Best Windows license module for VDI solution

Question

I would like to understand the License module for VDI Solution.

Answer 1

Dear Team,

The best Windows license for a VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) solution is Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) or Windows Enterprise E3/E5 (via Microsoft 365 subscription).

Explanation (no fluff):

• If your users use company-owned devices running Windows 10/11 Enterprise: Buy Microsoft 365 E3/E5 or Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3/E5 per user license. This includes VDI rights.

If users connect from non-Windows or BYOD devices (Mac, Linux, thin clients): You must buy Windows VDA per user license for each user who connects to the VDI.

Summary:

Best for most businesses: Microsoft 365 E3/E5 per user (includes Windows, Office, EMS, VDI rights)

For non-Windows endpoints: Windows VDA per user

Note: You still need RDS CALs or equivalent if using Remote Desktop Services-based VDI.

Bottom line: Microsoft 365 E3/E5 per user is the most complete, future-proof, and scalable option for VDI deployments.The best Windows license for a VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) solution is Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) or Windows Enterprise E3/E5 (via Microsoft 365 subscription).

Explanation (no fluff):

If your users use company-owned devices running Windows 10/11 Enterprise:
Buy Microsoft 365 E3/E5 or Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3/E5 per user license. This includes VDI rights.

If users connect from non-Windows or BYOD devices (Mac, Linux, thin clients):
You must buy Windows VDA per user license for each user who connects to the VDI.

Summary:

Best for most businesses: Microsoft 365 E3/E5 per user (includes Windows, Office, EMS, VDI rights)

For non-Windows endpoints: Windows VDA per user

Note:
You still need RDS CALs or equivalent if using Remote Desktop Services-based VDI.

Bottom line:
Microsoft 365 E3/E5 per user is the most complete, future-proof, and scalable option for VDI deployments.

Best Regards,

Answer 2

...that is IF (and that is a huge "if"!) said M365 licenses were NOT obtained through an MCA/CSP contract.

Why?

Product Terms state for Windows Desktop Operating Systems

"Microsoft Customer Agreement Activation Use Rights🔗

For Customers licensed under a Microsoft Cloud Agreement or Microsoft Customer Agreement,

• Software Assurance Benefits do not apply."

Since VDA is an SA benefit you obviously don't have it if you use your MCA/CSP contract.

So if you have that contract you will have to add the "VDA Add-on for M365 E3/E5 (User SL)" license which is only available in this contract for a reason... ;-)

Cheers!