AVD - need to install windows app for all users

Question

Hello,

Want to install Windows app for all users on AVD host (windows 11 AVD)
however when i install it install for all user.
note: I have admin rights
is there any script to install for all user or whenever user logins it automatically installed for them.

Answer 1

Hello Nilesh,

Thank you for reaching out.

In a Windows 11 multi-session environment hosted on Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), the behavior you are seeing is expected. Even when you install an application using an administrator account, many modern installers (EXE/MSIX/Store-based) default to a per-user installation. In multi-session environments, each user profile is isolated, so applications installed in user context are not automatically available to other users who sign in to the same session host.

To make the application available to all users, please consider one of the following supported approaches:

1.Install the Application in System (All-Users) Context — Preferred

If the installer supports machine-wide deployment (for example MSI), install using an “all users” option:

msiexec /i <application>.msi ALLUSERS=1 /qn

This installs the application under Program Files and registers it for all users on the VM.

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/win32/msi/allusers

2. Include the Application in the AVD Golden Image

Install the application while building or updating the custom image, then redeploy session hosts from that image. This is the most common best practice for multi-session environments.

https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/set-up-customize-master-image

3.Use MSIX App Attach or Provisioning (for MSIX/AppX Apps)

MSIX applications should be provisioned or delivered using App Attach so they are available to all users without per-user installs.

https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/app-attach-overview

4.If you're using Intune in your organization, it can facilitate installing apps for users automatically upon login. Configuration of the apps for deployment can be done in the Intune admin center.

Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any queries in comments.

Answer 2

To install a Windows app for all users on an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) host, you can use the provisioning feature available in Windows. Here are the steps to ensure that the app is available for all users:

1. Provision the App: You can provision the app using tools like Configuration Manager or DISM. This will stage the app on the device and make it available to all users at their first logon.
   • For Configuration Manager, enable the option to Provision this application for all users on the device when creating the application deployment.
   • If using DISM, you can add the app package to the Windows image, which will make it available for every user upon their next logon.
2. PowerShell Script: If you prefer a script-based approach, you can use PowerShell to add the app package for all users. The Add-AppxPackage cmdlet can be used to install the app for a specific user, but provisioning it through the image is recommended for all users.
3. User-Specific Registration: After the app is provisioned, it will automatically register for each user when they log in, creating user-specific app data and shortcuts.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the Windows app is installed for all users on your AVD host.