Updated: May 31, 2023 (May 30, 2022)

The Changing Terminology of Virtual Desktops

Jim leads the Directions on Microsoft editorial team and has been writing about technology since the early 1990s. Most recently... more

New offerings like Azure Virtual Desktop have introduced capabilities that require updated terminology to describe virtual desktop hosting.
Some concepts specific to Windows Server Remote Desktop Services do not cleanly apply to newer services and capabilities.
Customers are still likely to see a confusing mix of terminology from Microsoft and other vendors like VMware and Citrix.

The terms used to describe hosting Windows desktops for remote users have changed in recent years. In particular, some terms commonly used for Windows Server Remote Desktop Services (RDS) do not accurately encompass Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), launched in 2019. This report describes terms and concepts as they are used in recent reports, documentation, and product descriptions. However, organizations are likely to encounter previous terms and usage for the foreseeable future, including contracts with vendor-specific terminology.

Components of Virtual Desktop Deployments

Terms used to describe virtual desktops are shifting from RDS-specific uses to accommodate AVD and other services.

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