Think of Windows Virtual Desktop as a tool for deploying and scaling Windows desktops and apps on Azure with built-in security and compliance. FSLogix technologies have now been put to work in Windows Virtual Desktop to enable faster load times for non-persistent users accessing Outlook or OneDrive, plus support for client and server RDS deployments. That platform’s strength was reducing the resources, time, and labor required to support desktop and app virtualization. In November, Microsoft acquired app-provisioning startup FSLogix. Windows 7 will hit end of support on January 14, 2020, so Microsoft is strategically offering the almost decade-old operating system via Windows Virtual Desktop.

It supports Remote Desktop Services (RDS) desktops and apps in a shared public cloud and will even include free Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) until January 2023.

Now in public preview, the Azure-based service provides a virtualized multi-session Windows 10 experience and Office 365 ProPlus virtual desktop on any device. Microsoft announced Windows Virtual Desktop in September, but only made it available as part of a private preview.

But there are also updates around Office 365 ProPlus, Windows 10, Configuration Manager, Intune, and Microsoft 365.īut first, let’s tackle the big ones. The headline items are the launch of Windows Virtual Desktop in public preview and Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) for macOS in limited preview. Microsoft today made a slew of announcements to help IT pros reduce costs, increase security, and boost employee productivity. Connect with top gaming leaders in Los Angeles at GamesBeat Summit 2023 this May 22-23.

Microsoft defender atp for mac