Azure Virtual Desktop

microsoftdocs/azure-virtual-desktop

Expert knowledge for Azure Virtual Desktop development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when managing AVD host pools, autoscale, FSLogix profiles, MSIX App Attach, or Teams multimedia redirection, and other Azure Virtual Desktop related development tasks. Not for Azure Virtual Machines (use azure-virtual-machines), Azure Dev Box (use azure-dev-box), Azure VMware Solution (use azure-vmware-solution).

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Install

one command, takes just this skill from the repository

npx skills add https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills --skill azure-virtual-desktop

The instruction itself

12 sections, as written by the author

Azure Virtual Desktop Skill

This skill provides expert guidance for Azure Virtual Desktop. Covers troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. It combines local quick-reference content with remote documentation fetching capabilities.

How to Use This Skill

> IMPORTANT for Agent: Use the Category Index below to locate relevant sections. For categories with line ranges (e.g., L35-L120), use read_file with the specified lines. For categories with file links (e.g., security.md), use read_file on the linked reference file

> IMPORTANT for Agent: If metadata.generated_at is more than 3 months old, suggest the user pull the latest version from the repository. If mcp_microsoftdocs tools are not available, suggest the user install it: Installation Guide

This skill requires network access to fetch documentation content:

Preferred: Use mcp_microsoftdocs:microsoft_docs_fetch with query string from=learn-agent-skill. Returns Markdown.
Fallback: Use fetch_webpage with query string from=learn-agent-skill&accept=text/markdown. Returns Markdown.

Category Index

| Category | Lines | Description |

|----------|-------|-------------|

| Troubleshooting | L37-L53 | Diagnosing and fixing AVD issues: agent updates, autoscale, connectivity, session host health, graphics/Teams performance, MSIX App Attach, and using logs/Insights for troubleshooting. |

| Best Practices | L54-L64 | Best practices for autoscaling, host pool validation, proxy usage, Start VM on Connect, Windows multi-session configuration, and resolving Azure Advisor/FAQ guidance for Azure Virtual Desktop. |

| Decision Making | L65-L79 | Guidance on planning and choosing AVD deployment models, autoscale, host pool and session host management, storage, data locations, licensing, costs, ESU, and extended/local zones. |

| Architecture & Design Patterns | L80-L87 | Design patterns for AVD app delivery, stateless hosts, DR, FSLogix profile containers, and automated scaling with Automation/Logic Apps. |

| Limits & Quotas | L88-L93 | Guidance on RDP bandwidth requirements and optimizing Microsoft Teams (audio/video, collaboration features) performance and configuration in Azure Virtual Desktop. |

| Security | L94-L115 | Security and access control for AVD: SSO (Entra ID/AD FS), Conditional Access/MFA, RBAC, external identities, session protections (clipboard, redirection, watermarking, screen capture), and Purview evidence. |

| Configuration | L116-L175 | Configuring AVD environments: images, autoscale, networking, RDP/peripheral redirection, Teams/Office, licensing, monitoring, and client/host settings for performance and user experience. |

| Integrations & Coding Patterns | L176-L182 | Managing AVD via CLI/PowerShell, integrating partner App Attach delivery, enabling WebRTC multimedia redirection, and launching resources using custom URI schemes. |

| Deployment | L183-L192 | Guides for deploying and migrating AVD: adding session hosts, moving from classic, hybrid/on-prem setups, regional host pools, region moves, and client/MMR deployment via Intune/ConfigMgr. |

Troubleshooting

| Topic | URL |

|-------|-----|

| Monitor and troubleshoot AVD agent updates with logs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/agent-updates-diagnostics |

| Test and troubleshoot MSIX packages for App Attach | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/app-attach-test-msix-packages |

| Monitor and troubleshoot Azure Virtual Desktop autoscale with Insights | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/autoscale-monitor-operations-insights |

| Validate Azure Virtual Desktop FQDN and endpoint connectivity | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/check-access-validate-required-fqdn-endpoint |

| Analyze and troubleshoot AVD connection quality | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/connection-latency |

| Collect and query AVD connection quality logs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/connection-quality-monitoring |

| Use diagnostics and Log Analytics for AVD issues | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/diagnostics-log-analytics |

| Diagnose graphics performance issues with RemoteFX counters | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/remotefx-graphics-performance-counters |

| Interpret AVD session host statuses and health checks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/session-host-status-health-checks |

| Use Log Analytics queries to diagnose session host updates | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/session-host-update-diagnostics |

| Troubleshoot Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid onboarding failures | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/troubleshoot-azure-virtual-desktop-hybrid |

| Troubleshoot Microsoft Teams on Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/troubleshoot-teams |

