Windows Virtual Desktop (#WVD) x #Linux desktops

As we know, Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) is not supporting Linux virtual machines at the moment (and at the time this article is released).

Some developers, engineers and other user groups and customers rely on a Linux desktop and they want to benefit from all the security features like MFA, Conditional Access, etc.

But it is absolutely possible to provide a Linux Desktop via WVD.

One way could be through WSL2. The installation on a Windows 10 session host is documented here: Install WSL on Windows 10 | Microsoft Docs

But there is another option. You can quickly publish a Linux Desktop via WVD through a remote application.

Simply spin up a Linux virtual machine with the OS distribution of choice, in my case I choose Ubuntu. 

Connect to your new VM an install updates and xfce. E.g.

Install updates: sudo apt update

Install the desktop shell: sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop

Install xrdp: sudo apt install xrdp

Check the service status: sudo systemctl status xrdp

Add the current user account to the ssl-cert group to get access via RDP: sudo adduser xrdp ssl-cert.

Restart the service: sudo systemctl restart xrdp

 Configure the firewall to allow connection on 3389

sudo ufw allow from <YOUR-IP-CIDR > to any port 3389

sudo ufw reload

sudo ufw status 

Done, lets jump back to you session host and the Azure Portal.

Create a .rdp file with the hostname or IP-Address, download an icon of choice and store it on the session host(s).

Lastly configure your remote application in the Azure Portal.

Done! Enjoy your Linux desktop delivered through Windows Virtual Desktop and all security benefits ;)