OK, so what are the most important points to remember?  (This is why they are at the top!)

  1. Try to keep you personal data NEAT, TIDY and as MINIMAL as possible.

  2. Make SURE you Sign Out or Log Out properly when you are finished, otherwise you risk losing data you have not saved.

  3. Do NOT leave yourself disconnected from your virtual desktop


What is Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD)?

  • WVD is a managed virtual desktop service that is hosted in Microsoft's Azure Cloud platform.
  • WVD provides the latest and best virtual desktop experience by providing access to modern Windows 10 desktop from almost any device.
  • It is designed to work with Microsoft 365, Office 365, and Azure.
  • It provides a high level of security and improved scalabilty.


What makes WVD different to my previous hosted desktop or VDI?

  • Many Windows hosted desktop environments before 2020 were running on Windows Server 2008, made to look more like a desktop.
  • WVD runs on Windows 10 Enterprise, so is consistent with the desktop environment you are used to.  It is also faster, less resource intensive, and better at handled video and audio.
  • In most cases WVD is multi-session, so that means multiple users are connected to one of more shared servers, which means more efficient and cost effective use of resources.


Great, but what does that mean for me?

Well, there are a few things worth remembering (for most WVD setups).


  • You are connecting to a desktop which is running on a server that is shared with other member of your team, so there is no sense of shutting down or rebooting you virtual desktop.

  • When you log in, you will be allocated to a server, sometimes at random, and sometimes based on which has the fewest people using it.  If the server you are using is slower than you expect, try logging out, waiting a few minutes, and logging back in again; because you will probably pick up a faster server.

  • Your data, files, documents, etc. sit in container that is yours.  When you login, your data container is attached to the server you have been allocated to.  When you logout, your data is put back in the container and put away until you log in again, at which point it will be attached to whichever server you are using.

  • Your data is moving around a lot more than it did before, so the amount of data matters.  The less data you have in your personal container the faster and more smoothly everything will run for you.

    For example, try not to:
    - leave huge files on your desktop
    - attach yourself to lots and lots and lots of mailboxes
    - backup your iPhone to WVD
    - synchronise your huge Dropbox or OneDrive to your WVD

  • The collection of servers that your team use will often be switched around, rebooted, updated, and so on.  This happens automatically in the background, and mostly overnight.

  • It is VERY important that you get into the good habit of correctly Signing Out or Logging Out when you have finished working, because this means that you data is put away safely.

    So, make sure that you Sign Out from the Start Menu.



  • It is possible to disconnect from your virtual desktop, leaving your programs running but you should only do this if you intend to connect again shortly afterwards.

    Clicking on the 'cross' to close your remote session is the same as disconnecting.






Is there anything else I need to know?

Yes, lots!  So if you are having any problems, need something clarified, or just want to know more, please feel free to ask.





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