Managing applications in virtualized desktop and server environments has traditionally required IT teams to bake apps directly into base images, driving image sprawl, slower updates, and higher operational overhead. App attach in Azure Virtual Desktop changes that model by enabling applications to be delivered dynamically to user sessions, without installing them on the session host.
Since we announced general availability for App attach, support from customers and partners has grown significantly, especially among customers affected by the impending end of support for Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) Server components in April 2026.
App attach continues to expand support for dynamic application delivery across a broader range of deployment scenarios. We’re excited to share that App attach now supports Windows Server 2025 and Windows Server 2022 session hosts in Azure Virtual Desktop.
Benefits of App attach support for Windows Server
With App attach now supported on the two most recent versions of Windows Server, organizations can dynamically deliver MSIX, AppX, and App‑V packaged applications to server‑based multi‑session environments using the same deployment workflows they use today. This means customers can:
- Deploy applications to Windows Server 2025 and Windows Server 2022 session hosts
Apps no longer have to be baked into the base image. - Maintain a single golden image
Reduce image sprawl by managing applications independently from the operating system. - Bring their existing App‑V packages to Azure Virtual Desktop
Continue deploying previously packaged applications using the same App attach workflows without repackaging and without App-V Server infrastructure which reached end of support on April 14. - Accelerate application onboarding for pooled host pools
Assign and update applications independently of infrastructure lifecycle events such as scaling, reimaging, or host replacement. - Enable Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid customers to benefit from dynamic app delivery
Organizations migrating to Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid can leverage App attach to dynamically deliver applications to their session hosts without a complicated application migration.
Get started using App attach for dynamic application delivery on session hosts running Windows Server 2025 and Windows Server 2022—visit our App attach documentation to learn more.
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