Windows User State Virtualization

Download the Windows User State Virtualization Guide

Launch the download of the IPD guide for Windows User State Virtualization.

Launch the download of the entire Infrastructure Planning and Design Guide series.

Visit the Download Center to select another guide in the Infrastructure Planning and Design Guide series.

About This Guide

The Infrastructure Planning and Design (IPD) Guide for Windows User State Virtualization (USV) helps IT get started planning a Windows USV solution.

Windows® user state virtualization helps IT find the right balance between centralized management of business-critical data and a rich user desktop experience. Follow the stepwise approach in this IPD guide to gather relevant user and IT requirements. Then compare and contrast Windows USV technologies (Folder Redirection, Offline Files, and Roaming User Profiles) in light of scenarios that are relevant to your business. Also, leverage the subjective real-world guidance based on analysis of Windows USV deployments in mid to large organizations, and interviews with domain experts.

Reduce time and planning costs by following the processes in this IPD guide to design a successful Windows USV strategy.

IP&D - WUSV

Figure 1. Decision flow chart

In More Detail

The Infrastructure Planning and Design Guide for Windows User State Virtualization includes the following five-step process:

  • Step 1: Assess User Data Requirements. This step addresses virtualization of the user data aspects of Windows user state. This step involves identifying which portions of user data are important to the business, discovering technology limitations, and identifying real-world considerations that apply to the organization.

  • Step 2: Assess User Settings Requirements. This step addresses virtualization of the user settings portion of Windows user state. This step focuses on identifying which components of user settings are relevant to the business, discovering technology limitations, and identifying real-world considerations that apply to the organization.

  • Step 3: Evaluate Compatibility Considerations. This step involves identifying common real-world compatibility considerations for different operating systems, platforms, and applications that might affect the planning and design of a Windows USV solution.

  • Step 4: Evaluate Different usage Scenario Considerations. This step involves identifying three different usage scenario considerations to provide information that might affect the planning and design of a Windows USV solution. It also provides information about certain aspects of Outlook features and functionality.

  • Step 5: Evaluate Infrastructure and Manageability Requirements. This step focuses on identifying common network infrastructure and manageability requirements.

Feedback

Please send questions or comments about this guide to mailto:IPDfdbk@microsoft.com?subject=IPD%20-Windows%20User%20State%20Virtualization.

About Solution Accelerators

Solution Accelerators are authoritative resources that help IT pros plan, deliver, operate, and manage IT systems that address real-world scenarios. Solution Accelerators provide free, prescriptive guidance and automation to accelerate cross-product integration, core infrastructure development, and other enhancements.

Sign up to receive the Solution Accelerator Notifications newsletter so that you can stay informed about new Solution Accelerator releases and updates. The newsletter covers such areas of interest as:

  • Communication and collaboration

  • Security, data protection, and recovery

  • Deployment

  • Operations and management

See also