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Azure Virtual Desktop Reviews

Vendor: Microsoft
4.0 out of 5
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What is Azure Virtual Desktop?

Azure Virtual Desktop enables remote work by allowing employees to access their desktops and applications from anywhere, centralizing management, ensuring data security, and supporting collaboration.

Get the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Azure Virtual Desktop, Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service), Parallels Desktop and more!
Azure Virtual Desktop is the #10 ranked solution in top Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions. PeerSpot users give Azure Virtual Desktop an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Azure Virtual Desktop is most commonly compared to Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service): Azure Virtual Desktop vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service). Azure Virtual Desktop is popular among the small business segment, accounting for 75% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 55% of all views.
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Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
April 2025
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Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Azure Virtual Desktop's most valuable features include scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Users can quickly scale resources, access applications from any location, and manage expenses efficiently. The platform enables secure remote access, supports hybrid work with Microsoft 365 integration, and avoids additional licensing costs by utilizing existing subscriptions. Azure serves as a unified control plane globally, providing seamless deployment and access. Users appreciate the auto-scaling option and the ability to use virtual machines as needed.
  • "Azure Virtual Desktop is stable and provides a 100% stable experience."
  • "Azure pricing is quite cheap due to licensing benefits with Microsoft."
  • "The biggest advantages are the price and flexibility."

Room for Improvement

Azure Virtual Desktop requires improvements in cost predictability as companies struggle to estimate expenses upfront. Built-in internet proxy and filtering features are desired. Users face challenges during OS upgrades from Windows 10 to 11. Entra ID integration for tenant-only access could enhance connectivity. Scalability needs refinement, particularly for desktop scaling and uptime. Despite these areas, most user requirements are met, though expert insights could further highlight improvement opportunities.
  • "There are challenges when upgrading the OS from Windows 10 to Windows 11, such as facing a black screen during testing. It is essential for Microsoft to ensure better testing and smoother transitions when decommissioning previous versions."
  • "Azure could improve its uptime and the scaling aspect, as it lacks intelligent scaling."
  • "The primary area for improvement is around the scalability of Azure, specifically on the desktop side."

Pricing

Enterprise users find Azure Virtual Desktop offers reasonable and competitive pricing with usage-based fees. It provides flexible subscription options, such as monthly, one-year, and three-year reserved instances, with cost benefits maximized in long-term plans. Users appreciate cost-effective features like resource utilization and auto-scaling, noting potential savings compared to other cloud providers due to Microsoft licensing benefits. While high-configured virtual machines may be costly, Azure's pricing remains competitive, especially compared to GCP and AWS, with Citrix as a close competitor.

Popular Use Cases

Azure Virtual Desktop is used primarily for accessing resources from different machines, including disaster recovery and remote working. It provides application access via MSIX App Attach or remote app, enabling remote users like BPO or contact center resources to work securely on applications. Users access desktops privately without the public network, offering a consistent environment with the roaming profile feature. It is also used for managing endpoints and collaborating with distributor partners for Azure platforms.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for Azure Virtual Desktop receive mixed feedback. Users appreciate satisfactory service but highlight areas for improvement. As a Microsoft preferred partner with specialization, they acknowledge good assistance. However, the ticketing process often involves redundant troubleshooting steps, indicating a need for improved understanding. Technicians frequently change, affecting continuity. Ratings vary from five to eight out of ten, reflecting differing experiences across users and their interaction with Microsoft's technical support.

Deployment

Azure Virtual Desktop's initial setup is generally simple with assistance from Microsoft's documentation and Terraform scripts. Nerdio Enterprise Manager enhances the process. Tasks like selecting subscription, region, VM size, and OS configuration are required, often completed within 15 minutes. Users find the setup straightforward, utilizing a graphical interface. Experienced users complete it in hours, though novices may need days. Compared to Bastion, Azure Virtual Desktop setup is more complex, requiring detailed planning and workload management understanding.

