Windows VD

Windows VD (Virtual Desktop) is a Windows Remote Desktop service available through Microsoft's cloud platform. Windows VD allows departments to provide end-users with right-sized shared or personal virtual machines, accessible via Microsoft Remote Desktop and the web, and provisioned in a way that meets the evolving needs of UW-Madison's diverse user base.

UW-Madison offers Windows VD with the following capabilities:

• Now

  • soon! Departments interested in piloting Windows VD may be provisioned with a Microsoft Azure host pool.

  • Distributed IT have direct access to create application groups, workspaces, and delegate access to their users.

  • Computers are domain joined with Campus AD through an ExpressRoute connection between campus and Azure.

  • Users sign in to Windows VD through Azure AD (same as Microsoft 365)

• Next

  • User's Windows profile information is saved in Azure Files cloud storage.

  • Automation of OS patching and blue-green deployment

  • Automation of machine creation and application installations

• Later

  • Generally available service.