How to make the right choice for your desktop virtualization?

By Cédric Perion
Consulting Director, Microsoft 365 Centre of Excellence, Azure Virtual Desktop Expert

Hybrid work environments are becoming more widespread, and desktop virtualization services (Desktop as a Service, or DaaS) are emerging as essential solutions for enabling teams to work remotely, smoothly, and securely. In this article, we compare two major Microsoft solutions: Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365.

While these solutions have similar objectives (providing remote access to workstations and applications), they differ significantly in terms of architecture, cost, and level of customization. Find out how these characteristics can influence your organization’s choice and, ultimately, help you make the best possible decision for your business.

This comparison is based on the hands-on expertise acquired by Cofomo, recently recognized by Microsoft for the second consecutive year through the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Specialization. This distinction reflects a proven know-how in implementing virtualization solutions tailored to enterprise environments.

What is Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?

Seamless integration with Azure

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a service based on Microsoft Azure infrastructure. It provides secure deployment of applications and virtual desktops, based on Azure’s recognized security and performance standards. Specifically, AVD can host several Windows sessions on a single virtual machine (multisession). This enables users to access their business tools and documents anywhere, from any connected device, including a tablet or phone.

The advantages of Azure Virtual Desktop

1. A highly customizable solution
   AVD can be fine-tuned to your organization’s needs. IT teams can configure infrastructure, security rules, and resource management to meet specific scenarios.
2. Centralized management via Azure
   The Azure platform offers a unified management console for administering users, virtual machines, and applications. This centralization simplifies maintenance and performance monitoring.
3. Access to a shared virtual machine (multisession)
   Thanks to the multisession function, several users can connect to the same instance of Windows 10 or Windows 11 while retaining their personal session and environment. 
4. On-demand infrastructure
   It is possible to scale resources (capacity, storage, etc.) according to activity peaks and troughs, thus optimizing costs. 
5. Usage-based billing
   Costs are linked to the actual use of Azure resources (computing time, storage, etc.). A flexible model that can prove particularly cost-efficient for occasional or flexible use.
6. Native security
   AVD leverages Azure’s advanced security features (Microsoft Entra ID, conditional access, encryption, etc.) and enables proactive monitoring of connections.

When to choose Azure Virtual Desktop?

AVD is a solution particularly well-suited for organizations already embedded in the Azure ecosystem or those seeking a scalable, flexible, and highly customizable virtualization approach. Its adoption is most relevant in the following contexts:

• Complex virtualization needs, especially in multi-session mode, where multiple users need simultaneous access to the same Windows instance;
• The need for advanced control over infrastructure, including fine-tuning, advanced resource management, and custom integrations with other services or systems;
• An existing Azure infrastructure or an upcoming migration project to this cloud environment;
• An internal IT team with expertise in Azure services, or collaboration with a specialized partner (such as Cofomo) to ensure effective design, deployment, and management of the AVD solution.
  

What is Windows 365?

A turnkey “PC in the cloud” experience

Windows 365 is a Microsoft service that lets you run a Windows 10 or Windows 11 desktop directly from the cloud, without having to manage the underlying infrastructure yourself. Unlike AVD, Windows 365 does not support multisession operation: each user has his or her own virtual machine. This gives everyone a dedicated PC in the cloud, with consistent performance and personalization, regardless of the access platform (computer, tablet, phone).

The advantages of Windows 365

1. Extremely easy to use
   The entire infrastructure (servers, maintenance, etc.) is managed by Microsoft. Configuration steps are reduced, and no advanced knowledge of Azure is required.
2. Simplified administration
   The Windows 365 management console is intuitive. This makes it an ideal solution for SMEs that don’t necessarily have an IT team with expertise in virtualization.
3. Predictable pricing model
   Windows 365 adopts fixed monthly pricing, making budgeting easier and avoiding usage-related surprises.
4. Seamless integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem
   Windows 365 integrates smoothly with your office tools (Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, etc.), offering a seamless user experience and more effective collaboration.

When to choose Windows 365?

Windows 365 is particularly relevant in the following contexts:

• A turnkey solution is preferred, with rapid deployment and minimal configuration.
• Each user requires a dedicated cloud PC with a uniform experience.
• Simple and predictable pricing is sought, with no need to manage resource scaling or handle complex administration. 

Key differences between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365

The choice between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 thus depends above all on your organization’s needs and the level of control and expertise you intend to deploy.

• Azure Virtual Desktop is designed to be more flexible and customizable, making it more suitable for large organizations or those with a seasoned IT team updated in the Azure ecosystem.
• Windows 365, meanwhile, offers a simpler approach, designed for businesses looking for a “turnkey” service and fixed monthly pricing.

Ultimately, the analysis needs to take into account the complexity of your environments, the maturity of your IT team, as well as budgetary and operational constraints.

What kind of organization will benefit from Azure Virtual Desktop?

• Large companies or fast-growing SMEs looking for a scalable, highly configurable solution.
• Organizations that already have an Azure infrastructure or that wish to adopt it to benefit from the synergies offered by the platform.
• Business sectors requiring enhanced security or advanced customization (critical business applications, large volumes of data, etc.).
• Experienced IT teams, or companies working with an expert partner to manage AVD configuration, maintenance, and optimization.

When is Windows 365 the right choice?

• SMEs or companies looking for rapid implementation and deployment without technical complexity.
• Organizations with limited staff or no dedicated Azure IT team.
• Sectors where budget predictability is crucial (fixed pricing per user).
• Geographically dispersed offices whose employees need a dedicated, identical PC, accessible wherever they are.

Did you know that you can choose a hybrid solution?

It is perfectly feasible to use Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 within the same organization to meet a variety of needs. For example, you can reserve AVD for complex or shared uses, and Windows 365 for employees with more standard needs.

However, this dual integration requires an excellent understanding of the Microsoft environment, as well as consistent management of all applications and virtual desktops. Working with a trusted IT partner, such as Cofomo, makes this type of hybrid deployment much easier.

In conclusion

The choice between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 mainly depends on the complexity of your needs, your level of IT maturity, and your cost objectives. To make an informed choice, it is essential to assess the situation in advance:

• business needs (complexity, seasonality, number of users);
• the technical skills of your in-house teams;
• budget and security requirements.

In this context, Cofomo’s Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) specialization for the second consecutive year is a mark of quality and expertise. This recognition from Microsoft confirms our teams’ ability to support organizations in the design, deployment, and optimization of robust AVD solutions that align with their technological and strategic goals.