AZ-140 Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

Prepare yourself thoroughly for the Microsoft AZ-140 exam with this immersive course that combines guided instruction, hands-on labs, and simulations available around the clock. This course is designed to help you gain practical experience and solid understanding of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), ensuring you have the knowledge and skills to succeed in both the exam and real-world deployments.

What you will learn

This course is structured to give you an in-depth understanding of all the concepts needed to master Azure Virtual Desktop. You will perform hands-on exercises that mirror real-world scenarios, allowing you to gain practical experience. By the end of the course, you will:

• Understand the core concepts and architecture of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows Virtual Desktop services.
  
  

• Acquire extensive practical experience with Azure Virtual Desktop deployment, management, and troubleshooting.
  
  

• Be prepared to answer questions and tackle scenarios similar to those on the AZ-140 certification exam.
  
  

• Gain confidence in planning, deploying, and maintaining Azure Virtual Desktop environments in enterprise settings.
  
  

• Learn to automate deployments and streamline operations using PowerShell, Azure CLI, ARM templates, and Bicep.

Requirements

To get the most from this training, you will need:

• A willingness to dedicate time to practicing the steps demonstrated in the course.
  
  

• Curiosity and interest in Azure cloud services and virtualization technologies.
  
  

• Basic familiarity with cloud concepts and Windows environments is helpful but not mandatory.

Course Description

This AZ-140 training is designed to go well beyond the scope of typical online courses, offering a comprehensive learning experience that combines high-quality lectures with hands-on labs and practical simulations. The course is specifically tailored for individuals who want to gain a deep understanding of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), previously known as Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), and prepare effectively for the AZ-140 certification exam. Unlike many courses that focus solely on theory, this training emphasizes both conceptual knowledge and practical skills, giving learners the opportunity to apply what they learn in a real-world, cloud-based environment.

The instruction is provided by a highly experienced trainer with over 20 years in the IT industry and extensive expertise in teaching Microsoft technologies. This instructor has guided thousands of students through certification and professional training programs, ensuring that lessons are clear, structured, and easy to follow, even for those who are just beginning their journey into cloud computing and virtual desktop technologies. Each module in this course is designed to gradually build on previous lessons, creating a logical progression from foundational topics to more advanced and specialized concepts. This ensures that learners develop a complete understanding of Azure Virtual Desktop, its architecture, management, and deployment practices.

The course begins by establishing a strong foundational knowledge of the Microsoft ecosystem, including Active Directory, virtualization principles, remote access services, and cloud-based infrastructure. Learners will gain insight into the key components of Azure, including Azure Active Directory, Microsoft Entra, and other cloud services that are essential for configuring and managing AVD environments. By setting up a personal practice environment in Azure, students can experiment with configurations and deployments, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a controlled, safe setting. This practical approach reinforces theoretical knowledge and allows learners to see how concepts are applied in real-life scenarios.

One of the unique features of this course is the inclusion of instructor-led simulations that guide learners through step-by-step procedures for setting up Azure Virtual Desktop environments. These exercises cover a wide range of tasks, from creating and configuring host pools and session hosts to implementing security measures, optimizing user profiles with FSLogix, and deploying applications using various delivery methods. Students will also learn how to monitor performance, implement autoscaling, and troubleshoot common issues, giving them confidence in managing Azure Virtual Desktop environments at scale.

The course also emphasizes automation and efficiency, introducing learners to tools such as PowerShell, Azure CLI, ARM templates, and Bicep for deploying and managing resources. By mastering these tools, learners can streamline their workflows, reduce manual tasks, and maintain consistent configurations across multiple environments. Additionally, the training covers best practices for disaster recovery, business continuity, and backup strategies, preparing students to design resilient AVD implementations that meet enterprise-level requirements.

Throughout the course, learners will benefit from a balanced approach that blends theoretical understanding with practical application. Each lesson is designed to encourage active participation, allowing students to implement configurations, troubleshoot problems, and validate their solutions. By the end of this training, learners will have a thorough grasp of all aspects of Azure Virtual Desktop, from foundational concepts to advanced deployment, management, and security practices. They will be well-equipped not only to pass the AZ-140 exam but also to confidently manage and optimize AVD environments in real-world organizational settings, making this course an essential investment for anyone seeking to specialize in Azure Virtual Desktop technologies.

Foundational concepts and setup

Before diving into the advanced topics of Azure Virtual Desktop, it is essential to build a strong foundation in several core areas that are fundamental to successfully deploying and managing virtual desktops in the cloud. This course begins by ensuring learners have a thorough understanding of the Microsoft ecosystem, Active Directory, virtualization, and the critical components of Microsoft cloud services. By establishing this base, students will be better prepared to tackle more complex tasks later in the course and gain confidence in managing enterprise-level Azure environments.

