-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 0
8. Glossary
Quick reference for Azure Virtual Desktop terms and acronyms.
AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop) - Microsoft's desktop and app virtualization service running on Azure. Formerly Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD).
Host Pool - Collection of session hosts with identical configurations. Core AVD resource that users connect to.
Session Host - Virtual machine running Windows that hosts user sessions.
Application Group - Groups published applications or desktops. Users are assigned to app groups to access resources.
Workspace - Groups application groups for users. Provides organizational structure in the AVD feed.
Feed - List of available desktops and applications displayed to users in AVD clients.
Personal Host Pool - Each user gets a dedicated session host. Same VM every time.
Pooled Host Pool - Users share session hosts. Most cost-effective for similar workloads.
Multi-Session - Windows 10/11 Enterprise multi-session allows multiple concurrent users on one VM. Unique to AVD.
Breadth-First - Distributes sessions evenly across all hosts before adding second sessions.
Depth-First - Fills one host to capacity before using the next. Better for cost optimization.
Drain Mode - Prevents new connections while allowing existing sessions to continue. Used during maintenance.
Azure AD / Microsoft Entra ID - Cloud identity service required for AVD authentication.
Hybrid Azure AD Join - VMs joined to both on-premises AD and Azure AD.
Conditional Access - Enforces policies based on location, device, risk level before granting AVD access.
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) - Recommended security measure for all AVD users.
RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) - Azure permissions system for managing AVD access.
SSO (Single Sign-On) - Access AVD without re-entering credentials.
FSLogix - Stores user profiles in VHD/VHDX files on network shares. Enables profile roaming.
Profile Container - FSLogix VHD/VHDX file containing entire user profile.
VHD / VHDX - Virtual hard disk file formats for profiles and app attach.
RemoteApp - Published application that appears as a local app on user's device.
App Attach / MSIX App Attach - Dynamically attaches MSIX packages without installing on session host.
MSIX - Modern Windows app packaging format required for app attach.
CIM (Composite Image Format) - Modern disk format for MSIX app attach.
ARM (Azure Resource Manager) - Azure's deployment and management service.
Bicep - Domain-specific language for deploying Azure resources. Simpler than ARM templates.
Terraform - Infrastructure as Code tool. Alternative to Bicep.
IaC (Infrastructure as Code) - Managing infrastructure through code files rather than manual configuration.
VNet (Virtual Network) - Azure networking construct. Session hosts typically deployed here.
NSG (Network Security Group) - Azure firewall controlling network traffic to resources.
Autoscale - Automatically starts/stops session hosts based on schedules and demand.
Scaling Plan - Configuration defining when to start/stop hosts.
KQL (Kusto Query Language) - Query language for analyzing AVD logs in Azure Monitor.
Diagnostics - AVD logging integrated with Azure Monitor.
Validation Environment - Host pool for testing updates before production.
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) - Microsoft protocol for remote connections.
Reverse Connect - Session hosts initiate outbound connections. No inbound firewall rules needed.
Gateway - Provides secure external connectivity and encryption.
Private Endpoint - Connects resources privately without public internet.
| Acronym | Full Name |
|---|---|
| ANF | Azure NetApp Files |
| ARM | Azure Resource Manager |
| AVD | Azure Virtual Desktop |
| FSLogix | Profile management solution |
| IaC | Infrastructure as Code |
| KQL | Kusto Query Language |
| MFA | Multi-Factor Authentication |
| MSIX | Modern app packaging format |
| NSG | Network Security Group |
| RBAC | Role-Based Access Control |
| RDP | Remote Desktop Protocol |
| SSO | Single Sign-On |
| VDA | Virtual Desktop Access |
| VDI | Virtual Desktop Infrastructure |
| VM | Virtual Machine |
| VNet | Virtual Network |
| WVD | Windows Virtual Desktop (legacy) |
Related: Official Terminology | AVD FAQ | Getting Started