Azure Virtual Desktop Reviews

Name: Azure Virtual Desktop
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 3.8 (4 reviews)

3.8 out of 5

4 reviews
100% willing to recommend

What is Azure Virtual Desktop?

Azure Virtual Desktop enables remote work by allowing employees to access their desktops and applications from anywhere, centralizing management, ensuring data security, and supporting collaboration.

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Azure Virtual Desktop is the #11 ranked solution in top Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions. PeerSpot users give Azure Virtual Desktop an average rating of 7.6 out of 10. Azure Virtual Desktop is most commonly compared to Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service): Azure Virtual Desktop vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service). Azure Virtual Desktop is popular among the small business segment, accounting for 72% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 51% of all views.

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Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

February 2025

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Featured reviews

Makarand-Shrikhande

Sr. Architect at LTI - Larsen & Toubro Infotech

The use cases include providing application access to users through Azure Virtual Desktop using MSIX App Attach or remote app, enabling remote users like BPO or contact center resources to connect and work on applications, and allowing vendors to access specific applications securely without a…

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Peter West

Director at Pesaro IT

Originally, I used Azure Virtual Desktop for disaster recovery, and then I also used it for remote working options. Those are the main aspects of it The ability to spin up virtual machines quickly and speedily in Azure has been really valuable. I could make value with using the virtual desktop…

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AndrewTaylor1

Freelance Cloud Architect/Consultant at AndrewSTaylor.com Ltd

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. It is a useful way of accessing my more complicated applications without having to install them on every device, especially when I have people working from home.

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Valuable Features

Scalability and cost-effectiveness emerge as key features of Azure Virtual Desktop. Users appreciate the ability to quickly adjust resources, spin up virtual machines, and leverage auto-scaling based on demand. Hybrid work capabilities enable secure connectivity and Microsoft 365 integration, ensuring productivity from any location. Existing licenses like E3 or E5 mitigate additional costs. Azure's flexibility allows organizations to avoid unnecessary expenses by utilizing and shutting down virtual machines as needed.

"Scalability is very straightforward with Azure Virtual Desktop."
"The cost-effectiveness of Azure Virtual Machines is one of the most valuable features."
"I rate the overall solution nine out of ten."

Room for Improvement

Azure Virtual Desktop users express difficulty in predicting costs, making budgeting challenging for consultants. They desire improved internet proxy features and access through Entra ID to eliminate on-premises requirements. While current features meet many customer needs, there is interest in enhanced insights from those with architect-level expertise.

"My overall rating of Azure Virtual Desktop is five out of ten. While the stability and cost-effectiveness are commendable, there is room for improvement in technical support."
"Azure is vast, and perhaps an architect-level experience could provide more insights into potential improvements."
"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."

Pricing

Azure Virtual Desktop users find the pricing model flexible and value-driven, with costs aligned with usage as typical in Azure. Enterprise users appreciate the competitive pricing, especially with the reserved instance options offering favorable terms and savings in three-year commitments. High-configured virtual machines may be costly, yet Azure Virtual Desktop provides cost-effective opportunities through scalable resource management, allowing companies to optimize expenses by activating resources as needed.

Popular Use Cases

Users primarily utilize Azure Virtual Desktop for accessing resources across various machines, supporting disaster recovery, and enabling remote work. It provides application access via MSIX App Attach or remote app, allowing remote users such as BPO or contact center staff to work efficiently. Vendors securely access specific applications using personal devices. Organizations manage endpoints and collaborate with distributor partners for Azure platforms, integrating both Azure Virtual Desktops and physical desktops and laptops.

Deployment

Many users find Azure Virtual Desktop's initial setup straightforward and intuitive, especially through the Microsoft Azure portal. Experienced individuals can accomplish the setup in hours, while new users may need a few days. Microsoft's documentation and tools like Terraform scripts and Nerdio Enterprise Manager facilitate the process. Tasks include selecting subscription, region, VM size, OS configuration, and creating network security groups, often completed within 15 minutes.

Stability

Many users note that Azure Virtual Desktop exhibits strong stability, especially when properly configured and deployed across regions. Stability consistently receives high ratings, often described as flawless or an eight out of ten. Thorough planning and design of the environment are key for consistently reliable performance. Some individuals feel additional experience is needed to fully assess potential architectural enhancements.

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

Download our Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

51%

Outsourcing Company

10%

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Government

Logistics Company

Educational Organization

Insurance Company

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Energy/Utilities Company

University

Wholesaler/Distributor

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Learn more about Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop is essential for remote work, offering centralized management of desktops, a secure environment for accessing sensitive data, and facilitating collaboration. It reduces hardware costs, supports scalability, and simplifies IT tasks. The platform is scalable, integrates with Microsoft 365, and provides robust security features. Fast deployment, efficient management tools, reliable remote access capabilities, and cost-effective pricing make it versatile for diverse requirements. However, users report slow performance during peak hours, connectivity issues, difficulty managing virtual machines, high scaling costs, a complicated setup process, and compatibility issues with specialized software.

What are the most important features of Azure Virtual Desktop?

Scalability: Adjust resources seamlessly to match demand.
Microsoft 365 Integration: Enhance productivity with deep integration.
Security Features: Protect sensitive data with robust security measures.
Fast Deployment: Quickly set up and deploy virtual desktops.
Efficient Management Tools: Streamline IT tasks with advanced management tools.
Reliable Remote Access: Consistent performance for remote access.
Cost-Effective Pricing: Competitive pricing that suits different needs.
Azure Services Integration: Leverage existing Azure infrastructure.

What benefits and ROI should users expect?

Cost Reduction: Minimize hardware and operational expenses.
Enhanced Productivity: Boost productivity with seamless integration.
Security Assurance: Ensure data safety with advanced security features.
Operational Efficiency: Simplify IT operations and management tasks.
Scalable Resources: Easily scale resources based on requirements.
Flexible Accessibility: Access desktops and applications from anywhere.

Azure Virtual Desktop is widely implemented across industries like finance, healthcare, and education. Finance companies use it to securely access sensitive financial data remotely. Healthcare providers use it to offer secure access to patient records and applications, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Educational institutions leverage it for virtual classrooms, enabling students and faculty to access resources and collaborate from various locations.