 10 multi-session — allowing multiple concurrent users on a single VM — dramatically reducing costs compared to traditional VDI.
AVD Prerequisites for Indian Organisations
- Active Azure subscription (pay-as-you-go or EA)
- Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) tenant
- Azure AD Domain Services or on-premise Active Directory synced to Azure AD
- Sufficient Azure quota in the India South or India Central region
- Microsoft 365 E3/E5, Business Premium, or Windows 10/11 Enterprise licence (for Windows multi-session)
Step 1: Plan Your AVD Architecture
Before deploying, plan your host pool type (pooled vs personal), VM sizing (based on user workload), image strategy (custom golden image vs Azure Marketplace), profile management (FSLogix profile containers), and networking (ExpressRoute or VPN for connecting to on-premise resources).
Step 2: Set Up Azure Infrastructure
Create a dedicated Resource Group for AVD, configure Virtual Network and subnets, set up Azure AD DS or verify AD Connect sync, create an Azure Files share for FSLogix profiles, and configure Network Security Groups (NSGs).
Step 3: Create AVD Host Pool
Navigate to Azure Virtual Desktop in the Azure portal → Create Host Pool. Configure: pool type (pooled/personal), VM count and size, OS image (Windows 11 Multi-Session recommended for pooled), domain join settings, and load balancing algorithm.
Step 4: Configure FSLogix for Profile Management
FSLogix Profile Containers store user profiles in VHD files on Azure Files shares, enabling fast login and consistent profile experience across pooled desktop sessions. Configure FSLogix GPO settings, set the VHD path to your Azure Files share, and test profile creation.
Step 5: Optimise AVD for Performance in India
For users in India, deploy session host VMs in Azure Central India (Pune) or South India (Chennai) regions for lowest latency. Use the AVD Experience Estimator tool to measure round-trip time before deployment. Enable Teams media optimisation for crystal-clear video calls.
AVD Cost Optimisation for Indian Businesses
- Use Windows 11 Multi-Session to share VMs across multiple users (biggest cost saving)
- Implement autoscale to power down VMs during off-hours
- Use Azure Reserved Instances for baseline VM capacity (up to 60% savings)
- Store FSLogix profiles on Azure Files Standard tier to reduce storage costs
- Monitor usage with Azure Cost Management and set budget alerts
Need expert AVD implementation in India? Contact our Microsoft-certified team →