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Azure Virtual Desktop pros and cons

Vendor: Microsoft
4.2 out of 5

Pros & Cons summary

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Prominent pros & cons

PROS

Scalability is a standout feature of Azure Virtual Desktop, allowing for quick adjustments and management of resources.
The integration of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams within Azure Virtual Desktop enhances collaboration for users.
Azure Virtual Desktop is cost-effective, benefiting from Microsoft's licensing advantages.
Security is robust with multi-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption.
The stability of Azure Virtual Desktop is highly regarded, providing a consistent and reliable experience.

CONS

Costs associated with Azure Virtual Desktop are difficult to predict upfront, making it challenging to provide a fixed price to clients.
There is a need for built-in proxy and internet filtering, as adding an internet proxy presents issues.
Access from Entra ID should be implemented to provide only tenant access, eliminating the need for on-premises requirements.
Scalability on the desktop side requires improvement, with challenges such as lack of intelligent scaling and issues like a black screen when upgrading the OS from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
The initial setup is complex, especially regarding application optimizations and meeting customers' security requirements.
 

Azure Virtual Desktop Pros review quotes

RC
Jun 18, 2025
The best feature is scalability, as it can be used from anywhere.
reviewer2226693 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jul 24, 2025
The integration of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams within Azure Virtual Desktop helps customers enhance collaboration because it works seamlessly.
AS
Jun 25, 2025
Azure Virtual Desktop enables anyone connecting to Microsoft to use MFA (multi-factor authentication), totally secured to connect and has end-to-end encryption through tunnel encryption.
Learn what your peers think about Azure Virtual Desktop. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: July 2025.
864,053 professionals have used our research since 2012.
AndrewTaylor1 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jan 27, 2025
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.
SK
Feb 21, 2025
The cost-effectiveness of Azure Virtual Machines is one of the most valuable features.
MB
Feb 26, 2025
The biggest advantages are the price and flexibility.
AP
Apr 25, 2025
Azure Virtual Desktop is stable and provides a 100% stable experience.
Makarand-Shrikhande - PeerSpot reviewer
Feb 10, 2025
The auto-scaling option allows provisioning additional virtual desktops based on user demand, making it scalable and flexible.
Peter West - PeerSpot reviewer
Feb 4, 2025
The ability to spin up virtual machines quickly and speedily in Azure has been really valuable.
 

Azure Virtual Desktop Cons review quotes

RC
Jun 18, 2025
The delivery of applications is a tedious process.
reviewer2226693 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jul 24, 2025
The initial setup of Azure Virtual Desktop overall is complex. The complexities I've noticed are with application optimizations, and it can get complex by meeting customers' security requirements.
AS
Jun 25, 2025
The main issue is the response time, which needs improvement to be faster.
Learn what your peers think about Azure Virtual Desktop. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: July 2025.
864,053 professionals have used our research since 2012.
AndrewTaylor1 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jan 27, 2025
The costs are a bit difficult to predict upfront.
SK
Feb 21, 2025
Azure is vast, and perhaps an architect-level experience could provide more insights into potential improvements.
MB
Feb 26, 2025
The primary area for improvement is around the scalability of Azure, specifically on the desktop side.
AP
Apr 25, 2025
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.
Makarand-Shrikhande - PeerSpot reviewer
Feb 10, 2025
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.
Peter West - PeerSpot reviewer
Feb 4, 2025
I would like to see built-in proxy and internet filtering.