Configure dynamic application delivery by using MSIX app attach

MSIX app attach is a powerful feature of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) that enables dynamic application delivery to AVD session hosts, eliminating the need for traditional application installations. This article will guide you through the process of setting up and configuring dynamic application delivery using MSIX app attach.

Step 1: Prepare MSIX Packages

The first step is to prepare your applications as MSIX packages. MSIX is a modern packaging format that provides a clean and reliable installation experience. You can use tools such as the MSIX Packaging Tool or the Microsoft Endpoint Manager to package your applications as MSIX packages.

Step 2: Create a File Share

Next, you need to create a file share in Azure that will serve as the storage location for your MSIX packages. You can utilize Azure Files to create a file share and upload your MSIX packages to it. Ensure that you configure the appropriate permissions on the file share to allow access to the AVD session hosts.

Step 3: Configure MSIX App Attach

Once your MSIX packages are ready and stored in the file share, it’s time to configure MSIX app attach in AVD. This involves creating an MSIX app attach package and associating it with the file share where your MSIX packages reside.

To create an MSIX app attach package, you can utilize the New-AzVmMsixPackage PowerShell cmdlet. This cmdlet allows you to specify the path to the MSIX package in the file share and create an MSIX app attach package that can be assigned to AVD session hosts.

In the above example, you provide the name of the MSIX package, the path to the package in the file share, the operating system (Windows), and the resource group and virtual machine where the AVD session host is located.

Step 4: Assign MSIX App Attach Packages

After creating the MSIX app attach package, you can assign it to AVD session hosts, making the application available for use on the session host.

To assign an MSIX app attach package, you can utilize the Set-AzVmMsixPackage PowerShell cmdlet. This cmdlet allows you to specify the package name, the virtual machine where the package should be assigned, and the assignment type (Dynamic or Static).

In the example above, you specify the package name and the virtual machine where the package should be assigned. The assignment type is set to Dynamic, which means the package will be dynamically attached to the session host when the user launches the application.

Step 5: Test and Validate

Once you have assigned the MSIX app attach package to AVD session hosts, it’s essential to test and validate the dynamic application delivery. Launch a session on the AVD client and verify that the application is available and functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Configuring dynamic application delivery using MSIX app attach in Azure Virtual Desktop is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily manage and deliver applications to AVD session hosts without the need for traditional installations. MSIX app attach provides a more flexible and efficient way to deliver applications in your AVD environment, improving the overall user experience.