Deploying a Simple Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

Updated: February 16, 2011

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2

Remote Desktop Virtualization Host (RD Virtualization Host) is a Remote Desktop Services role service included with Windows Server 2008 R2. RD Virtualization Host integrates with Hyper-V to provide virtual machines by using RemoteApp and Desktop Connection. RD Virtualization Host can be configured so that each user in your organization is assigned a unique virtual machine, or users are redirected to a shared virtual machine pool where a virtual machine is dynamically assigned.

RD Virtualization Host uses Remote Desktop Connection Broker (RD Connection Broker) to determine where the user is redirected. If a user is assigned and requests a personal virtual desktop, RD Connection Broker redirects the user to this virtual machine. If the virtual machine is not turned on, RD Virtualization Host turns on the virtual machine and then connects the user. If the user is connecting to a shared virtual machine pool, RD Connection Broker first checks to see if the user has a disconnected session in the pool. If the user has a disconnected session, they are reconnected to that virtual machine. If the user does not have a disconnected session, a virtual machine in that pool is dynamically assigned to the user, if one is available.

About this guide

The Remote Desktop Services Deployment Guide provides steps for deploying the following Remote Desktop Services designs:

  • Remote Desktop Services with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

  • Remote Desktop Services with session-based desktops