Staying ahead with the latest AVD enhancements means more speed, better performance, and a consistently smooth user experience. Fabs Solutions brings you the highlights from Microsoft's latest updates — so you can unlock the full potential of your Azure Virtual Desktop environment.
1. Azure Virtual Desktop support for external identities, without FSLogix (preview)
You can now provide Azure Virtual Desktop resources for an external identity. There is no change to the administrative flow to assign the resources, as you still assign the user to the app group.
The current preview support of external identities doesn't support the use of FSLogix.
For more information, see External identity (preview), along with appropriate Azure Virtual Desktop licensing guidance.
2. Managed identity support for all host pools using session host configuration and cross-subscription image support
Expanded support for adding a managed identity to all Azure Virtual Desktop host pools. Creating a new host pool with a session host configuration in Azure portal with require assigning a managed identity. This removes the need to assign permissions to the Azure Virtual Desktop service principal when using a session host configuration with your host pool. In addition, this also provides:
Granular per-host pool control of permissions required to create and update session hosts
Permissions auto assigned based on session host configuration parameters
Support for key vaults with public access disabled that allow access from trusted Microsoft services
Support for accessing images hosted in another Azure subscription within the same tenant
Learn more about using managed identities with Azure Virtual Desktop host pools and deploying a host pool using session host configuration.
3. Global expansion of TURN Relay
Microsoft has expanded the TURN relay infrastructure globally, deploying it across 39 Azure regions with a dedicated IP range of 51.5.0.0/16 for Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. This transition from the previously shared 20.202.0.0/16 subnet enhances RDP Shortpath for Public Networks, offering improved performance, reliability, and user experience.
4. AVD Agent Version 1.0.12183.1200
Enhanced logic during initial connection to deliver more reliable and consistent session behavior.
Resolved an issue where the bootloader updater crashes due to missing service setup.
Removed sensitive identifiers from customer-facing logs to strengthen privacy and ensure compliance.
Refined provisioning behavior to deliver a smoother customer experience.
Enhanced provisioning to improve error handling and reboot management.
Learn about AVD Agent improvements →
5. SxS Network Stack – Version 1.0.2507.25300
The updated SxS Network Stack improves UDP session reliability and introduces deeper diagnostics. These upgrades help stabilize connections even under suboptimal network conditions — a vital step forward for mobile and global workforces.
Learn about SxS enhancements →
6. FSLogix – Version 25.09
Fixed an issue where a redirection removed prior to sign out resulted in a bugcheck E3 or 24 (Stop Code: 0xE3, 0x24)
Removed a driver feature flag that indicated support for “Query_Open” when it didn't exist in the driver.
Fixed an issue where a single item in the redirected Recycle Bin would display the incorrect name when emptied.
Fixed an issue when creating an application rule for specify value, the wrong UI was displayed.
Added new exclusions to our profile deletion exclusions.
With these enhancements, Azure Virtual Desktop is better positioned than ever to deliver enterprise-grade performance. Whether you're optimising for video, reliability, or remote access consistency, now is the time to implement these updates across your AVD estate.
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