Key Updates in Azure Virtual Desktop – Summer to Fall 2024

Azure Virtual Desktop has rolled out a series of crucial updates from June through October 2024. Each update enhances user experience, security, and administration. Here’s a detailed look at the latest features:

October 2024 Updates

1. Windows 11, Version 24H2 Images
   The newest Windows 11 Enterprise and Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session images are now available in the Azure Marketplace, including Windows 11 + Windows 365 apps. This ensures improved performance, enhanced security, and compatibility with modern applications, allowing organizations to leverage the latest innovations from Windows 11. The Azure portal will soon enable convenient selection of these 24H2 images.

September 2024 Updates

1. Relayed RDP Shortpath (TURN) for Public Networks
   UDP connections are now supported via the TURN protocol, extending RDP Shortpath functionality to public networks. Users experience more stable and reliable connections, enhancing productivity in various network environments. For configuration guidance, see Configure RDP Shortpath for Azure Virtual Desktop.

2. Windows App General Availability
   The Windows App is now available across multiple platforms, enabling secure connections to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services, and remote PCs. This offers a streamlined and cohesive experience across devices, enhancing flexibility and productivity. Learn more about Windows App Features. Also see my latest post about Preparing for the Transition: Remote Desktop Clients Moving to Windows App.

3. HEVC GPU Acceleration Preview
   High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265) hardware acceleration is now supported for frame encoding, enhancing graphical performance when using GPU-enabled Virtual Machines. This provides a smoother and more responsive experience for graphics-intensive applications like design and video editing. Find more information at Enable GPU Acceleration for Azure Virtual Desktop.

August 2024 Updates

1. Session Lock Behavior Configuration
   Administrators can now specify whether a session is disconnected or a remote lock screen is shown when a session is locked, informing users and allowing easy reconnection. This provides greater control over user experience and session security. Learn how to Configure the Session Lock Behavior for Azure Virtual Desktop.

2. Clipboard Transfer Direction Configuration
   Administrators can control the direction of clipboard data transfer between local devices and remote sessions to prevent data exfiltration, enhancing security by limiting unauthorized data sharing. For detailed guidance, see Configure the Clipboard Transfer Direction in Azure Virtual Desktop.

3. Microsoft Purview Forensic Evidence Integration
   With forensic evidence as an opt-in feature for Insider Risk Management, security teams gain visual insights into potential insider threats, enhancing their ability to manage and mitigate risks. Learn more about Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management and Forensic Evidence.

4. Support for FIDO Devices and Passkeys on macOS and iOS
   Improved authentication options with support for FIDO devices and passkeys on macOS and iOS strengthen security and streamline user access. More information at Azure Virtual Desktop Identities and Authentication.

5. New Microsoft Teams Integration on Custom Image Templates
   Automated replacement of classic Teams with the new Teams app in custom image templates ensures users have access to the latest collaboration tools with minimal administrative effort. Find out more about the End of Availability for the Classic Teams Client.

July 2024 Updates

1. New Teams on Windows Enterprise Multi-Session Images
   The latest Windows Enterprise multi-session images now come with the new Teams pre-installed, providing a ready-to-use, enhanced Teams collaboration experience. For further insights, see What’s Changing in the New Microsoft Teams.

June 2024 Updates

1. Chroma Value Configuration in Public Preview
   Allows setting the chroma value to 4:4:4 for better image quality without needing GPU acceleration, improving the quality of multimedia and graphic-intensive applications while balancing image quality and network bandwidth. More information available at Configure Default Chroma Value.

2. New Teams SlimCore Preview
   Teams now supports chat, collaboration, and optimized media functionalities using SlimCore and WebRTC Redirector Service, ensuring reliable communication and performance across various devices. Learn how to opt into the preview at New VDI Solution for Teams.

3. Preferred Application Group Type for Pooled Host Pools
   Updated behavior for application groups provides precise control over which applications and desktops are accessible, improving resource allocation and user management. See the Preferred Application Group Type Behavior for more details.

4. Enhanced Connection Reliability Data
   Additional metrics in Azure Virtual Desktop Insights provide deeper analysis of connection reliability, helping proactively identify and resolve connectivity issues, thus optimizing network performance. Detailed insights are available at Use Cases for Azure Virtual Desktop Insights.

5. RDP Shortpath Host Pool Settings
   Granular control over RDP Shortpath configurations at the host pool level tailors network settings for optimal performance, providing a smoother and more responsive remote desktop experience. Configuration steps at Configure RDP Shortpath.

6. App Attach Applications Management
   Enhanced capabilities for dynamically attaching applications without local installation simplify custom image creation and reduce operational overhead, providing faster access to applications. Learn to Add and Manage App Attach Applications for more information.

Conclusion

From advanced security features and enhanced user experience to administrative tools, Azure Virtual Desktop continues to evolve, offering solutions that meet the diverse needs of businesses and IT administrators. Stay tuned for more updates and improvements!

Source: Azure Virtual Desktop What’s New page.