Configure device redirection

To configure device redirection in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, you can follow a few simple steps. Device redirection allows users to access local devices and resources from within a virtual desktop session. This enhances productivity and flexibility by enabling users to utilize their local peripherals and devices while working in the virtual environment.

1. Enable Device Redirection

To begin, you need to enable device redirection for your Azure Virtual Desktop deployment. This can be done using PowerShell or the Azure portal. Here, we’ll focus on using the Azure portal.

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to your Azure Virtual Desktop resource.

2. Select “Settings” from the left-hand menu, and then choose “Configuration.”

3. Under the “General” tab, locate the “Device redirection” section.

4. Ensure that the toggle switch next to “Redirect clipboard and printers” is set to “Yes.”

2. Configure Printer Redirection

Printer redirection allows users to print documents from their virtual desktop sessions to local printers. To set up printer redirection, follow these steps:

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to your Azure Virtual Desktop resource.

2. Select “Settings” from the left-hand menu, and then choose “Configuration.”

3. Under the “General” tab, locate the “Device redirection” section.

4. Ensure that the toggle switch next to “Always show printers” is set to “Yes.”

3. Configure Clipboard Redirection

Clipboard redirection enables users to copy and paste content between their local machine and the virtual desktop session. To enable clipboard redirection, follow these steps:

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to your Azure Virtual Desktop resource.

2. Select “Settings” from the left-hand menu, and then choose “Configuration.”

3. Under the “General” tab, locate the “Device redirection” section.

4. Ensure that the toggle switch next to “Redirect clipboard” is set to “Yes.”

4. Configure USB Redirection

USB redirection allows users to access USB devices connected to their local machine inside the virtual desktop session. To enable USB redirection, follow these steps:

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to your Azure Virtual Desktop resource.

2. Select “Settings” from the left-hand menu, and then choose “Configuration.”

3. Under the “General” tab, locate the “Device redirection” section.

4. Ensure that the toggle switch next to “Redirect supported USB devices” is set to “Yes.”

5. Test Device Redirection

After configuring device redirection, it’s essential to test whether the redirection settings are correctly applied. To test the device redirection, follow these steps:

1. Launch a virtual desktop session by connecting to your Azure Virtual Desktop deployment.

2. Ensure that the local device, such as the printer or USB device, is properly connected to the client device.

3. Inside the virtual desktop session, check if the local devices are visible and accessible within the session.

4. Test the functionality by performing actions like printing a test page or copying content and pasting it between the virtual desktop and the local machine.

By following these steps, you can configure device redirection in Azure Virtual Desktop, allowing users to seamlessly utilize local resources and peripherals while working in a virtual environment. Device redirection enhances productivity and provides a more integrated user experience.