Windows Virtual Desktop takes Windows 10 mobility to the next level by delivering application and desktop experiences to your users wherever they are. For companies pursuing digital transformation or implementing a remote work strategy for their employees, WVD sounds great, and it is, except, you still have to manage the Windows 10 inside of it.

Using WVD doesn’t magically free you from Windows 10 security and management requirements. Your best practices should still be top of mind:

• Standard Users should not have Admin Rights but still be able to do their work.
• Users should have a Start Screens customized for them.
• Applications should be configured to work securely.
• Windows 10 should be optimal, like applications being mapped to their expected file types
• Critical web application should be mapped to their most secure, optimized browser

But how you do manage these things within WVD? Do you use Group Policy, MDM?

Well, the same desktop management solution that manages policies for on-premise and MDM environments is ideally suited for Windows virtual environments as well. In fact, PolicyPak has been supporting VDI for years.

Implementing Windows Virtual Desktop

First off, if you are new to WVD, then you need to learn how to implement it. You can easily create a test environment to check it out and see if it is right for you. Here at PolicyPak, we have created an easy-to-follow guide to steer you through the process which can get a bit complicated at times. You can access the step-by-step guide here.

Removing Admin Rights & Application Elevation for WVD

Just like a traditional Windows 10 machine, you do not want to “give away the keys to the castle” of local admin rights to what should be standard users. While users won’t be installing applications into their virtual environments, there are some instances that application experiences become interrupted by a UAC prompt that then stop everything.

For instance, standard users cannot even auto-update the very Remote Desktop app that initiates WVD itself. That isn’t good, but it is not an issue with PolicyPak. Watch this video demonstration showing how to ensure that users can auto-update the Remote Desktop App.

Some applications need local rights to operate specific functions within the application. Give users full uninterrupted access to these applications by using PolicyPak Least Privilege Manager. Watch this video demonstration to ensure that users avoid UAC prompts and receive the permissions they need for necessary programs, processes and functionality.

Fully Manage the Start Screen

If you want to deliver the full virtual desktop experience to your users, then you want to deliver the same consistent Windows 10 Start Screen that highlights the apps your users need. With PolicyPak, you can have full control over the entire Windows 10 Start Screen and Taskbar areas for any physical or virtual Windows 10 desktop experience. Watch this video demonstration to see how you can customize and lockdown the Windows 10 Start Screen for the WVD user experience.

Ensure the Same Consistent Secure Application Experience

Even though your users are accessing applications through a virtual connection, you still want them to have the exact same experience they are accustomed to on their physical machines. With PolicyPak Application Manager, you can configure and delivery application settings for hundreds of the most popular applications found in enterprises today. Watch this video demonstration to see how you can deliver settings for applications such as Firefox, Flash, Adobe and Java.

GPOs that are Smarter and Fewer in Number

While PolicyPak allows you to make policies to manage your VWD, on premise and MDM environments, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for GPO sprawl. PolicyPak doesn’t have to enable more GPOs, just smarter ones. Create collections that than smart target GPOs to select devices using item-level targeting. Watch this video demonstration to see how you can consolidate all WVD related policies.

Match Cloud Application with their Optimal Browser

WVD is all about the cloud. It is the cloud that allows your users to work remotely. Wouldn’t it be great to guarantee that your primary cloud applications always operate within their most optimum browser? You can with PolicyPak Browser Router. With PolicyPak Browser Router you can configure websites to open in the browser you choose, or block designated websites entirely. You can also end the default browser war forever. Watch this video demonstration to see how you can finally get a handle on your multi-browser environment.

Conclusion

With the accelerated interest in remote work strategies, WVD is the right technology at the right time, and PolicyPak is the right way to manage it. Regardless of the Windows 10 environment, PolicyPak has the solutions to manage and secure it.