What is Azure Virtual Desktop used for?

Running Windows desktops and apps in Azure and streaming them to users on any device. Common uses are remote and hybrid work, secure access for contractors and unmanaged devices, keeping apps next to their data in Azure, and replacing on-premises Remote Desktop Services, Citrix or VMware Horizon.

Is Azure Virtual Desktop free with Microsoft 365?

The access rights are. Microsoft 365 E3, E5, A3, A5, F3 and Business Premium include the right to use AVD with Windows 10 and 11 Enterprise session hosts, as of October 2026. You still pay Azure for the virtual machines, storage and networking your deployment uses.

Does Microsoft 365 Business Premium include Azure Virtual Desktop?

Yes. Microsoft 365 Business Premium is on Microsoft's list of eligible licenses for Windows 10 and 11 Enterprise and Enterprise multi-session session hosts. Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Business Standard aren't.

What is the difference between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365?

AVD runs in your Azure subscription. You design the host pools and pay Azure for what runs, and it supports multi-session hosts and RemoteApp. Windows 365 is a per-user Cloud PC at a fixed monthly price, with less infrastructure for you to manage. Our AVD vs Windows 365 comparison goes through the trade-offs.

What is a host pool in Azure Virtual Desktop?

A collection of Azure virtual machines registered to AVD as session hosts, normally built from the same image. A pooled host pool shares its VMs between many users. A personal host pool gives each user their own VM.

Does Azure Virtual Desktop need a domain controller?

No. Session hosts can join Microsoft Entra ID with no domain controller. They can also join Active Directory Domain Services or Microsoft Entra Domain Services when apps need a domain. As of October 2026, Microsoft's AVD prerequisites still call for hybrid user identities when FSLogix profiles on Azure Files are used with Entra-joined session hosts.

What is Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session?

A Windows 11 edition that lets several users sign in to the same virtual machine at once, with the normal Windows 11 desktop experience. It's exclusive to Azure Virtual Desktop and is the usual choice for pooled host pools.

Can I use Azure Virtual Desktop on a Mac, iPad or Chromebook?

Yes. Users connect with Windows App or the Remote Desktop client on Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS and Android, including Chromebooks that run Android apps, or from a web browser.

What happened to Windows Virtual Desktop?

It was renamed Azure Virtual Desktop in 2021. The original version, now called AVD (classic), retired on 30 September 2026. Current AVD uses Azure Resource Manager host pools, application groups and workspaces.

What Is Azure Virtual Desktop? A Plain-English Guide

A plain-English guide to Azure Virtual Desktop: what Microsoft runs and what runs in your subscription, how workspaces, application groups, host pools and session hosts fit together, which licenses include AVD, what you still have to build, and who it's a good fit for.