Introducing Microsoft Virtual Desktop
Experience the power of Microsoft Virtual Desktop — your secure, scalable, and efficient solution for remote work and collaboration.
One powerful app with two award-winning products to choose from.
What is Microsoft Virtual Desktop?
Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 are Microsoft cloud-based virtual desktop services that have different approaches to delivering virtual desktops and applications. Azure Virtual Desktop is a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) platform where organizations manage their own infrastructure. Windows 365 is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that provides a personalized Windows experience from the cloud to any device, with Microsoft managing the infrastructure.
Azure Virtual Desktop
Control and Flexibility
AVD provides organizations with full control over their virtual desktop infrastructure, including the ability to manage session hosts, profile storage, and network configurations.
Audience
AVD is ideal for organizations with complex requirements, needing customization, control, and the ability to integrate with existing on-premises infrastructure.
Customization
AVD supports various Windows versions (10, 11, and Server) and allows for personal or multi-session desktops.
Cost Model
AVD uses a pay-as-you-go model, where users pay for compute resources, storage, and networking as needed.
Windows 365
Simplicity & Ease
Windows 365 is designed to be a straightforward, fully managed service, offering a personal Windows experience from the cloud to any device.
Subscription-Based
Windows 365 has a fixed per-user, per-month cost, making it easy to budget and manage.
No Direct Management
Customers don't manage the underlying infrastructure (VMs) as with AVD; Microsoft manages it.
Target Audience
Windows 365 is well-suited for organizations seeking a simple, cloud-based virtual desktop solution with minimal IT management.
Which solution is right for you?
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right solution
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
ControlLevel of access and authority over the virtual desktop environment |  Full Control |  Limited Control |
ManagementWho is responsible for configuring, maintaining, and updating infrastructure | Managed by Customer | Managed by Microsoft |
Cost ModelHow billing works — based on usage or fixed pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Fixed monthly fee |
Target AudienceType of organization best suited for the solution | Organizations needing flexibility and control | Organizations needing a simple, cloud-based solution |
