Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that allows the hosting of desktop environments on a centralized server, providing users with access to virtual desktops from any device. This article will guide you through the process of setting up VDI in a Windows environment, specifically using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and Hyper-V, which are integral to deploying VDI on Windows.

Understanding VDI in Windows

Windows environments are well-suited for VDI due to their robust support for virtualization and remote desktop services. Microsoft provides a comprehensive solution through Windows Server, which includes Hyper-V for virtualization and Remote Desktop Services for managing and delivering virtual desktops.

Prerequisites

Before setting up VDI, ensure that you have the following:

1. Windows Server: A server version of Windows (e.g., Windows Server 2019 or 2022) that supports Hyper-V and RDS.
2. Active Directory: For managing user accounts and permissions.
3. Hyper-V Role: Installed on your Windows Server to create and manage virtual machines.
4. Remote Desktop Services Role: Installed to manage and deliver virtual desktops.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up VDI

Step 1: Install Hyper-V

1. Open Server Manager on your Windows Server.
2. Click on Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. In the wizard, select Role-based or feature-based installation.
4. Choose your server from the server pool.
5. Select Hyper-V from the list of roles and proceed with the installation.

Step 2: Create Virtual Machines

1. Open Hyper-V Manager.
2. Click on New > Virtual Machine.
3. Follow the wizard to configure your virtual machine, specifying memory, network, and storage settings.
4. Install the Windows operating system on the virtual machine.

Step 3: Install Remote Desktop Services

1. In Server Manager, click on Manage > Add Roles and Features.
2. Select Remote Desktop Services installation.
3. Choose the deployment type: Quick Start for a simple setup or Standard Deployment for a more customized setup.
4. Follow the wizard to install the necessary RDS roles, such as RD Connection Broker, RD Web Access, and RD Session Host.

Step 4: Configure VDI

1. Use RD Licensing Manager to activate your RDS licenses.
2. Configure the RD Gateway to enable secure remote connections.
3. Set up RD Web Access to allow users to access their virtual desktops via a web browser.

Step 5: Test the Setup

1. Use Remote Desktop Connection from a client machine to connect to the virtual desktop.
2. Ensure that users can log in and access their applications and data.

Examples

Here’s a PowerShell script to quickly check the status of your Hyper-V virtual machines:

Get-VM | Format-Table Name, State, CPUUsage, MemoryAssigned

This command lists all virtual machines with their current state and resource usage.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can implement a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in a Windows environment, providing flexible and secure access to desktops for your users.