Windows 10 and Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session FAQ - Azure (2024)

This article answers frequently asked questions and explains best practices for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session.

What is Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session?

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session, formerly known as Windows 10 Enterprise for Virtual Desktops (EVD), is a new Remote Desktop Session Host that allows multiple concurrent interactive sessions. Previously, only Windows Server could do this. This capability gives users a familiar Windows 10 experience while IT can benefit from the cost advantages of multi-session and use existing per-user Windows licensing instead of RDS Client Access Licenses (CALs). For more information about licenses and pricing, see Azure Virtual Desktop pricing.

How many users can simultaneously have an interactive session on Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session?

How many interactive sessions that can be active at the same time relies on your system's hardware resources (vCPU, memory, disk, and vGPU), how your users use their apps while signed in to a session, and how heavy your system's workload is. We suggest you validate your system's performance to understand how many users you can have on Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session. To learn more, see Azure Virtual Desktop pricing.

Why does my application report Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session as a Server operating system?

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session is a virtual edition of Windows 10 Enterprise. One of the differences is that this operating system (OS) reports the ProductType as having a value of 3, the same value as Windows Server. This property keeps the OS compatible with existing RDSH management tooling, RDSH multi-session-aware applications, and mostly low-level system performance optimizations for RDSH environments. Some application installers can block installation on Windows 10 multi-session depending on whether they detect the ProductType is set to Client. If your app won't install, contact your application vendor for an updated version.

Can I run Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session outside of the Azure Virtual Desktop service?

We don't allow customers to run Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise multi-session in production environments outside of the Azure Virtual Desktop service. Only Microsoft or the Azure Virtual Desktop Approved Providers, Citrix and VMware, can provide access to the Azure Virtual Desktop service. It's against the licensing agreement to run Windows 10 or 11 multi-session outside of the Azure Virtual Desktop service for production purposes. Windows 10 and 11 multi-session also won’t activate against on-premises Key Management Services (KMS).

Can I upgrade a Windows 10 VM to Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session?

No. It's not currently possible to upgrade an existing virtual machine (VM) that's running Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise to Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session. Also, if you deploy a Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session VM and then update the product key to another edition, you won't be able to switch the VM back to Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session and will need to redeploy the VM. Changing your Azure Virtual Desktop VM SKU to another edition is not supported.

Does Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session support Remote Desktop IP Virtualization?

No. Azure Virtual Desktop supported virtual machine OS images do not support Remote Desktop IP Virtualization.

How do I customize the Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session image for my organization?

You can start a VM in Azure with Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session and customize it by installing LOB applications, sysprep/generalize, and then create an image using the Azure portal.

To get started, create a VM in Azure with Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session. Instead of starting the VM in Azure, you can download the VHD directly. After that, you'll be able to use the VHD you downloaded to create a new Generation 1 VM on a Windows 10 PC with Hyper-V enabled.

Customize the image to your needs by installing LOB applications and sysprep the image. When you're done customizing, upload the image to Azure with the VHD inside. After that, get Azure Virtual Desktop from the Azure Marketplace and use it to deploy a new host pool with the customized image.

How do I manage Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session after deployment?

You can use any supported configuration tool, but we recommend Configuration Manager version 1906 because it supports Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session or Microsoft Endpoint Manager for Azure AD-joined or Hybrid Azure AD-joined session hosts.

Can Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session be Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)-joined?

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session can be Azure AD-joined. To get started, follow the steps to Deploy Azure AD-joined virtual machines.

Where can I find the Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session image?

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session is in the Azure gallery. To find it, navigate to the Azure portal and search for the Windows 10 Enterprise for Virtual Desktops release. For an image integrated with Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, go to the Azure portal and search for Microsoft Windows 10 + Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.

Which Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session image should I use?

The Azure gallery has several releases, including Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session, version 1909, and Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session, version 1903. We recommend using the latest version for improved performance and reliability.

Which Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session versions are supported?

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session, versions 1909 and later are supported and are available in the Azure gallery. These releases follow the same support lifecycle policy as Windows 10 Enterprise, which means the March release is supported for 18 months and the September release for 30 months.

Which profile management solution should I use for Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session?

