Starting in September 2024, Microsoft will be transitioning Remote Desktop clients to the new Windows App. This change is crucial for IT administrators whose users connect to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) using these clients. The transition will affect Remote Desktop clients across various platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and web browsers.
What Does the Switch Mean?
The transition to the Windows App signifies a shift from existing Remote Desktop clients to a unified experience within the new Windows App. This change aims to offer a more integrated and consistent user experience across different platforms, such as Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365, within a single app. The Windows App seeks to streamline the user interface, improve functionality, and introduce features not present in current Remote Desktop clients.
What Will NOT Change
- The replacement of Remote Desktop clients with Windows Apps should not change anything if you are using the browser-based client access to Azure Virtual Desktop. The browser-based client access is a web-based client that runs in a browser and does not require any installation.
- There should not be any changes to MFA with Windows Apps. You can continue to use conditional access as a solution to enforce MFA for Azure Virtual Desktop users connecting through the Windows Apps.
What Will Change?
- Unified Experience: Users can access AVD and Windows 365 within the same app.
- Consistent UI: A consistent user interface across different devices, making it easier for users to switch between platforms seamlessly.
- Enhanced Features: Improved performance, better security, multi-monitor support, and new tools to enhance productivity.
- New Web Access URL: The website to access AVD will change to https://windows.cloud.microsoft/, streamlining the access point.
- Accounts: You have to add your accounts manually, if not added automatically via SSO on your device. All added accounts, which are not sign in via SSO on your device, have to be added manually after migrating to the Windows App.
How to Transition Smoothly
By taking these proactive steps now, you can ensure a smooth transition to the Windows App for your Remote Desktop clients, minimizing disruptions and maximizing efficiency for your users.
1. Get Familiar with the Windows App
- Explore the Windows App.
- Availability: Note that the Windows App is still in preview and will become generally available this fall
2. Educate Your Users
- Inform users about the upcoming change.
3. Encourage Early Adoption
- Enable the new Windows App as soon as possible.
- How: This can be done via Intune or Config Manager, depending on how you manage your applications. Refer to Microsoft Store apps to Microsoft Intune for guidance for the deployment.
4. Update Documentation
- Review and update user and administrative guides.
- Refer to Microsoft’s get-started documentation.
5. Review Platform-Specific Documentation
- For macOS and iOS users, review Beta channel documentation.
Source: Microsoft communication