Microsoft is doing away with passwords for Azure Virtual Desktop
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Microsoft is now giving a public preview of a single sign-on experience for Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), enabling passwordless authentication for users.
Users can now use Windows Hello and security devices such as FIDO2 keys to login, as well as third-party identity management services that integrate with Azure AVD.
In addition, users can use passwordless authentication to log in to the host computer with Azure ADV as well as within the session when using the Windows client.
How can I get started?
This new functionality is currently only available for Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2022 session hosts, and only if you have installed the September Cumulative Update Preview.
You can follow the instructions (opens in new tab) from Microsoft on configuring single sign-on, which will guide you through enabling the new authentication protocol. And if you want a quick overview of how the new functionality works as a whole, check this out introduction video (opens in new tab) at Azure Academy.
In particular, if you want to use Windows Hello and security keys within the session, Microsoft has also provided instructions (opens in new tab) for passwordless in-session authentication that explains how to use the new WebAuthn redirect functionality.
If you’re interested in trying out a virtual desktop, Microsoft isn’t the only game in town for Azure users.
Citrix has announced that its Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) offering is now available through Microsoft’s Azure Marketplace, which will reportedly simplify the delivery of Windows and Linux virtual desktops and applications to Microsoft customers.
Oracle VirtualBox users can now also use Windows 11, after the database giant fixed a known issue that caused the virtual machine to crash when the operating system was running.
- Want to reduce the time you spend on passwords? Check out our guide to the best password managers