Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a desktop and application virtualization service hosted on Microsoft Azure. It allows organizations to deploy and manage virtual desktops and applications in the cloud, providing users with secure access from almost any device and location. Formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), AVD was first announced in September 2018 and became generally available in September 2019. It is designed for enterprise customers.
Key features of Azure Virtual Desktop include the ability to deliver Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows Server in single-session or multi-session configurations. It offers flexible app delivery, allowing you to publish full desktops or individual applications using RemoteApp, supporting formats like Win32, MSIX, and Appx. AVD optimizes Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise to run in multi-user virtual environments. AVD integrates with Azure Active Directory and other Microsoft services, enabling single sign-on and role-based access. Security features like data encryption and conditional access are also built-in. Users can access Azure Virtual Desktops using the Remote Desktop client on Windows and Microsoft Remote Desktop on other platforms, including web browsers.
The pricing for Azure Virtual Desktop is divided into user access rights and Azure infrastructure charges. Access to Windows 11 and Windows 10 Enterprise desktops is included for organizations with eligible Microsoft 365 or Windows Enterprise licenses. Infrastructure expenses cover the virtual machines, storage, and networking used to run AVD. As of November 2022, per-user costs ranged from approximately $9.00 to $35.00, depending on workloads and user density. However, more recent data from February 2026 suggests prices starting from £65 a month. Factors such as compute cycles, input-output operations, and traffic influence virtual desktop pricing.
Azure Virtual Desktop is generally available, with regional host pools in public preview as of January 2026. AVD supports Windows 10/11 multi-session, Windows 10/11 single-session, and Windows Server operating systems.
