Complete Guide to Setting Up Azure Virtual Desktop With FSLOGIX

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on setting up Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) with FSLogix using a customized image. This process is essential for organizations looking to implement a virtual desktop infrastructure that enhances user experience and management capabilities. Follow these steps to configure your Azure environment effectively.

Step 1: Register Microsoft Providers

• Log in to the Azure portal.
• Navigate to the "Resource Providers" section.
• Search for and register the following providers:
  • Microsoft.DesktopVirtualization
  • Microsoft.Compute
  • Microsoft.Storage
• Ensure the registration is complete before proceeding.

Step 2: Create Image from Azure VM

• Create an Azure Virtual Machine (VM) configured as needed for your environment.
• Install all necessary applications and updates on the VM.
• Generalize the VM by running the command:

  sysprep /oobe /generalize /shutdown
  

• After shutdown, go back to the Azure portal and create an image from this VM.

Step 3: Create AVD Host Pool

• In the Azure portal, navigate to "Azure Virtual Desktop."
• Select "Host pools" and click on "Add."
• Fill in the required details:
  • Name your host pool.
  • Choose the type (pooled or personal).
  • Select the image created in the previous step.
• Create the host pool.

Step 4: AVD Session Host Size Recommendations

• Refer to the Session Host Size Guide to choose appropriate VM sizes based on user workload:
  • Light users: A1v2 or B-series VMs.
  • Heavy users: D-series or E-series VMs.
• Create session hosts within your host pool using the recommended sizes.

Step 5: Assign AVD Login Permissions

• Navigate to the "Users" section in Azure Virtual Desktop.
• Assign users or groups access to the host pool:
  • Click on "Add" and select the users.
  • Grant appropriate roles (e.g., Desktop User).

Step 6: Test Logging into AVD

• Download the AVD client from the official Microsoft documentation.
• Install the client on your local machine.
• Use your Azure credentials to log in and verify that everything is functioning correctly.

Step 7: Create and Join Azure File Share to Active Directory

• In the Azure portal, create a new storage account.
• Navigate to the "File shares" section and create a file share.
• Follow the documentation to join this file share to Active Directory.

Step 8: Create RBAC Roles for Azure File Share

• Go to the "Access Control (IAM)" section of your storage account.
• Assign appropriate roles to users/groups to manage the file share permissions:
  • Storage File Data Owner
  • Storage File Data Contributor

Step 9: Map Azure File Share Network Drive

• On the client machine, open File Explorer.
• Right-click on "This PC" and select "Map network drive."
• Use the file share path to connect, ensuring you check "Reconnect at sign-in."

Step 10: Configure Active Directory Permissions

• Ensure the users have permissions set up correctly in Active Directory for accessing the file shares.
• Confirm that group policies are in place if necessary.

Step 11: Configure FSLogix

• Download FSLogix from the provided link.
• Install FSLogix on your session hosts.
• Configure FSLogix by editing the registry or using the Group Policy:
  • Set the profile container path to the Azure file share.

Step 12: Login and Test AVD with FSLogix Profile

• Log into the AVD again using the client.
• Verify that FSLogix profiles load correctly and user settings persist across sessions.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully set up Azure Virtual Desktop with FSLogix. This configuration enhances user experience and streamlines virtual desktop management. Next, consider monitoring performance and adjusting resources as needed to optimize your virtual environment. For further enhancements, explore Azure's additional features and integrations.