Scalability

Azure Virtual Desktop is highly scalable across various company sizes, from small to large enterprises. Its flexibility allows seamless provisioning of virtual desktops based on demand. Users find scaling straightforward and effective for quickly expanding server performance, rating it near perfect. Although enhancements with tools like Nerdio and automation are needed in some regions to boost scalability, many organizations experience no limitations, appreciating its adaptable and efficient nature for growing businesses.

Stability

Azure Virtual Desktop exhibits strong stability when properly set up across regions. Users frequently find it stable, often rating it eight to ten out of ten. Thorough planning and design ensure minimal issues during operations. In most scenarios, it provides a completely stable experience. Some users desire more experience for architectural optimizations, though they generally regard its stability positively. Azure Virtual Desktop consistently meets user expectations for reliable performance without major issues.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
55%
Outsourcing Company
10%
Comms Service Provider
7%
Manufacturing Company
5%
Government
5%
Healthcare Company
3%
Financial Services Firm
3%
Transportation Company
2%
University
2%
Insurance Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%
Media Company
1%
Educational Organization
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Real Estate/Law Firm
1%
Retailer
1%
Energy/Utilities Company
1%
Hospitality Company
1%

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Learn more about Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop is essential for remote work, offering centralized management of desktops, a secure environment for accessing sensitive data, and facilitating collaboration. It reduces hardware costs, supports scalability, and simplifies IT tasks. The platform is scalable, integrates with Microsoft 365, and provides robust security features. Fast deployment, efficient management tools, reliable remote access capabilities, and cost-effective pricing make it versatile for diverse requirements. However, users report slow performance during peak hours, connectivity issues, difficulty managing virtual machines, high scaling costs, a complicated setup process, and compatibility issues with specialized software.

What are the most important features of Azure Virtual Desktop?
  • Scalability: Adjust resources seamlessly to match demand.
  • Microsoft 365 Integration: Enhance productivity with deep integration.
  • Security Features: Protect sensitive data with robust security measures.
  • Fast Deployment: Quickly set up and deploy virtual desktops.
  • Efficient Management Tools: Streamline IT tasks with advanced management tools.
  • Reliable Remote Access: Consistent performance for remote access.
  • Cost-Effective Pricing: Competitive pricing that suits different needs.
  • Azure Services Integration: Leverage existing Azure infrastructure.
What benefits and ROI should users expect?
  • Cost Reduction: Minimize hardware and operational expenses.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Boost productivity with seamless integration.
  • Security Assurance: Ensure data safety with advanced security features.
  • Operational Efficiency: Simplify IT operations and management tasks.
  • Scalable Resources: Easily scale resources based on requirements.
  • Flexible Accessibility: Access desktops and applications from anywhere.

Azure Virtual Desktop is widely implemented across industries like finance, healthcare, and education. Finance companies use it to securely access sensitive financial data remotely. Healthcare providers use it to offer secure access to patient records and applications, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Educational institutions leverage it for virtual classrooms, enabling students and faculty to access resources and collaborate from various locations.

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Product Categories

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Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Popular Comparisons

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Azure Virtual Desktop reviews

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IT Infrastucture Engineer at PPG
Verified user of Azure Virtual Desktop
Feb 26, 2025
Automation framework simplifies deployment with cost-effective and flexible global control

Pros

"The biggest advantages are the price and flexibility."

Cons

"The primary area for improvement is around the scalability of Azure, specifically on the desktop side. "

What is our primary use case?

I provide users with a desktop using Azure Virtual Desktop. We are using it internally.

What is most valuable?

The biggest advantages are the price and flexibility. On a technical side, a useful feature is that Azure is a single control plane globally for all regions, making it straightforward. 

For us, it's scalable, yet not fully scalable by default for my area. We automate the deployment by building a framework around it, which requires minimal hands-on involvement. In addition, for flexibility, we use tools like Nerdio as an add-on for Azure.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (459 words)
Makarand-Shrikhande - PeerSpot user
Sr. Architect at LTI - Larsen & Toubro Infotech
Verified user of Azure Virtual Desktop
Feb 12, 2025
Enables flexible remote application access with auto-scaling and hybrid work support

Pros

"The auto-scaling option allows provisioning additional virtual desktops based on user demand, making it scalable and flexible. "

Cons

"Access from Entra ID should be implemented to provide only tenant access to users connecting to the Azure Virtual Desktop environment, eliminating the need for on-premises requirements."

