For customers with large application portfolios the challenges of migrating to a new packaging format are daunting. While many customers are excited about the prospect of embracing MSIX, a modern application packaging format, the impending April 2026 deprecation is weighing heavily on IT pros. We have news that addresses those concerns.
We’re excited to announce that Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) for Windows is now supported by App attach in Azure Virtual Desktop, marking a significant update in application delivery for virtual environments. With this new capability, organizations can incorporate their existing App-V packages into the App attach framework, enabling seamless integration and streamlined application delivery.
Additionally, we’re happy to share that App-V is shifting to an extended support phase, making it easier for admins to move their business-critical applications to Azure Virtual Desktop using App attach. Learn more about App-V entering an extended support phase.
A bridge to cloud-based technologies
App-V was introduced when on-premises virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) was the primary method for delivering and managing IT resources, especially for enterprise environments. As organizations adopted Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and similar solutions, the App-V format became essential for efficient application delivery and management in virtualized environments. However, packaging and deploying applications with App-V often required specialized servers, software, and knowledge.
Now, with cloud-based technologies such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, a shift to modern packaging solutions like App attach is needed. App-V support in App attach creates a bridge for organizations moving away from App-V, making the transition easier. IT admins can keep using their existing App-V packages while benefitting from the efficient delivery framework App attach provides.
Enabling continuity, simplifying transition and operations
App attach eliminates the need for this back-end infrastructure by shifting everything into the Azure Virtual Desktop control plane in Microsoft Azure. IT admins can now manage and deploy their App-V applications just as easily as they would with MSIX or AppX packages, enabling continuity and simplifying operations.
The Microsoft focus on modern solutions like App attach in Azure Virtual Desktop highlights the future direction of application delivery. This update enables organizations to integrate existing App-V packages within the App attach framework, offering a streamlined and efficient path forward as they transition to a more advanced, flexible solution.
Get started with App-V support in App attach
Visit the Azure Virtual Desktop admin area in the Azure portal to try App-V package support in App attach. Learn more about App attach by visiting our documentation.
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