Create host pools and session hosts by using the Azure portal

To create host pools and session hosts using the Azure portal, you can follow the steps outlined below. Creating host pools allows you to manage collections of session hosts, which are virtual machines (VMs) that host user sessions in Azure Virtual Desktop. With the Azure portal, you can easily configure and operate your Azure Virtual Desktop environment.

Sign In to Azure Portal

1. Sign in to the Azure portal.

Select Azure Virtual Desktop

2. In the left-hand navigation pane, select “Virtual desktops.”

3. Under the “Virtual desktops” section, select the Azure Virtual Desktop workspace where you want to create your host pool and session hosts.

Create Host Pool

4. On the “Overview” page, click on the “Host pools” tab and then click the “Add” button to create a new host pool.

Within the “Add host pool” blade, you need to provide the following information:

Basics

• Name: Specify a name for your host pool.
• Subscription and Resource Group: Choose the Azure subscription and resource group where the host pool will be created.
• Virtual Network: Select the virtual network where the session hosts will be deployed.
• Registration Token Method: Choose the registration token method (Automatic or Manual) to join session hosts to the Azure Virtual Desktop workspace.

Virtual Machines

• VM Settings: Specify the VM settings, such as VM size and image.
• Number of VMs: Define the number of VMs in the host pool and the naming prefix.

Workspace (optional)

• Azure Virtual Desktop Workspace: Select the Azure Virtual Desktop workspace where this host pool will be registered.

User Assignments (optional)

• Assign Users or User Groups: You can choose to assign specific users or user groups to the host pool. This step is optional during the creation process and can be configured later.

Once you have provided the necessary information, click the “Review + create” button to validate your settings. If everything looks correct, click the “Create” button to start the deployment process.

Azure Virtual Desktop will now create the host pool and provision the specified number of session hosts. You can monitor the progress and status of the deployment in the Azure portal. Once the host pool and session hosts are successfully provisioned, you can proceed with managing user assignments, configuring application groups, and customizing various settings to suit your specific requirements.

With the host pool and session hosts created, users will be able to connect to their assigned session hosts and access the virtualized applications and desktops offered by Azure Virtual Desktop.

Note: Creating host pools and session hosts may incur costs in your Azure subscription. Ensure that you review the pricing details and consider the implications before proceeding with the deployment.

That’s it! You’ve now successfully created host pools and session hosts using the Azure portal for your Azure Virtual Desktop environment. Remember to regularly monitor and maintain your host pools to ensure optimal performance and user experience.