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Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) is no longer under active development and has moved to a fixed extended support lifecycle. During extended support, Microsoft continues to release it as part of Windows. However, you can't request changes to product design or new features. For more information, see Fixed lifecycle policy.
Is there a new end of support date for the App-V client and sequencer?
No, the App-V client and sequencer follow the lifecycle of their corresponding Windows version. They aren't deprecated.
Are the App-V server components still supported?
Yes. App-V server remains in fixed extended support through October 9, 2029. For more information, see Fixed lifecycle policy.
By using App-V app attach, you can use your App-V packages with Azure Virtual Desktop without needing to run your own server. There are also non-Microsoft server products that you can use with your existing App-V packages.
Will I have to pay extra to use App-V as part of fixed extended support?
No, there are no changes to App-V's existing pricing model.
Should I migrate away from App-V?
Yes. Since App-V server is no longer in active development, start migrating toward supported alternatives. If you migrate from on-premises to the cloud, by using App-V app attach, you can use your App-V packages with Azure Virtual Desktop. However, since the client and sequencer follow the lifecycle of their corresponding Windows version, development is constrained to bugs and security fixes, not new features.
Microsoft application formats
MSIX format
One alternative to the virtualized App-V format is to use MSIX. MSIX is a Windows app package format that provides a modern packaging experience to all Windows apps. The MSIX package format preserves the functionality of existing app packages and installation files. It also enables new, modern packaging and deployment features to Win32, Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), and Windows Forms apps.
MSIX enables you to stay current and ensure your applications are always up to date. IT administrators and app developers can deliver a user-centric solution while still reducing the cost of app ownership by reducing the need to repackage. Device management tools like Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Configuration Manager support MSIX.
For a high-level overview and comparison between App-V and MSIX formats, see Feature-based comparison of Application Virtualization and MSIX.
Remote solutions
Two features in Azure Virtual Desktop enable you to dynamically attach applications from an application package to a user session. For more information, see MSIX app attach and app attach in Azure Virtual Desktop.
With both MSIX app attach and App-V app attach, applications aren't installed locally on session hosts or images. This behavior makes it easier to create custom images for your session hosts and reduces operational overhead and costs for your organization.
Conversion tools
Microsoft provides many tools that allow you to create MSIX packages or generate app attach files.
Microsoft tools
App attach features
For more information, see App attach features.
To learn more about the latest version of app attach for Azure Virtual Desktop, see App attach and MSIX app attach in Azure Virtual Desktop.
MSIX toolkit
For more information, see MSIX Toolkit.
The MSIX toolkit is a collection of tools and scripts that enable IT admins and app developers to build and manage MSIX packages. The toolkit is an open source project on GitHub. Customers and enthusiasts can contribute directly and provide suggestions and feedback on the available content.
The kit includes tools and scripts to help you get started.
MSIX packaging tool
One of the tools that Microsoft provides for automating conversion from App-V to MSIX is the MSIX packaging tool. This tool allows you to repackage your existing App-V applications into the MSIX format, which is the modern standard for Windows app delivery. Use the tool to create new MSIX packages or modify existing ones, and test them on various devices and platforms. You can also use the tool to sign your packages with a certificate or integrate them with the Microsoft Store.
For more information, including how to download and install, see MSIX packaging tool.
To create an MSIX package from App-V and other formats, see Create an MSIX package from any desktop installer.
MSIX community hub
If you have questions about MSIX, go to the MSIX community hub. Search for topics or create a new one. For example, see this bulk conversion article on App-V Batch conversion of your App-V 5 packages.
Partners
Microsoft has many partners that are ready to help you move your apps to MSIX. For more information, see MSIX partners.
If you want professional help to migrate from the App-V client to MSIX or other virtualization solutions, consider some of the companies in the Microsoft Partner network.