We recommend you use FSLogix profile containers when you configure Windows 10 Enterprise in non-persistent environments or other scenarios that need a centrally stored profile. FSLogix ensures the user profile is available and up-to-date for every user session. We also recommend you use your FSLogix profile container to store a user profile in any SMB share with appropriate permissions, but you can store user profiles in Azure page blob storage if necessary. Azure Virtual Desktop users can use FSLogix at no additional cost. FSLogix comes pre-installed on all Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session images, but the IT admin is still responsible for configuring the FSLogix profile container.

For more information about how to configure an FSLogix profile container, see Configure the FSLogix profile container.

Which license do I need to access Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session?

For a full list of applicable licenses, see Azure Virtual Desktop pricing.

Why do my apps disappear after I sign out?

This happens because you're using Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session with a profile management solution like FSLogix. Your admin or profile solution configured your system to delete user profiles when users sign out. This configuration means that when your system deletes your user profile after you sign out, it also removes any apps you installed during your session. If you want to keep the apps you installed, you'll need to ask your admin to provision these apps for all users in your Azure Virtual Desktop environment.

How do I make sure apps don't disappear when users sign out?

Most virtualized environments are configured by default to prevent users from installing additional apps to their profiles. If you want to make sure an app doesn't disappear when your user signs out of Azure Virtual Desktop, you have to provision that app for all user profiles in your environment. For more information about provisioning apps, check out these resources:

  • Publish built-in apps in Azure Virtual Desktop
  • DISM app package servicing command-line options
  • Add-AppxProvisionedPackage

How do I make sure users don't download and install apps from the Microsoft Store?

You can disable the Microsoft Store app to make sure users don't download extra apps beyond the apps you've already provisioned for them.

To disable the Store app:

  1. Create and edit a new Group Policy Object.
  2. Select Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store.
  3. Open the Turn off the Store Application setting.
  4. Select the Enabled option.
  5. Click the Apply button.
  6. Click the OK button.

Can Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session and 11 Enterprise multi-session receive feature updates through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)?

Yes. You can update Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session and Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session with the appropriate feature updates published to WSUS.

Next steps

To learn more about Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session:

  • Read our Azure Virtual Desktop documentation
  • Visit our Azure Virtual Desktop TechCommunity
  • Set up your Azure Virtual Desktop deployment with the Azure Virtual Desktop tutorials
Windows 10 and Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session FAQ - Azure (2024)

FAQs

Can Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise Multi-session receive feature updates through Windows Server Update Services WSUS )? ›

Can Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session and 11 Enterprise multi-session receive feature updates through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)? Yes. You can update Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session and Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session with the appropriate feature updates published to WSUS.

Does Windows 10 Enterprise allow multiple RDP sessions? ›

Now the Windows 10 machine should permit multiple users to access different RDP sessions simultaneously. All Windows editions (Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10) are supported by the RDPWrap utility. Meaning that users can establish a terminal (RDS) server on any desktop instance of Windows.

How to allow multiple Remote Desktop connections in Windows 10 or Windows 11? ›

Enable Multiple RDP Sessions

Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections. Set Restrict Remote Desktop Services user to a single Remote Desktop Services session to Disabled.

Which license do I need to access Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session? ›

Windows 10 Enterprise E3 is the license required to access Windows 10/11 multi-session but there are some limitations here. This license can only be used if your users are connecting in from Windows Pro endpoint devices.

What is the difference between Windows 11 and Windows 11 Enterprise? ›

The Enterprise edition includes integrated capabilities to deploy and manage Windows devices at scale. Additionally, Enterprise offers a connection to Azure Virtual Desktop and Azure Active Directory, while Pro only offers a connection to Azure Active Directory.

Is Windows 10 enterprise eligible for Windows 11? ›

Devices with Windows 10 Pro installed will be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro. Devices running Windows 10 Enterprise will upgrade to Windows 11 Enterprise. Windows 11 Pro will not offer Windows 11 Pro in S mode, so you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade.

How many times can a Windows 10 enterprise key be used? ›

You can use it as many times as you want to. However there is an important point: Do you have a retail license or an OEM license? If it's a retail license you can move it from computer to computer as many times as you want to, as long as you don't have it installed on two computers at once.

