Microsoft App-V Reviews

Name: Microsoft App-V
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.3 (8 reviews)

Vendor: Microsoft

4.3 out of 5

8 reviews
77% willing to recommend

1,173 followers

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What is Microsoft App-V?

Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) enables you to make applications available to end users without installing the applications directly on end user computers. App-V transforms applications into centrally managed services that are never installed and don't conflict with other applications.

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Microsoft App-V is the #2 ranked solution in top Application Virtualization solutions. PeerSpot users give Microsoft App-V an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Microsoft App-V is most commonly compared to Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service): Microsoft App-V vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service). Microsoft App-V is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 64% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 17% of all views.

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Application Virtualization

May 2025

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Featured Microsoft App-V reviews

Francois Gotti

Senior Global Infrastructure Engineer at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees

From the end-user perspective, maintenance is minimal, primarily for the infrastructure and application team. The cache must be cleared every time an application is updated, that is something that needs to happen at both the infrastructure and client side. In terms of pricing, I believe the model that some companies are adopting, which is based on user licensing, is problematic because the more users you have, the more you pay. A better approach might be to have a flat site or company-wide pricing structure, reducing the overall costs annually. Previously, with licensing, Microsoft App-V was difficult due to variable costs and specific licensing requirements, and many organizations, including ours, want a central management solution for application virtualization. However, we still have instances where we create master applications and install clients without robust virtualization. On a scale of one to ten, I rate Microsoft App-V a six.

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Sorin Neacsu

Technical Lead on Virtual Desktop at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees

The most valuable feature of Microsoft App-V that I found is the possibility to bring old software back to life and publish it for users to do their jobs using those applications. Additionally, this came free with an agreement with SCCM since it did not require any additional licenses; it was an add-on to SCCM when the enterprise acquired the solution. One of the latest releases allowed for easy publishing via SCCM, making it quite flexible and easy to maintain. Once you package one app, it can be delivered to many users, creating a win-win situation because if it was packed in a capsule, the interaction with the user was minimal. The users could not break the app or ask for support because there was no support; they simply had this app in a container that would function correctly, without altering the content. The downside is that not all software worked perfectly due to how they were written—as either machine or user context—which impacted how applications could be delivered. In a virtual environment with many users on the same machine, surprises could happen. I utilize the feature of Microsoft App-V for running multiple versions of applications concurrently, where they are pushed by SCCM. We can have different populations with different versions published simultaneously, either through SCCM or Microsoft App-V. However, I'm currently contemplating whether the enterprise I'm in still uses the old App-V infrastructure or if they have completely switched to SCCM packages, as they have multiple personnel for managing SCCM and only had three individuals for the Microsoft App-V infrastructure.

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Olufemi Ajala

Consultant at ACT4SERVICES

Microsoft App-V ( /products/microsoft-app-v-reviews ) does not require local installs and reduces application conflicts. It offers centralized management, allowing for the management, updates, or removal of an application from the server without touching the device. It facilitates faster deployments and is easy to update and roll back if an issue arises. It also supports legacy and new applications and improves security by reducing user admin rights.

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Microsoft App-V mindshare

As of June 2025, the mindshare of Microsoft App-V in the Application Virtualization category stands at 22.7%, down from 24.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Virtualization

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Jun 15, 2025

Valuable Features

Microsoft App-V enhances application management with rapid deployment, centralized control, and reduced conflicts. Users appreciate features like app portability, instant updates, and efficient rollback. Streaming, support for legacy applications, and easy scaling are also valued. Automatic app backups and user-friendly functionality simplify use, while minimal support needs result from app containment. The integration with SCCM offers additional advantages without extra licensing costs. Though some experience issues due to differing software contexts, flexibility remains a highlight.

"The most valuable feature of Microsoft App-V that I found is the possibility to bring old software back to life and publish it for users to do their jobs using those applications."
"From my experience with Microsoft App-V, the feature I liked the most is the streaming."
"I appreciate the process of being able to change or review my answers."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft App-V requires integration with cybersecurity solutions and better client synchronization, allowing different shortcut publications within a package to distinct groups. Enhanced reporting features, easier package management, and troubleshooting resources are necessary. Deployment in Azure and support for legacy applications improve ease of use. Users face delays in application launches, and the shift towards alternatives like MSIX is driven by high costs and impending discontinuation.

"Microsoft App-V is more suited for legacy software usage, and trying to make it work in that context usually feels tricky and unreliable."
"Microsoft App-V has been slow, and users experience delays when launching applications, which presents significant challenges."
"There is definitely room for improvement with Microsoft App-V, especially in terms of enhancing troubleshooting resources and user guidance."

Pricing

Microsoft App-V pricing is seen as competitive, especially when bundled with Office 365. Some users note it is free but requires purchasing Microsoft licenses. Others find it more expensive, almost twice the price of other platforms, rating its cost eight or nine out of ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive. Many agree that offering more flexible pricing could better accommodate diverse budgets within enterprises.

"Clients do not pay licensing fees."
"The pricing of this product is competitive."

Popular Use Cases

Primary use cases of Microsoft App-V involve deploying applications in secure, isolated containers, integrating with Windows platforms, and working with legacy software. Users save time by associating accounts with devices, delivering applications upon sign-in. Despite its advantages, substantial infrastructure management and frequent updates pose challenges. App-V is also used for older software compatibility with new systems and environments, ensuring continuity without reliance on retiring developers or outdated methods.

Service and Support

Microsoft support is generally praised for being responsive, available 24/7, and quick at resolving technical issues. However, not all experiences are positive; some find the support lacking, particularly due to cost concerns and competition with Citrix. Technical teams benefit from detailed documentation and reactive assistance, although the high cost of obtaining contracts limits access for smaller organizations. Microsoft sometimes prioritizes those willing to pay, leading some users to cease using App-V.

Deployment

Installation of Microsoft App-V can be straightforward on both client and server-side, suitable for small to complex infrastructures. Configuration time varies from a few hours to a month, depending on the setup complexity. Microsoft guidelines support the initial process, often resulting in positive outcomes. Feedback from proof of concept led to its adoption due to compatibility with older software, and there was a shift to rely solely on SCCM for application distribution.

Scalability

Microsoft App-V is suitable for large enterprises due to its scalability, allowing numerous publication servers and multiple site architectures. Users find it scalable and maintainable, benefiting IT teams and integrating well with other Microsoft technologies. The platform's effectiveness depends on initial capacity planning and storage management to prevent limitations. App-V has proven adequate and reliable for mid-sized user bases, offering smooth integration with SCCM. It enhances deployment speed across diverse locations.

Stability

Microsoft App-V demonstrates stability in production with a strong performance rating, though some face occasional bugs and network or storage issues. Users note improvements with understanding and fine-tuning. Some mention problems with capturing registry changes, requiring manual entries. Support from Microsoft is responsive. App-V still holds ground in enterprises despite plans for decommissioning as MSIX gains traction.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Application Virtualization Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.