Deploying FSLogix User Profiles

Introduction

FSLogix is a set of solutions that enhance, enable, and simplify non-persistent Windows computing environments. FSLogix Profile Containers redirect user profiles to a VHD(X) file, which is mounted at user sign-in, providing a seamless and consistent user experience across sessions.

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).
  • A storage solution for profile containers (e.g., Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files).

Step-by-Step Deployment

1. Set Up a Storage Account for Profile Containers

  1. Create a Storage Account:
    • Sign in to the Azure portal.
    • Search for “Storage accounts” and select “Create”.
    • Enter the required information, such as resource group, storage account name, and region.
    • Choose the performance and redundancy options based on your needs.
  2. Configure File Shares:
    • Navigate to your storage account and select “File shares”.
    • Create a new file share for storing FSLogix profile containers.
    • Set the appropriate quota and permissions.

2. Install FSLogix on Session Hosts

  1. Download FSLogix:
    • Download the FSLogix installation package from the Microsoft website.
  2. Install FSLogix:
    • Install the FSLogix agent on each session host in your host pool.
    • During installation, accept the default settings or customize as needed.
  3. Configure FSLogix:
    • Open the Registry Editor (regedit).
    • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\FSLogix.
    • Create a new key named Profiles.
    • Add the following registry values:
      • VHDLocations (REG_SZ): Path to the file share (e.g., \\storageaccount.file.core.windows.net\profileshare).
      • Enabled (REG_DWORD): Set to 1 to enable FSLogix Profile Containers.

3. Configure Group Policy

  1. Create a Group Policy Object (GPO):
    • Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).
    • Create a new GPO and link it to the organizational unit (OU) containing your session hosts.
  2. Configure FSLogix Settings:
    • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > FSLogix > Profile Containers.
    • Enable and configure the following settings:
      • Enabled: Set to Enabled.
      • VHDLocations: Specify the path to the file share.
      • SizeInMBs: Set the maximum size for profile containers.
      • ConcurrentUserSessions: Set to 1 for single-session environments.

4. Assign Users and Test

  1. Assign Users:
    • Ensure users are assigned to the appropriate Azure AD groups.
    • Verify that users have the necessary permissions to access the file share.
  2. Test the Deployment:
    • Have a user sign in to a session host.
    • Verify that the FSLogix profile container is created and mounted correctly.
    • Check for any errors in the FSLogix logs located at C:\ProgramData\FSLogix\Logs.

Conclusion

Deploying FSLogix user profiles enhances the user experience in non-persistent environments by providing consistent and reliable profile management. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth deployment and operation of FSLogix Profile Containers.