Updated: May 31, 2023 (October 9, 2022)

Azure Virtual Desktop Previews New Authentication Features

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

New authentication features in preview for Azure Virtual Desktop could improve remote desktop security and enable new use scenarios.
The capabilities will benefit customers who have adopted Azure Active Directory or use hardware security devices like Windows Hello for Business.
The features are currently limited to use from Windows desktop clients.

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a Microsoft-hosted managed service that enables organizations to host virtual desktops in Azure without requiring on-premises infrastructure. Two new features in preview could make the service easier to use in organizations using Azure Active Directory (AAD) and enable additional security measures within AVD-hosted remote desktop sessions.

Two New Features Should Help Reduce User Friction

The two new features currently in preview that should help reduce password-induced friction for users are the following:

AAD-based single sign-on (SSO) allows users to connect directly to an AVD host using AAD credentials

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