Azure Virtual Desktop license requirements
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) licencing requirementsWindows 10 Enterprise is a requirement for Windows 10 based Azure Virtual Desktops. Windows 10 Enterprise is an upgrade license to Windows Pro devices. Windows 10 Enterprise may be licensed through the Windows Enterprise per device license or a plan that includes it (more on later in the article). Alternatively, users without Windows Pro devices can still license Windows Enterprise for remote virtualization scenarios with the Windows VDA E3 or E5 license. Here are the options in more detail: Show
The above assumes a Windows 10 Desktop. In addition to the above, you will pay for Azure consumption to host the Virtual Desktops and related environment (e.g. network, AD etc depending on your setup). A Windows VDA per User license allows access to up to four concurrent Windows virtual machines. This licencing mechanism is useful in situations where your need users to be able to access their Virtual Desktop from anywhere and where they don’t have a device licenced with a Qualifying Operating System. Examples:
How Does Licensing Work for Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure?To use Azure Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) you need to have an eligible license or subscription per user you want to connect. Eligible licenses grant you access to both Windows 7 and Windows 10 machines. The licenses that can grant you this access include:
Depending on the license you have, you can also use any eligible products the license covers on your virtual desktops. Any Microsoft 365 licenses grant access to the entire Office365 suite. However, Windows licenses do not require additional licensing. You can add these rights with a subscription to Office365, Office Professional Plus, or Office Standard with network use. You should also keep in mind that Windows Enterprise Upgrade licenses obtained through the Volume License program are not valid. Windows Server
When using Windows Server, you also need to license Remote Desktop Services. You can obtain this licensing through:
If you want to use Office365, licensing is the same as for using Windows 7 or 10 desktops. |