Virtual desktop for small business in different locations

Question

Using Azure for my small business is too expensive. I am looking for the cheapest solution to create a virtual desktop. I have an employee at a different location and want to set up a low cost virtual desktop. This virtual desktop should include data security and ensure no data can be saved onto a hard drive. I am currently using Windows 10 pro. If possible please send step by step instructions.

Answer 1

You can create a separate user account for your employee, enable RDP, and use group policy to block drive and clipboard redirection, this stops them from saving or transferring data to their local machine. For secure access, setting up a free WireGuard VPN lets them connect safely.

Alternatively, you might consider remote desktop tools that are easier to set up with less hassle, like HelpWire. It’s free, simple for non-tech users, works across platforms, is secure, and lets you control file access.

Answer 2

Hi. Thank you for your question and reaching out. I’d be more than happy to help you with your query.

There are a few options for creating a low-cost virtual desktop for your small business, with varying levels of cost and complexity. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Remote Desktop Services (RDS) on Windows Server: This is a built-in feature of Windows Server that allows you to set up a remote desktop environment. You can set up a virtual desktop on a Windows Server machine and have your remote employee connect to it using the Remote Desktop client. This option requires that you have a Windows Server machine to host the virtual desktop, but it can be relatively low-cost if you already have the server hardware.
2. Azure RemoteApp: This is a cloud-based service from Microsoft Azure that allows you to create virtualized versions of your Windows applications that can be accessed remotely. Azure RemoteApp is a subscription-based service and it is more expensive compared to the first option but it is fully managed and eliminates the need to have your own server.
3. Windows Virtual Desktop: It is a service offered by Azure which allows you to create a virtual desktop environment in the cloud. It is more expensive than RemoteApp and RDS but it provides more functionalities and better management.
4. Third-party remote desktop software: There are several third-party remote desktop software options available, such as TeamViewer or RemotePC, that allow you to set up a virtual desktop environment. These options may be less expensive than the options above, but they may also have limitations or lack certain features.

For security, you can use Azure Information Protection to encrypt data and prevent it from being saved on a hard drive.

Please be noted that the steps for each options are different and involve different complexity, it is recommended to consult an IT professional or reach out to Microsoft to help you configure the virtual desktop that fits your needs and budget.

If the reply was helpful, please don’t forget to upvote or accept as answer, thank you.

Answer 3

Thanks @Lukemurry, if you can please quote the price to hold one license? There is just one employee that I want to have access to the virtual desktop. Every time I looked into this solution the costs for Azure were too expensive. What will this cost? I understand it works off data download or something? I run all data off my Microsoft OneDrive, roughly 150GB?

Answer 4

Hi, Alan.

Yes, you can, look at Azure Virtual Desktop.

Make sure the employee is licensed:

[https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/virtual-desktop/

Then you can create an Azure Virtual Desktop environment

[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/create-host-pools-azure-marketplace?tabs=azure-portal

[https://luke.geek.nz/azure/create-a-azure-virtual-desktop-farm/

With Azure AD Joined:

[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/example-scenario/wvd/azure-virtual-desktop-azure-active-directory-join

In the Host Pool settings, make sure you select No to local drive redirections, and Clipboard is disabled, to stop copy and paste.