How many monitors can Windows 10 enterprise support? ›

Windows 10 has several features and settings to support one, two, three, four, and even more monitors without the need for third-party software for the best experience.

How many simultaneous RDP sessions will Windows 10 multi session support? ›

You can remotely connect via RDP only to higher Windows editions (Professional and Enterprise). In Windows Home and Single Language editions the incoming remote desktop connections are forbidden. 2. Only one simultaneous RDP connection is supported.

Which feature in Windows 11 let you to multitask while using multiple application? ›

Select the Task View icon on the taskbar, or press Alt-Tab on your keyboard to see apps or switch between them. To use two or more apps at a time, grab the top of an app window and drag it to the side. Then choose another app and it'll automatically snap into place.

How do I connect two computers to one Network Windows 11? ›

In Windows 10, select Start , then select Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center. In Windows 11, select Start, type control panel, then select Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

What is the advantage of multiple desktops in Windows 11? ›

Multiple desktops are great for keeping unrelated, ongoing projects organized—or for quickly switching desktops before a meeting. To create multiple desktops: On the taskbar, select Task view > New desktop . Open the apps you want to use on that desktop.

What are the 2 types of licensing models of enterprise applications? ›

User Licensing: Named Users vs Concurrent Users. User licensing allows software vendors to set their licensing fees based on the number of people who will use the software at your IT organization. The most common user licensing types are named user licensing and concurrent user licensing.

What are the 3 types of Windows licensing? ›

The three types of licenses are;
  • Full Packaged Product (FPP) or Retail. You can get this type of Windows license from retail merchants or buy from the Microsoft store. ...
  • OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). ...
  • Volume license keys for use on PCs associated with an organization.
Sep 18, 2021

Which of the following solutions are entitled to use Windows 10 multi-session? ›

Azure Virtual Desktop is the only solution that allows a Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session so that there can be multiple users on the same session host.

Why move to Windows 11 Enterprise? ›

Windows 11 Enterprise E3 upgrades Windows 11 Pro and adds:

A broad range of options for operating system deployment and update control. Comprehensive device and app management. Serverless print management with Universal Print. Advanced protection against modern security threats.

What is the main difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11? ›

A major difference between Windows 11 and Windows 10 is in its design. Windows 11 offers an interface that's more like a Mac, with pastel colors, rounded corners for all windows and a cleaner interface than its predecessor.

Should enterprises upgrade to Windows 11? ›

Businesses should ensure they have upgraded to Windows 11 by 2025, as after the operating system is no longer supported and running Windows 10 will be a major security risk.

What Windows 10 features are not available in Windows 11? ›

Support for showing windows labels on taskbar. Task Manager can no longer be opened by right-clicking taskbar (reinstated in September 2022 insider builds) "Time" is not displayed in the calendar when clicking on the "Date/Time" on taskbar. Scheduled events are not displayed in the calendar when opened.

Is Windows 11 Enterprise the same as pro? ›

Based on past experience, it's likely Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions will support most of the same features as Windows 11 Pro, but customers will be able to wait longer to install updates while still receiving support from Microsoft.

How do I activate Windows 11 Enterprise? ›

Activate Windows using a product key

During installation, you'll be prompted to enter a product key. Or, after installation, to enter the product key, select the Start button, and then select Settings > System > Activation > Update product key > Change product key.

How long can you use Windows 10 enterprise without activation? ›

Additionally, you can use an unactivated Windows 10 without any restrictions for one month after first installing it. This means that your system will behave as if it's activated for 30 days.

How many times can you use Windows 11 key? ›

You may use the software on up to two processors on the licensed computer at one time. Unless otherwise provided in these license terms, you may not use the software on any other computer. c.

Does Windows 10 enterprise license expire? ›

Question: I'm using Windows 10 that came installed on my computer and got a pop-up saying my windows license is expiring soon. What do I need to do? Answer: Windows 10 retail and OEM licenses (those that come preloaded on name brand machines) don't ever expire.

