Deploying Azure Virtual Desktop with Golden Images in a Compute Gallery

Introduction

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service running in the cloud. It allows you to deploy and scale virtualized Windows desktops and apps on Azure. One of the key components in deploying AVD is the use of golden images, which are pre-configured virtual machine images that can be used to create multiple virtual desktops.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have the following:

  • An Azure subscription.
  • Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) configured.
  • Network setup with appropriate subnets and security groups.
  • Azure Compute Gallery (formerly Shared Image Gallery) created.

Step-by-Step Deployment

1. Create a Golden Image

A golden image is a pre-configured virtual machine image that serves as a template for creating virtual desktops.

  1. Create a Virtual Machine:
    • Go to the Azure portal and create a new virtual machine.
    • Choose the desired operating system (e.g., Windows 10 multi-session).
    • Configure the VM with the necessary software and settings.
  2. Generalize the VM:
    • Connect to the VM and run sysprep to generalize the image.
    • In the command prompt, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep and run sysprep.exe.
    • Select “Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)” and check “Generalize”.
    • Choose “Shutdown” as the shutdown option.
  3. Capture the Image:
    • Once the VM is shut down, go to the Azure portal.
    • Navigate to the VM and select “Capture”.
    • Follow the prompts to create an image and save it to your Azure Compute Gallery.

2. Create an Azure Compute Gallery

Azure Compute Gallery helps you manage and share images across your organization.

  1. Create a Gallery:
    • In the Azure portal, search for “Compute Gallery” and create a new gallery.
    • Provide a name and select the resource group and region.
  2. Add an Image Definition:
    • Within the gallery, create an image definition.
    • Specify the OS type, SKU, and other details.
  3. Add an Image Version:
    • Add the captured image as a new version under the image definition.
    • Specify the version number and replication regions.

3. Deploy Azure Virtual Desktop

  1. Create a Host Pool:
    • In the Azure portal, search for “Azure Virtual Desktop” and create a new host pool.
    • Provide a name, select the resource group, and choose the location.
    • Select the “Personal” or “Pooled” type based on your needs.
  2. Add Virtual Machines:
    • During the host pool creation, add virtual machines.
    • Choose the image from your Azure Compute Gallery.
    • Configure the VM size, number of VMs, and network settings.
  3. Configure Workspace and Application Groups:
    • Create a workspace and register the host pool.
    • Create application groups for desktops and remote apps.
    • Assign users to the application groups.
  4. Assign Users and Test:
    • Assign users to the Azure AD groups associated with the application groups.
    • Test the deployment by logging in with a user account.

Conclusion

Deploying Azure Virtual Desktop with golden images in a compute gallery streamlines the process of creating and managing virtual desktops. By following these steps, you can ensure a consistent and efficient deployment, providing users with a reliable virtual desktop experience.