What is our primary use case?

The use cases include providing application access to users through Azure Virtual Desktop using MSIX App Attach or remote app, enabling remote users like BPO or contact center resources to connect and work on applications, and allowing vendors to access specific applications securely without a device, using their own devices.

What is most valuable?

The auto-scaling option allows provisioning additional virtual desktops based on user demand, making it scalable and flexible. The hybrid work feature provides secure connectivity and productivity with Microsoft 365 integration, allowing access from any device and location. Utilizing existing licenses like E3 or E5 avoids additional licensing costs.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: MSP
Read full review (431 words)
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Peter West - PeerSpot user
Director at Pesaro IT
Verified user of Azure Virtual Desktop
Feb 4, 2025
Quickly spin up virtual machines for efficient resource management

Pros

"The ability to spin up virtual machines quickly and speedily in Azure has been really valuable."

Cons

"I would like to see built-in proxy and internet filtering."

What is our primary use case?

Originally, I used Azure Virtual Desktop for disaster recovery, and then I also used it for remote working options. Those are the main aspects of it.

What is most valuable?

The ability to spin up virtual machines quickly and speedily in Azure has been really valuable. I could make value with using the virtual desktop instead of giving out laptops to everyone. It was good from that aspect of it.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (356 words)
AndrewTaylor1 - PeerSpot user
Freelance Cloud Architect/Consultant at AndrewSTaylor.com Ltd
Verified user of Azure Virtual Desktop
Jan 27, 2025
Scaling flexibility supports remote work with an easy setup

Pros

"The scalability is probably the most valuable feature since I can quickly add or remove machines or increase or decrease the size depending on resources to manage the cost better. "

Cons

"The costs are a bit difficult to predict upfront. "

What is our primary use case?

I use it for accessing resources from different machines.

What is most valuable?

The scalability is probably the most valuable feature since I can quickly add or remove machines or increase or decrease the size depending on resources to manage the cost better. 

It is a useful way of accessing my more complicated applications without having to install them on every device, especially when I have people working from home.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Read full review (521 words)
AP
IT Manager at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees
Verified user of Azure Virtual Desktop
May 7, 2025
Facilitate secure and private access to workplace desktops with seamless roaming access from anywhere

Pros

"Azure Virtual Desktop is stable and provides a 100% stable experience."

Cons

"There are challenges when upgrading the OS from Windows 10 to Windows 11, such as facing a black screen during testing. It is essential for Microsoft to ensure better testing and smoother transitions when decommissioning previous versions."

What is our primary use case?

I use Azure Virtual Desktop primarily to access desktops without using the public network. It allows me to access my workplace desktops privately and perform regular activities. It also provides a roaming profile feature, enabling me to access my desktop environment from anywhere, maintaining the same setup and data.

What is most valuable?

Azure Virtual Desktop allows me to access desktops without using the public network. It supports roaming profiles, which means I can access my desktop environment from different locations without facing latency issues. The solution is fully scalable with no limitations, allowing for seamless access to infrastructure.
*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (441 words)
SK
Administrator at krish
Verified user of Azure Virtual Desktop
Feb 21, 2025
Technical support requires improvement while cost-effectiveness enables efficient resource management

Pros

"The cost-effectiveness of Azure Virtual Machines is one of the most valuable features. "

Cons

"Azure is vast, and perhaps an architect-level experience could provide more insights into potential improvements."

What is our primary use case?

We are dealing with Azure Virtual Desktops as well as physical desktops and laptops. We manage the endpoints and customers, so we use this solution in collaboration with a distributor partner for Azure platforms.

What is most valuable?

The cost-effectiveness of Azure Virtual Machines is one of the most valuable features. If we purchase high-configured virtual machines, it becomes very costly. 

However, with Azure Virtual Machines, we can explore the functionalities and utilize them as needed. If they are not needed, they can be shut down on the cloud, offering a cost-effective strategy.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
Read full review (493 words)