Azure Virtual Desktop Masterclass | [AZ-140] Bootcamp (12 Labs & 26 Exercises)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environment. You will learn how to create and manage an AVD infrastructure, focusing on key components like host pools, application groups, and monitoring. This guide is suitable for anyone looking to implement AVD in an enterprise setting, whether you're a beginner or looking to reinforce your skills.

Step 1: Create Host Pool

• Navigate to the Azure portal.
• Select "Create a resource" and search for "Azure Virtual Desktop."
• Choose "Host pools" and click "Create."

Fill in the required fields

• Subscription
• Resource group
• Host pool name
• Location
• Configure additional settings like virtual machine size, scaling, and load balancing method.
• Review and create the host pool.

Step 2: Monitor Using Log Analytics

• In the Azure portal, go to "Log Analytics workspaces."
• Create a new workspace or use an existing one.

Connect your AVD resources to the Log Analytics workspace

• Go to the "Host pool" and select "Monitoring."
• Link to the Log Analytics workspace.
• Use built-in queries to monitor performance and usage metrics.

Step 3: Create Application Groups and Assign Them to Users

• In the Azure portal, go to your host pool.
• Select "Application groups" and click "Add."
• Choose between "RemoteApp" or "Desktop" as the type.

Add applications to the group and assign users

• Specify user assignments for the application group.
• Review and create the application group.

Step 4: Access Published Applications

• Ensure users have the AVD client installed on their devices.
• Users can access applications via the AVD web client or desktop client.
• Verify that users can log in and launch the assigned applications.

Step 5: Configure AVD Desktop Client

• Download the AVD desktop client from the official Microsoft site.
• Install the client on your device.
• Enter your workspace URL and log in with your credentials.
• Familiarize yourself with the client interface and settings.

Step 6: Set Up FSLogix

• Navigate to the Azure portal and create a storage account for FSLogix profiles.

Configure FSLogix profile containers

• Specify the storage account as the location for user profiles.
• Enable FSLogix profile management in your host pool settings.
• Review configuration and test user logins with FSLogix.

Step 7: Implement Load Balancing Methods

• Access the host pool settings in the Azure portal.

Choose a load balancing method

• Breadth-first: Distributes users evenly across VMs.
• Depth-first: Directs users to the least loaded VM.
• Review and apply the selected method.

Step 8: Optimize Costs

• Use Azure Cost Management tools to track and analyze expenses.
• Consider scaling down resources during off-peak times or using reserved instances for savings.
• Review VM sizes and configurations for cost efficiency.

Step 9: Use MEM to Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication

• Access Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM).
• Create a Conditional Access policy to require MFA for AVD access.
• Assign the policy to users and groups as needed.
• Test the policy to ensure MFA is triggered during login.

Step 10: Optimize MS Teams Experience

• Ensure that users have the latest version of the Teams app.
• Enable AVD optimizations for Teams to enhance audio and video quality.
• Test the Teams functionality within the AVD environment for performance.

Step 11: Implement MSIX App Attach

• Prepare your applications for MSIX packaging.
• Use the MSIX Packaging Tool to create MSIX packages.
• Attach MSIX packages to the AVD session host using the Azure portal.

Step 12: Monitor Using Azure Monitor

• Navigate to Azure Monitor in the Azure portal.
• Set up alerts and dashboards to track AVD performance.
• Use metrics and logs to identify and troubleshoot issues.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you have set up a comprehensive Azure Virtual Desktop environment, from creating host pools to optimizing application access and costs. As next steps, consider deepening your knowledge with advanced monitoring techniques or exploring additional AVD features through Microsoft's official documentation.