Best Practices

| Topic | URL |

|-------|-----|

| Apply autoscale best practices for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/autoscale-faq |

| Resolve Azure Advisor recommendations for AVD | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/azure-advisor-recommendations |

| Configure Azure Virtual Desktop validation host pools | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/configure-validation-environment |

| Apply Azure Virtual Desktop FAQ best practices | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/faq |

| Apply proxy server guidelines for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/proxy-server-support |

| Start VM on Connect FAQ and usage best practices | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/start-virtual-machine-connect-faq |

| Apply best practices for Windows Enterprise multi-session | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/windows-multisession-faq |

Decision Making

| Topic | URL |

|-------|-----|

| Choose and tune Azure Virtual Desktop autoscale plans | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/autoscale-scenarios |

| Use Azure Extended Zones with Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/azure-extended-zones |

| Plan Azure Virtual Desktop on Azure Local | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/azure-local-overview |

| Understand Azure Virtual Desktop data locations | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/data-locations |

| Choose Azure Virtual Desktop host pool management | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/host-pool-management-approaches |

| Estimate costs for Azure Virtual Desktop Insights | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/insights-costs |

| Select licensing options for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/licensing |

| Choose management tools for Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/management |

| Choose Azure Virtual Desktop deployment models | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/organization-internal-external-commercial-purposes-recommendations |

| Choose Azure storage options for FSLogix profiles on AVD | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/store-fslogix-profile |

| Estimate and plan Azure Virtual Desktop costs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/understand-estimate-costs |

Architecture & Design Patterns

| Topic | URL |

|-------|-----|

| Use ephemeral OS disks for stateless AVD workloads | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/deploy/session-hosts/ephemeral-os-disks |

| Design disaster recovery architecture for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/disaster-recovery-concepts |

| Design AVD user profile management with FSLogix containers | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/fslogix-profile-containers |

| Use Automation and Logic Apps to scale AVD session hosts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/scaling-automation-logic-apps |

Limits & Quotas

| Topic | URL |

|-------|-----|

| Understand RDP bandwidth needs for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/rdp-bandwidth |

| Use Microsoft Teams features on Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/teams-supported-features |

Security

| Topic | URL |

|-------|-----|

| Control clipboard direction and data types in AVD | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/clipboard-transfer-direction-data-types |

| Configure AD FS single sign-on for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/configure-adfs-sso |

| Configure managed identities and permissions for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/configure-managed-identity |

| Configure Microsoft Entra ID SSO for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/configure-single-sign-on |

| Configure context-based redirection policies in Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/context-based-redirections-avd |

| Implement delegated administrative access in Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/delegated-access-virtual-desktop |

| Set up Kerberos KDC proxy for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/key-distribution-center-proxy |

| Configure Azure Virtual Desktop access for external identities | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/provide-access-external-identities |

| Onboard AVD session hosts to Microsoft Purview forensic evidence | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/purview-forensic-evidence |

| Use built-in Azure RBAC roles for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/rbac |

| Configure WebAuthn redirection for passwordless AVD | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-webauthn |

| Configure Entra ID authentication for Azure Virtual Desktop RDP | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/require-authentication-using-microsoft-entra-id |

| Configure screen capture protection for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/screen-capture-protection |

| Apply security recommendations to Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/security-recommendations |

| Assign RBAC and Entra roles to AVD service principals | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/service-principal-assign-roles |

| Configure Conditional Access MFA for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/set-up-mfa |

| Manage Windows 10 ESU for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/understanding-extended-security-updates |

| Configure watermarking to protect Azure Virtual Desktop sessions | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/watermarking |

Configuration

| Topic | URL |

|-------|-----|

| Add Azure Virtual Desktop administrative template to Group Policy and Intune | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/administrative-template |

| Create MSIX images for Azure Virtual Desktop App Attach | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/app-attach-create-msix-image |

| Add and manage App Attach apps in Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/app-attach-setup |

| Apply Windows licensing to Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/apply-windows-license |

| Create and assign autoscale scaling plans for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/autoscale-create-assign-scaling-plan |

| Configure diagnostics for Azure Virtual Desktop autoscale | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/autoscale-diagnostics |

| Deploy and access Entra-joined AVD session hosts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/azure-ad-joined-session-hosts |

| Configure Azure fabric communication IPs for AVD and Windows 365 | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/azurecommunicationips |

| Configure Configuration Manager updates for AVD multi-session hosts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/configure-automatic-updates |

| Configure Azure Virtual Desktop host pool load balancing | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/configure-host-pool-load-balancing |

| Configure RDP Shortpath transport for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/configure-rdp-shortpath |

| Configure session lock behavior in Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/configure-session-lock-behavior |

| Create and use AVD custom image templates | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/create-custom-image-templates |

| Configure custom image templates for AVD session hosts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/custom-image-templates |

