Choose a method for deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) provides a flexible and scalable platform for deploying and managing virtual desktops and applications. When it comes to deploying an app to AVD, you have several methods to choose from. In this article, we will explore popular deployment methods available for AVD and guide you through the process step-by-step.

1. Manual Deployment

If you prefer a hands-on approach, manual deployment is a suitable choice. This method allows you to install and configure applications directly on the AVD host pools or session hosts. Here’s how you can manually deploy an app to AVD:

• Prepare the installation package: Ensure that you have the necessary installation package or files for your application.
• Connect to the session host: Using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), establish a remote connection to the AVD session host where you want to install the application.
• Install the application: Once connected, install the application on the session host using the installation package.
• Test the application: After installation, validate the application functionality within the AVD environment.

Manual deployment is suitable for small-scale deployments or when specific configurations are required for each session host.

2. Image-based Deployment

Image-based deployment simplifies the process of deploying apps to AVD by leveraging Azure Image Gallery or custom images. This method allows you to create an image with pre-installed applications and deploy it across session hosts. Here’s how you can deploy an app using image-based deployment:

• Prepare the image: Ensure that you have a generalized image with the desired app installed. You can create a generalized image using Azure Image Builder or generalization tools.
• Configure a host pool: Create or use an existing host pool in AVD that will contain the session hosts.
• Create a session host image: Create an image from the generalized image using the Azure portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI.
• Update the host pool with the new image: Associate the newly created image with the host pool.
• Deploy session hosts: Add session hosts to the host pool, and the image with the pre-installed app will be automatically deployed to each session host.

Image-based deployment is ideal for deploying multiple session hosts with the same set of applications while ensuring consistency across deployments.

3. MSI App Attach

MSI App Attach is a modern approach to deploying applications to AVD by leveraging MSIX app attach or traditional MSI packages. With this method, you can dynamically attach applications to AVD session hosts without modifying the underlying image. Here’s how to deploy an app using MSI App Attach:

• Prepare the app package: Ensure that you have an MSIX or MSI package for your application.
• Configure App Attach: Enable App Attach for your AVD environment and set up the necessary storage account to hold the app packages.
• Upload app package: Upload your app package to the configured storage account.
• Assign app package: Assign the app package to the specific users or session hosts in AVD.
• Test the application: After assigning the app package, users will be able to access and use the application seamlessly in their AVD sessions.

MSI App Attach offers flexibility in managing applications by allowing easy attachment/detachment of apps to AVD session hosts as per user requirements.

By considering these deployment methods, you can choose the most appropriate approach for deploying your app to Azure Virtual Desktop. Depending on your requirements, you can opt for manual deployment, image-based deployment, or leverage the benefits of MSI App Attach for on-demand app provisioning.