Install Microsoft 365 copilot app in AVD multi session hosts for all users

Hi Nazeer, Shalomon

Thanks for reaching out Q/A. Regarding your qery, I found the official documentation to install Microsoft 365 Apps on a shared virtual machine.

Yes, it is possible to install the Microsoft 365 app for all users on Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) multi-session hosts, even when the Microsoft Store is disabled. While the standalone installer (.exe) typically installs the app only for the current user, there are alternative methods to deploy it across all user sessions.

1. The Office Deployment Tool (ODT) allows for the installation of Microsoft 365 Apps on shared environments like AVD. By configuring the ODT with the SharedComputerLicensing setting, you can ensure that the Copilot app is available to all users on the session host.

As per below documentation In your configuration.xml, include

<Property Name="SharedComputerLicensing" Value="1" />

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/deploy/deploy-microsoft-365-apps-remote-desktop-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com#install-microsoft-365-apps-on-an-rds-server

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/deploy/deploy-microsoft-365-apps-operating-system-image

To download office deployment tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49117

This method ensures that the Microsoft 365 app is installed for all users and supports shared computer environments.

NOTE: Installing Microsoft 365 Apps via ODT does not automatically install the standalone Microsoft 365 Copilot app unless your Office apps are updated to include it. The Copilot app is being rolled out gradually starting Fall 2025.

2. Azure Virtual Desktop's App Attach feature allows you to dynamically attach applications to user sessions without installing them directly on the session host. This can be particularly useful for deploying applications like Microsoft 365 app across all user sessions.

• App Attach works only for MSIX packages.
• The Microsoft 365 Copilot app is currently distributed as an AppX package via the Microsoft Store. Converting it to MSIX is technically possible but not officially documented for Copilot yet.

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/app-attach-setup?tabs=portal

MSIX image: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/app-attach-create-msix-image?tabs=cim

3. If you prefer to have the Copilot app pre-installed on the session hosts, you can create a custom virtual hard disk (VHD) image with the app installed. All new session hosts deployed from this image will have the Copilot app available for all users.

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/install-office-on-wvd-master-image

You can refer below documentation about Microsoft 365 Copilot app https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/deploy-microsoft-365-copilot-app

Hope this helps! For more details, please refer provided official documentations.