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
- 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.
- 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
- Install FSLogix:
- Ensure FSLogix is installed on all session hosts in your host pool.
- Configure FSLogix Profile Containers as described in the previous article.
- 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 to1
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
).
- Open the Registry Editor (
3. Configure App Attach in Azure Virtual Desktop
- 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.
- Assign the Application Group to Users:
- Assign the application group to the appropriate Azure AD users or groups.
- Register the Application Group:
- Register the application group with a workspace in Azure Virtual Desktop.
4. Test the Deployment
- Assign Users:
- Ensure users are assigned to the appropriate Azure AD groups.
- Verify that users have the necessary permissions to access the application packages.
- 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.