What is the difference between Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 enterprise? ›

Windows 10 Enterprise N includes the same functionality as Windows 10 Enterprise, except that it does not include certain media related technologies (Windows Media Player, Camera, Music, TV & Movies) and does not include the Skype app.

What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 10 enterprise? ›

Windows 10 Pro is the business version of Windows 10 that comes pre-installed on most PCs when you buy them from Dell, HP, Microsoft, etc. Windows 10 Enterprise however, is an add-on that sits on top of Windows 10 Pro for added security and mobile device management benefits.

Is there a difference between Windows 10 and Windows 10 enterprise? ›

The Enterprise edition is designed to meet the demands of medium to large organizations. This edition comes packed with even more sophisticated security features such as Device Guard to lock down devices, secure intranet connectivity, and domain-based credential protection.

How increase limit the number of simultaneous users more than 20 in Windows 10? ›

Move to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters. Double click on the users value in the right hand pane. Set the type to decimal and then enter the maximum number of simultaneous connections.

What is the maximum number of remote desktop connections? ›

With Windows, the number of concurrent remote connections allowed for a connection can be configured. By default, Windows only allows up to 2 concurrent RDP sessions to a VPS. If you want to connect to more than 2 users at the same time, you must install the RD session host role on your VPS.

How many users can concurrently use a Windows 10 virtual machine? ›

4 users in the same VM - Windows.

Is Windows 11 good for multitasking? ›

Windows 11 has several multitasking features that can split your screen. The split-screen features allow you to have multiple screens open simultaneously with different actions happening in each. The most common and obvious method for splitting your screen is using Windows Key + Right or Left Arrow.

How do I manage multiple screens in Windows 11? ›

Set up dual monitors on Windows
  1. Select Start , then open Settings .
  2. Under System , select Display . ...
  3. Use the dropdown list next to the image of your desktop to choose how your screen will project across your displays.
  4. Once you've chosen your setup, select Apply.

Why can't I see other computers on my network Windows 11? ›

Under the “More settings” section, click on “Advanced sharing settings.” Click the Private networks setting. Turn on the Network discovery toggle switch. Check the “Set up network connected devices automatically” option.

How do I make sure two computers are on the same network? ›

Step 1: Connect two Computers using an ethernet cable. Step 2: Click on Start->Control Panel->Network and Internet->Network and Sharing Center. Step 3: Click on option Change Advanced Sharing Settings in the upper-left side of the window. Step 4: Turn on file sharing.

What are the disadvantages of Windows 11? ›

With that said, below is our selection of the top complaints users have about Windows 11.
  • Windows 11's Hardware Requirements Are Too Stringent. ...
  • Changing Default Apps in Windows 11 Is Too Hard. ...
  • You Have to Sign in to a Microsoft Account to Use Windows 11. ...
  • Windows 11's Start Menu Is Less Usable Than Windows 10's.

Are there any downsides to upgrading to Windows 11? ›

The major con of Windows 11, though, is that you might not be able to run it. Even if you have a GPU capable of accelerating its brand-new desktop, the rest of your PC might not be up to the task. Microsoft reasons that you need great hardware to have great experiences.

What are the 4 major enterprise applications? ›

The Four Types of Enterprise Systems
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (E.R.P.) Systems. ...
  • Supply Chain Management (S.C.M.) Systems. ...
  • Customer Relationship Management (C.R.M.) Systems. ...
  • Knowledge Management Systems (K.M.S.)
May 25, 2021

What are the five models for enterprise application integration? ›

Five models for EAI
  • Point-to-point integration. The earliest application integrations were done using point-to-point connections. ...
  • Hub-and-spoke integration. ...
  • Bus integration. ...
  • Middleware. ...
  • Microservices.

What are the 4 types of software licenses? ›

The five categories of software licensing are:
  • Public domain license. A public domain license is the most open form of license software may have. ...
  • GNU Lesser General Public License (LPGL) ...
  • Permissive license. ...
  • Copyleft license. ...
  • Proprietary license.
Jul 13, 2021

What is Windows 10 11 Enterprise E3 license? ›

Windows 11 Enterprise E3 provides access to Windows 11 Enterprise edition, and includes a set of Windows cloud services that enable advanced protection against modern security threats, a broad range of options for operating system deployments and updates, and comprehensive device and application management.

