Azure Virtual Desktop vs Windows 365: which solution for your virtual desktop needs?
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365 are two virtual desktop solutions offered by Microsoft.
Although they share similar objectives, their fundamental differences in terms of design, use cases and management mean that they are intended for specific needs.
Here’s an in-depth analysis to help you choose between Azure AVD and Windows 365 Cloud PC.
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD): flexibility at the heart of the experience
Description :
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is an advanced virtualization platform based on Azure. It enables businesses to set up customized desktop environments, offering great freedom to meet a wide range of needs, from the simplest to the most complex.
Key features :
- Advanced flexibility: granular control over resources, configurations and costs.
- Shared infrastructure: supports multi-session desktops (Windows 10/11 Multi-Session), reducing costs for multiple users.
- Customization: adapt desks to your organization’s specific needs.
- Pay-as-you-go model: You only pay for what you use (CPU, RAM, storage).
- Expert management: requires in-depth knowledge of Azure to manage host, image and network pools.
Use cases :
- Large enterprises with complex virtualization needs.
- Reduced costs for users with limited needs thanks to multi-session offices.
- IT environments with experienced technical teams.
Advantages :
- High level of customization.
- Cost-optimized for shared or specific deployments.
- Seamless integration with other Azure services, such as security and analytics.
Disadvantages :
- Complex implementation, requiring technical skills.
- More cumbersome management than Windows 365.
Windows 365: the simplicity of a ready-to-use cloud PC
Description :
Windows 365 is a turnkey cloud PC solution, managed entirely by Microsoft. Accessible online, it offers a fast and simple virtual desktop experience, ideal for businesses that don’t want to manage a complex IT infrastructure.
Key features :
- Personal cloud PC: each user has his or her own cloud PC.
- Simplified management: easy configuration via Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune), with Large Enterprise license.
- Fixed subscription: predictable pricing per user, based on standardized configurations (CPU, RAM, storage).
- Constant availability: Accessible 24/7, with no scheduling constraints.
Use cases :
- SMEs or companies with remote or hybrid teams.
- Organizations without advanced IT expertise.
- Tasks requiring dedicated offices to guarantee performance and safety.
Advantages :
- Easy to deploy and manage.
- Fixed and predictable cost model.
- Suitable for small teams and growing companies.
Disadvantages :
- Less flexible for complex scenarios.
- Higher cost per user for large-scale deployments.
- No support for multi-session offices.
Comparison between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365
| Criteria | Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) | Windows 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Self-managed, highly customizable | Fully managed by Microsoft |
| Complexity | High (expertise required) | Low (easy to configure) |
| Cost | Variable, Pay-as-you-go | Fixed, per user per month |
| Office type | Multi-session or dedicated | Dedicated only |
| Use cases | Complex needs, high flexibility | Simplicity and accessibility |
| Ideal for | Large companies, advanced IT | SMEs, individual users |
When should you choose Azure AVD or Windows 365?
- Choose Azure Virtual Desktop if :
- You need maximum flexibility to customize environments.
- Your organization has a technical team to manage the infrastructure.
- You’re looking for an optimized solution for shared offices.
- Choose Windows 365 if :
- You prefer a turnkey solution that’s easy to manage.
- Your priority is a fixed cost per user, with rapid deployment.
- You manage an SME or remote teams with limited IT needs.