The first modules provide an overview of the Microsoft ecosystem, detailing how Azure fits into modern enterprise IT infrastructures. Students will learn about the strategic role of cloud computing in organizations, including the advantages of scalability, centralized management, and integration with existing on-premises systems. Understanding this broader context helps learners see where Azure Virtual Desktop fits within a complete IT environment and why careful planning is necessary for successful deployments.

Next, the course focuses on the core concepts of Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). Learners will explore the significance of identity and access management, understanding how user authentication, authorization, and group policies play a critical role in securing enterprise environments. Detailed explanations of domain controllers, forests, organizational units, and trust relationships provide students with the knowledge needed to configure and manage Active Directory in both on-premises and hybrid cloud scenarios.

Virtualization fundamentals are another critical area covered in this section. Students will gain insight into the principles of virtualization, including how virtual machines operate, the benefits of desktop and application virtualization, and the role of remote access services (RAS) in delivering applications to users. The course also introduces network demilitarized zones (DMZ) and their purpose in providing secure access points for external connections while protecting internal networks. Understanding these foundational networking concepts ensures learners can effectively plan and implement Azure Virtual Desktop solutions that are both secure and efficient.

In addition to virtualization and networking basics, learners will become familiar with the key components of Microsoft cloud services. Topics include Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), Microsoft Entra, and other cloud-based tools that support identity management, authentication, and secure resource access. The course emphasizes how these services integrate with Azure Virtual Desktop, allowing organizations to manage users, groups, and devices seamlessly across cloud and on-premises environments.

Hands-on setup sessions are a crucial part of this foundational training. Students will be guided step-by-step through creating a free Azure account, activating an Entra ID P2 license, and registering a custom domain for their practice environment. These exercises allow learners to explore Azure’s interface, navigate essential settings, and gain practical experience before working with more complex configurations. The course also covers the setup of an Active Directory Domain Services domain controller in Azure, as well as the configuration of Azure AD Connect to synchronize on-premises directories with Azure AD. This integration provides the foundation for managing users and devices across hybrid environments.

Optional foundational topics expand on managing Azure resources using PowerShell and Azure Cloud Shell. Students will learn how to automate common administrative tasks, create scripts for resource deployment, and perform essential operations efficiently. Additionally, the course introduces Azure virtual networks and subnets, explaining how to create network topologies that support secure and reliable connectivity for virtual desktops. Learners will also explore configuring route tables, setting up Azure Firewall, and using Azure Firewall Manager to control and monitor traffic. These hands-on exercises ensure students understand the practical steps needed to protect and optimize network infrastructure for Azure Virtual Desktop deployments.

By completing this foundational section, learners gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence necessary to move forward into deploying, managing, and securing Azure Virtual Desktop environments. They will have a solid understanding of the Microsoft ecosystem, identity management, virtualization, networking, and cloud services—all critical elements for successfully implementing enterprise-grade virtual desktop solutions.

Networking for Azure Virtual Desktop

The course provides comprehensive instruction on networking for Azure Virtual Desktop, including planning, implementation, and management. Key topics include:

• Assessing network capacity and speed requirements for AVD environments.
  
  

• Planning Azure virtual network connectivity, including connections to the internet and on-premises resources.
  
  

• Configuring RDP Shortpath and quality of service policies to optimize performance.
  
  

• Planning and implementing name resolution for AVD sessions.
  
  

• Monitoring and troubleshooting network connectivity issues.

Storage planning and implementation

Proper storage planning is critical for AVD, and this course covers storage requirements in detail. You will learn how to:

• Plan storage for user data, considering performance and scalability needs.
  
  

• Understand FSLogix components for profile management.
  
  

• Create and configure storage accounts and file shares.
  
  

• Implement Azure NetApp Files for high-performance scenarios.

Host pool and session host management

A significant part of the course focuses on planning and deploying host pools and session hosts. You will gain knowledge on:

• Organizing Azure resources, including subscriptions, resource groups, and management groups.
  
  

• Choosing operating systems and licensing models suitable for your AVD deployment.
  
  

• Designing host pool architecture to meet performance and scalability requirements.
  
  

• Calculating and implementing virtual machine configurations for optimal session host performance.

You will also gain hands-on experience creating host pools and session hosts via the Azure portal, automating deployments using PowerShell, Azure CLI, ARM templates, and Bicep, and configuring host pool settings and session host images.

Image creation and lifecycle management

Managing session host images is crucial for maintaining a consistent and secure environment. The course guides you through:

• Creating golden images manually and using Azure VM Image Builder.
  
  

• Modifying and updating session host images to deploy new applications or updates.
  
  

• Planning and implementing image storage strategies using Azure Compute Gallery.
  
  

• Implementing lifecycle management and OS/application update processes for session hosts.

Identity management and authentication

A strong understanding of identity integration is essential for AVD deployments. This course covers:

• Choosing an appropriate identity management and authentication strategy.
  
