Deploying App Attach with FSLogix

Introduction

App Attach is a feature in Azure Virtual Desktop that allows you to dynamically attach applications from an application package to a user session. When combined with FSLogix, it provides a powerful solution for managing user profiles and applications in a virtual desktop environment.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  • An Azure subscription.
  • Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) configured.
  • A host pool in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
  • FSLogix installed and configured on your session hosts.
  • A storage solution for application packages (e.g., Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files).

Step-by-Step Deployment

1. Prepare the Application Package

  1. Create an MSIX Package:
    • Use the MSIX Packaging Tool to create an MSIX package of your application.
    • Ensure the package is signed with a trusted certificate.
  2. Upload the Package to Azure Storage:
    • Upload the MSIX package to an Azure storage account.
    • Ensure the storage account is accessible by your session hosts.

2. Configure FSLogix

  1. Install FSLogix:
    • Ensure FSLogix is installed on all session hosts in your host pool.
    • Configure FSLogix Profile Containers as described in the previous article.
  2. Configure FSLogix for App Attach:
    • Open the Registry Editor (regedit).
    • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\FSLogix.
    • Create a new key named Apps.
    • Add the following registry values:
      • Enabled (REG_DWORD): Set to 1 to enable FSLogix App Attach.
      • AppVHDLocations (REG_SZ): Path to the file share containing the MSIX packages (e.g., \\storageaccount.file.core.windows.net\appattach).

3. Configure App Attach in Azure Virtual Desktop

  1. Create an Application Group:
    • In the Azure portal, navigate to your Azure Virtual Desktop host pool.
    • Create a new application group and add the MSIX package as an application.
  2. Assign the Application Group to Users:
    • Assign the application group to the appropriate Azure AD users or groups.
  3. Register the Application Group:
    • Register the application group with a workspace in Azure Virtual Desktop.

4. Test the Deployment

  1. Assign Users:
    • Ensure users are assigned to the appropriate Azure AD groups.
    • Verify that users have the necessary permissions to access the application packages.
  2. Test the Deployment:
    • Have a user sign in to a session host.
    • Verify that the application is dynamically attached and available for use.
    • Check for any errors in the FSLogix logs located at C:\ProgramData\FSLogix\Logs.

Conclusion

Deploying App Attach with FSLogix enhances the flexibility and manageability of applications in a virtual desktop environment. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth deployment and operation of App Attach with FSLogix, providing users with a seamless and efficient experience.