Can I use Windows 11 license for Windows 10? ›

If so, that key will work to perform an upgrade, because all Windows 10 and Windows 11 product keys are interchangeable. In fact, product keys for Windows 7 Professional and Windows 8 Pro will also work to upgrade a Windows 11 Home installation.

How do I allow multiple RDP sessions in Windows 10 and 11? ›

Enable Multiple RDP Sessions
  1. Log into the server, where the Remote Desktop Services are installed.
  2. Open the start screen (press the Windows key) and type gpedit. ...
  3. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
Sep 6, 2022

Does Windows 10 enterprise get feature updates? ›

Windows 10 Enterprise and Education follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy. Beginning with Windows 10, version 21H2 (the Windows 10 November 2021 Update), feature updates will be released annually in the second half of the year via the General Availability Channel.

Does Windows 10 enterprise have feature updates? ›

Microsoft never publishes feature updates through Windows Update on devices that run Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC. Instead, it typically offers new LTSC releases every 2–3 years, and organizations can choose to install them as in-place upgrades or even skip releases over the product's lifecycle.

Do unsupported Windows 11 pcs get updates? ›

Meanwhile, the company has spread the message that installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC means it won't be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates in the future.

What happens to WSL when upgrading to Windows 11? ›

On Windows 11, Microsoft simplified the installation process of the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL) to only one command to download and install all the required components, which includes the virtual machine platform and Linux GUI apps. In addition, the command also installs the latest Ubuntu distro by default.

Which two features are available only in Windows 10 enterprise? ›

Device Guard and Credential guard are separate, but related, features. They're both new in Windows 10. Device Guard is designed to help secure an organization's computers.

Does Windows 10 enterprise expire? ›

Question: I'm using Windows 10 that came installed on my computer and got a pop-up saying my windows license is expiring soon. What do I need to do? Answer: Windows 10 retail and OEM licenses (those that come preloaded on name brand machines) don't ever expire.

What is the latest update for Windows 10 enterprise? ›

When the Windows 10 2022 Update aka Windows 10, version 22H2 is ready for your device, it will be available to download from the Windows Update page in Settings. Choose a time that works best for you to download the update. You'll then need to restart your device and complete the installation.

Is feature update to Windows 10 version 21H2 Windows 11? ›

Version 21H2 (OS build 22000)

Windows 11 will be offered as a free upgrade to eligible Windows 10 devices using a phased and measured approach with a focus on quality. Organizations can choose when and how to upgrade the devices they manage. For more details, see the How to get Windows 11.

How much better is Windows 11 than 10? ›

Windows 11 is snappier than Windows 10, but the differences are small in real-world use. The various optimizations in Windows 11 help it to run faster on weaker laptops, but you're not giving up a ton of performance with Windows 10.

Is it worth upgrading to Windows 11? ›

Windows 11 is worth it for most people. Although at first sight it looks familiar to Windows 10, there are a number of new features. Windows 11 allows you to download android apps, has face and voice recognition and has enhanced security features to protect your PC.

Is Windows 11 worth it on unsupported hardware? ›

If you try to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, you may experience unexpected results. Some of these results may include blue screens, system instability, and even data loss. You also won't receive updates directly from Microsoft, as they don't create them for your system.

Will switching to Windows 11 change anything? ›

Windows 11 features a new design with a centered Start menu and Taskbar. Windows 11 brings a brand-new, more Mac-like interface to the OS. It features a clean design with rounded corners and pastel shades. The iconic Start menu also moves to the center of the screen along with the Taskbar.

Will upgrading to Windows 11 Remove Programs? ›

The answer is No. As long as you select "Keep personal files and apps" during Windows Setup, you shouldn't lose anything.

Will Windows 11 affect my programs? ›

Will my existing apps and hardware devices work with Windows 11? Most apps and devices that work with Windows 10 should work as expected under Windows 11. The new operating system is sufficiently similar to its predecessor that the differences shouldn't pose a problem for most apps.

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