  

• Understanding AVD requirements for AD DS, Azure AD DS, and Azure AD, part of Microsoft Entra.
  
  

• Planning and implementing multifactor authentication.
  
  

• Configuring Azure AD Conditional Access policies for secure AVD connections.
  
  

• Assigning roles and managing access using Azure role-based access control (RBAC).

Security planning and implementation

Ensuring the security of AVD environments is a core focus of the course. You will learn how to:

• Implement and manage security using Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
  
  

• Configure Microsoft Defender Antivirus on session hosts.
  
  

• Manage network security and administrative access using Azure Bastion.
  
  

• Implement threat protection using Windows Defender Application Control.

FSLogix and user experience

Optimizing user experience in AVD requires proper configuration of FSLogix and client settings. Topics include:

• Installing and configuring FSLogix for profile containers, Office Containers, and Cloud Cache.
  
  

• Selecting and deploying AVD clients across multiple devices.
  
  

• Configuring device redirection, printing, session timeouts, and Start VM on Connect.
  
  

• Assigning personal desktops and deploying applications using MSIX app attach and RemoteApp.
  
  

• Managing OneDrive, Teams, and other applications in a multi-session environment.

Monitoring and management

Monitoring AVD environments ensures smooth performance and early detection of issues. You will learn:

• Configuring log collection and analysis for session hosts.
  
  

• Monitoring using Azure Monitor and customizing workbooks for AVD metrics.
  
  

• Using Azure Advisor for recommendations and insights.
  
  

• Implementing autoscaling for host pools to optimize resources.

Business continuity and disaster recovery

The course also prepares you to maintain business continuity and recover from potential disasters. You will learn how to:

• Plan and implement update strategies for session host agents.
  
  

• Design disaster recovery strategies for AVD environments, including multi-region deployments.
  
  

• Implement backup strategies to protect user data and critical infrastructure.
  
  

• Clean up practice environments to maintain security and cost-efficiency.

Who this course is for

• IT professionals aiming to deepen their knowledge of Azure Virtual Desktop.
  
  

• Individuals preparing for the AZ-140 certification exam.
  
  

• Beginners who are new to Microsoft cloud services and want structured, guided learning.
  
  

• Those with some experience in Microsoft cloud services seeking hands-on practice to solidify their skills.

Course Benefits

Enrolling in this AZ-140 Azure Virtual Desktop training provides numerous advantages for IT professionals seeking to enhance their skills and prepare for certification. The course is designed to combine theory with practical, hands-on experience, ensuring learners not only understand concepts but also know how to apply them effectively in real-world environments.

• Gain comprehensive knowledge of Azure Virtual Desktop, from basic concepts to advanced deployment, security, and monitoring practices.
  
  

• Obtain practical, hands-on experience through instructor-led labs and simulations that reinforce learning.
  
  

• Build a strong foundation in related technologies such as Active Directory, virtualization, Azure AD, Microsoft Entra, and cloud networking.
  
  

• Learn how to plan, configure, and manage host pools, session hosts, and user environments efficiently.
  
  

• Understand identity management, multifactor authentication, and conditional access policies to secure virtual desktop environments.
  
  

• Develop skills in FSLogix configuration, application delivery, and user profile management for optimized performance.
  
  

• Acquire expertise in deploying and managing virtual networks, storage solutions, and Azure Firewalls for secure and reliable connectivity.
  
  

• Master automation tools like PowerShell, Azure CLI, ARM templates, and Bicep for efficient resource deployment.
  
  

• Learn best practices for monitoring, troubleshooting, autoscaling, and implementing business continuity strategies.
  
  

• Prepare thoroughly for the AZ-140 certification exam with structured, practical, and instructor-led guidance.

Completing this AZ-140 Azure Virtual Desktop course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to design, deploy, and manage virtual desktop environments in Azure. From foundational concepts like Active Directory and virtualization to advanced topics such as FSLogix, security policies, and autoscaling, every module is designed to provide hands-on experience and practical understanding. Take what you’ve learned and apply it to optimize, secure, and manage Azure Virtual Desktop environments with confidence.

Enroll Today

Take the next step in your IT career by enrolling in the AZ-140 Azure Virtual Desktop training today. This course is designed to provide a complete learning experience, combining high-quality instruction, practical labs, and hands-on simulations to ensure you gain both theoretical knowledge and real-world skills. Whether you are new to Azure or already have some experience with Microsoft cloud services, this training will guide you through every aspect of Azure Virtual Desktop, from foundational concepts to advanced deployment, security, and monitoring practices.

By enrolling, you will have access to instructor-led demonstrations, step-by-step exercises, and a supportive learning environment that allows you to practice and apply your skills at your own pace. Completing this course will prepare you to confidently manage Azure Virtual Desktop environments and successfully pass the AZ-140 certification exam. Don’t wait—start building your expertise, advancing your career, and mastering Azure Virtual Desktop today.