Windows Virtual Desktop generally available, including support for virtual Windows 7 desktops

Dell XPS 15
Dell XPS 15 (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Windows Virtual Desktop is now generally available worldwide.
  • The service supports a multi-session Windows 10 experience.
  • The service was announced last year and has been in preview since March 2019.

Microsoft announced today that Windows Virtual Desktop is now generally available worldwide. The service supports a multi-session Windows 10 experience, has optimizations for Office 365 ProPlus, and supports Windows Server Remote Desktop Services (RDS). Windows Virtual Desktop was announced last year and entered into preview in March of 2019. Microsoft expands upon the release in a blog post.

In addition to providing a multi-session Windows 10 exprerience, Windows Virtual Desktop can also be used for Windows 7 applications. Extended support for Windows 7 ends in January, but users can legacy applications using Windows Virtual Desktop to virtualize Windows 7 desktops. Free Extended Sercurity Updates will be available through this method until January 2023 according to Microsoft.

Microsoft has focused on virtual technologies for years, and took that further through its acquisition of FSLogix. FSLogix improves Office when running in virtual environments. Microsoft shared that "all FSLogix tools are now fully integrated into Windows Virtual Desktops."

Microsoft also announced several other expansions of Windows Virtual Desktop, including Citrix being able to extend Windows Virtual Desktop worldwide and VMware Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure extending Windows Virtual Desktops later this year.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

TOPICS