Introduction to Session Hosts in Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is one of the most flexible and powerful solutions for delivering secure virtual desktops and applications at scale. At the core of this service are session hosts, the Azure virtual machines that provide the actual computing environment for end users. In this video, we explore how session hosts operate within AVD, how they are deployed, and the strategies that ensure they remain performant, cost-efficient, and secure. By breaking down each aspect of session host management, this video equips you with the knowledge to optimize your organization’s virtual desktop environment and align it with best practices.

What you will learn in this video

This video will guide you through the entire journey of working with session hosts in Azure Virtual Desktop. You will gain insights into:

1. Azure Understanding Session Hosts in AVD: A detailed explanation of what session hosts are and why they are fundamental to AVD.
2. Azure AVD Types of Host Pools: The differences between pooled and personal host pools, with guidance on when to use each.
3. Azure AVD Provisioning and Scaling Session Hosts: Methods to provision session hosts and scale them efficiently using tools such as autoscaling and infrastructure as code.
4. Azure AVD Monitoring Session Host Health: How to track health and performance using Azure Monitor and alerts to stay ahead of potential issues.
5. Azure AVD Performance Optimization Techniques: Best practices such as FSLogix, VM right-sizing, and configuration tuning for smoother user experiences.
6. Azure AVD Security Management: Security measures including RBAC, endpoint protection, and network-level safeguards to protect your environment.
7. Azure AVD Session Host Lifecycle Management: Strategies for consistent creation, maintenance, and decommissioning of session hosts.
8. Azure AVD Cost Management Strategies: Practical approaches to control costs through autoscaling, reserved instances, and efficient session distribution.
9. Azure AVD Troubleshooting and Remediation: Tools and processes to quickly resolve common user and host issues.
10. Azure AVD Best Practices and Governance: Policies and standards that help ensure compliance, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

Building a Strong Foundation in AVD Management

With this video, you will not only understand the core functions of session hosts but also develop a practical framework for managing them in real-world deployments. Whether you are aiming to optimize performance, control costs, or strengthen governance, the strategies covered will help you elevate your AVD infrastructure to the next level.

Next in the Series

This session sets the stage for the next video: Azure Virtual Desktop and Active Directory Integration. There, we will dive into how AVD works seamlessly with Azure AD and hybrid identity, providing secure and streamlined access control for your users.