Need assistance on Host pool migration

Question

Hello Team,

In our existing environment we are having the host pools joined through the AD joined and session host running with windows 10 Enterprise and using the fslogix to store profiles. Now we wanted to move the existing host pool setup to Entra ID joined. Now we wanted to know how can we implement this with existing setup and also what all the challenges we face with fslogix profiles and is it possible to change the windows 10 to 11 Enterprise.

Appreciate your assistance on the query !!

Thanks!

Regards,

Krishna Reddy

Answer 1

To migrate your existing host pool from Active Directory (AD) joined to Microsoft Entra ID joined, you will need to follow several steps and consider potential challenges, especially regarding FSLogix profiles.

Migration Steps:

1. Prepare Your Environment: Ensure that your session hosts are compatible with Entra ID and that you have the necessary permissions to make changes.
2. Update FSLogix: Ensure that you are using the latest version of FSLogix, as it may have improvements and fixes that facilitate the migration process.
3. Configure Profile Containers: You will need to set up FSLogix profile containers for the Entra ID environment. This involves configuring the registry settings for FSLogix on your session hosts to point to the correct storage locations for profiles. You can refer to the documentation on how to configure FSLogix for Entra ID.
4. Testing: Before fully migrating, test the setup with a small group of users to ensure that profiles are being stored and retrieved correctly.
5. User Migration: Plan how you will migrate user profiles from the existing local profiles to the new FSLogix profile containers. This may involve deleting existing local profiles to avoid conflicts.
6. Monitor and Adjust: After migration, monitor the performance and user experience, and make any necessary adjustments.

Challenges with FSLogix Profiles:

• Profile Conflicts: If users have existing local profiles, these may need to be deleted before the new FSLogix profiles can be created. This can lead to data loss if not handled carefully.
• Permissions: Ensure that users have the correct permissions to access the new profile containers in Azure Files or the chosen storage solution.
• Testing and Validation: Thorough testing is crucial to ensure that profiles are loading correctly and that user settings are preserved.

Changing Windows 10 to Windows 11 Enterprise:

Yes, it is possible to upgrade from Windows 10 Enterprise to Windows 11 Enterprise. Ensure that your hardware meets the requirements for Windows 11 and that you follow the appropriate upgrade path. You may need to reconfigure FSLogix settings after the upgrade to ensure compatibility.

By following these steps and being aware of the challenges, you can successfully migrate your host pool to Entra ID and upgrade your operating system.

Answer 2

Gowkanapalli Venkata Krishna Reddy

To shift your existing Azure environment from AD joined host pools to Entra ID joined ones and have some questions about the migration process, especially regarding FSLogix profiles and potentially upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Here's a breakdown of what you can consider - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/manual-migration

Migration to Entra ID joined Host Pools : You need to set up new host pools that are Entra ID joined. This involves creating a new host pool and registering session hosts manually or utilizing PowerShell scripts. You can find the procedure here for more guidance on the migration steps.

FSLogix Profiles: FSLogix profile containers should work similarly after migrating to Entra ID joined host pools. However, it's crucial to back up your existing profiles and test the migration before executing it at scale. The official FSLogix documentation might provide further insights into managing profiles during your transition.

Upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 - Changing from Windows 10 to Windows 11 Enterprise is indeed possible. Just ensure that your existing FSLogix profile configurations are compatible with Windows 11. It’s advisable to backup the profiles and conduct a test migration to ensure everything works smoothly. For detailed guidance on user profile management, refer to the User profile management for Azure Virtual Desktop. - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/fslogix-profile-containers

Domain Join Issues: Please ensure that your DNS settings are correctly configured to recognize the Entra ID, especially during the migration.

There may be specific settings in FSLogix that could require adjustments to work seamlessly post-migration, so verify that your settings align with what's supported for Windows 11.

Be mindful of the resource requirements and any potential quota limits in your Azure subscription.