Modify a session host image

To modify a session host image in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, you can follow a series of steps to ensure your configurations and operations align with your requirements. This article will guide you through the necessary procedures using the information provided in the Microsoft documentation.

1. Provision a virtual machine (VM):

• In the Azure portal, navigate to the Virtual Machines section.
• Click on “Create” to initiate the VM creation process.
• Follow the prompts to select the desired options such as region, image, VM size, and authentication settings.
• Choose the appropriate Azure Virtual Desktop images available for your session host, such as Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session or Windows Server.

2. Customize the session host image:

• Connect to the newly provisioned VM using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or Azure Bastion.
• Install any required applications, execute system configurations, and perform updates as per your organization’s needs.
• Ensure the session host image meets the security and compliance requirements of your organization.
• Make any desired modifications, such as installing additional software or configuring specific settings.

3. Optimize the session host image:

• Microsoft offers specific guidance to optimize session host VMs to enhance performance and reduce costs. Reference the relevant documentation for detailed information on optimizing Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session or Windows Server images.
• Implement best practices, such as disk cleanup, disabling unnecessary services, and optimizing system settings.

4. Sysprep the session host image:

Once you have completed the necessary configurations and customizations, it is essential to sysprep (system preparation) the session host image.

Sysprep generalizes the image, removing unique system-specific information so that it can be used for deployment to multiple VMs.

Open a command prompt and run the following command:
%windir%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe /oobe /generalize /shutdown

5. Capture the session host image:

• With the VM powered off, navigate to the Azure portal.
• Locate the “Virtual machines” section and select the VM used as your session host.
• Choose the “Capture” option and follow the prompts to create an image based on the sysprepped VM.
• Provide a descriptive name for the captured image to easily identify it later when deploying new session hosts.

6. Deploy session hosts using the modified image:

• In the Azure portal, access the Azure Virtual Desktop service.
• Navigate to the “Host Pools” section and select the relevant host pool.
• Choose the “Session host” option and click on “Add” from the top menu.
• Follow the prompts to create new session hosts, selecting the modified image during the deployment process.

By following these steps, you can successfully modify a session host image in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. Remember to refer to the Microsoft documentation for in-depth information and additional customization options based on your requirements.