| Customize Azure Virtual Desktop user feed via portal and PowerShell | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/customize-feed-for-virtual-desktop-users |

| Set custom RDP properties on Azure Virtual Desktop host pools | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/customize-rdp-properties |

| Enroll Azure subscriptions in AVD per-user access pricing | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/enroll-per-user-access-pricing |

| Increase AVD RDP chroma subsampling to 4:4:4 | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/graphics-chroma-value-increase-4-4-4 |

| Enable GPU-accelerated rendering and encoding in AVD | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/graphics-enable-gpu-acceleration |

| Enable and configure Azure Virtual Desktop Insights | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/insights |

| Install Microsoft 365 Apps on AVD custom images | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/install-office-on-wvd-master-image |

| Configure Windows 10 language packs on Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/language-packs |

| Use MSIXMGR tool parameters for AVD App Attach workflows | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/msixmgr-tool-syntax-description |

| Configure multimedia redirection for Azure Virtual Desktop sessions | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/multimedia-redirection-video-playback-calls |

| Launch OneDrive automatically with AVD RemoteApps | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/onedrive-remoteapp |

| Configure preferred application group type for pooled AVD host pools | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/preferred-application-group-type |

| Set up Private Link endpoints for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/private-link-setup |

| Publish applications with RemoteApp in Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/publish-applications-stream-remoteapp |

| Configure supported RDP properties for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/rdp-properties |

| Configure QoS policies for Azure Virtual Desktop RDP | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/rdp-quality-of-service-qos |

| Understand and plan RDP Shortpath for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/rdp-shortpath |

| Configure audio and video redirection over RDP for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-audio-video |

| Configure RDP camera and video redirection | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-camera-webcam-video-capture |

| Configure RDP clipboard redirection settings | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-clipboard |

| Configure RDP drive and storage redirection | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-drives-storage |

| Configure RDP location redirection for AVD | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-location |

| Configure MTP/PTP device redirection over RDP | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-plug-play-mtp-ptp |

| Configure printer redirection in Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-printers |

| Configure serial and COM port redirection over RDP | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-serial-com-ports |

| Configure smart card redirection for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-smart-cards |

| Configure USB redirection on Windows RDP clients | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-usb |

| Configure peripheral and resource redirection over RDP for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-remote-desktop-protocol |

| Use advanced features of the Windows Remote Desktop client for AVD | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/remote-desktop-client/client-features-windows-msrdc |

| Connect to Azure Virtual Desktop using the Windows Remote Desktop client | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/remote-desktop-client/connect-windows-cloud-services |

| Enable enhanced RemoteApp windowing in Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/remoteapp-enhancements |

| Configure required FQDNs and endpoints for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/required-fqdn-endpoint |

| Configure scheduled agent updates for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/scheduled-agent-updates |

| Configure session host update for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/session-host-update-configure |

| Set preferred application group type on AVD host pools | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/set-preferred-application-group-type |

| Prepare and upload a custom VHD image for AVD | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/set-up-customize-master-image |

| Build a golden image for Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/set-up-golden-image |

| Set up Automation and Logic Apps scaling for AVD session hosts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/set-up-scaling-script |

| Configure Azure Service Health alerts for AVD | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/set-up-service-alerts |

| Configure Start VM on Connect for Azure Virtual Desktop host pools | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/start-virtual-machine-connect |

| Configure Microsoft Teams optimizations on Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/teams-on-avd |

| Configure Windows 11 language packs on Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/windows-11-language-packs |

Integrations & Coding Patterns

| Topic | URL |

|-------|-----|

| Use Azure CLI and PowerShell modules to manage Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/cli-powershell |

| Integrate WebRTC calling apps with AVD multimedia redirection | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/multimedia-redirection-developer-integration |

| Use URI schemes with the AVD Remote Desktop client | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/uri-scheme |

Deployment

| Topic | URL |

|-------|-----|

| Automatically migrate from AVD (classic) to Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/automatic-migration |

| Deploy Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid On-premises | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/deploy-azure-virtual-desktop-hybrid |

| Deploy Azure Virtual Desktop MMR Insider extension via Intune | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/deploy-insider-extension |

| Manually migrate from AVD (classic) to Azure Virtual Desktop | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/manual-migration |

| Move Azure Virtual Desktop resources between Azure regions | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/move-resources |

| Deploy and manage Azure Virtual Desktop regional host pools | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/regional-host-pools |

| Deploy Windows Remote Desktop client per-user via Intune or Configuration Manager | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/remote-desktop-client/install-windows-client-per-user |

How to use it

Copy the folder

Take microsoftdocs/azure-virtual-desktop from the repository into ~/.claude/skills for personal use, or into .claude/skills inside a project.

Check the name does not clash

The agent identifies a skill by the name field in its header. Two skills with the same name cannot sit side by side — one of them will be ignored.