Azure Virtual Desktop license requirements

Azure Virtual Desktop [AVD] licencing requirements

Windows 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:

1. Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5 per User licence
   • Requires:
     • Primary user’s primary work device must be licensed for Windows 7/8/8.1/10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education
2. Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5 per user add-on licence [a discounted licence based on existing investment]
   • Requires:
     • Windows 10 Enterprise per Device licence
3. Windows VDA E3/E5 per User
   • Requires:
     • no device requirements
4. Windows VDA E3/E5 per user add-on licence [a discounted licence based on existing investment]
   • Requires:
     • Software Assurance for the Windows desktop operating system or
     • Windows VDA subscription on a per device basis

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:

• A user’s primary device is a thin client at work that has been licensed for VDI. The user also needs the flexibility to access their VDI desktops from home or while
  traveling using their personal tablet device.
• A contractor to your company requires access to your companies VDI desktops.

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:

• Windows 10 Enterprise E5 or E3
• Windows 10 Education A5 or A3
• Windows 10 Virtual Desktop Access [VDA]
• Microsoft 365 F3 or E3 or E5
• Microsoft 365 A3 or A5 or Student Use Benefits
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium [formerly called Microsoft 365 Business]

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
Another option is to access WVD based on Windows Server rather than Windows 7 or 10. If this is the OS you want to use, you need a license for Windows Server. For this license you can either:

• Purchase the license as part of your Azure subscription. This is pay-as-you-go and more expensive.
• Purchase Azure Hybrid Benefits for Windows Server Core. This includes Software Assurance and is a cheaper option.

When using Windows Server, you also need to license Remote Desktop Services. You can obtain this licensing through:

• Windows Server RDS User client access licenses [CALs], that are covered with Software Assurance
• The Cloud Solution Provider [CSP] program
• Devices with existing RDS Device CALs

If you want to use Office365, licensing is the same as for using Windows 7 or 10 desktops.