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Azure Virtual Desktop (classic) retirement

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Important

This content applies to Azure Virtual Desktop (classic), which doesn't support Azure Resource Manager Azure Virtual Desktop objects.

Azure Virtual Desktop (classic) will retire on September 30, 2026. You should transition to Azure Virtual Desktop before that date.

Azure Virtual Desktop replaces Azure Virtual Desktop (classic). Here are some of the benefits of using Azure Virtual Desktop instead of Azure Virtual Desktop (classic):

  • Deployments via Azure Resource Manager (ARM)
  • Unified resource management
  • Improved networking and security
  • Scaling and automation features
  • Feature availability and updates

Retirement timeline

Beginning September 30, 2023, you'll no longer be able to create new Azure Virtual Desktop (classic) tenants. Existing Azure Virtual Desktop (classic) resources can still be managed, migrated, and are supported through September 30, 2026.

Important

If you have more than 500 application groups or manage multi-tenant environments, you can request an exemption.

Required action

To avoid service disruptions, migrate to Azure Virtual Desktop before September 30, 2026. Here are some articles to help you migrate:

Exemption process

To be able to continue creating tenants in Azure Virtual Desktop (classic), you need to create an exemption. An exemption is available if you have more than 500 application groups or manage multitenant environments. To create an exemption:

  1. Browse to New support request in the Azure portal.

  2. On the Problem description tab, complete the following information:

    Parameter Value/Description
    Issue type Select Technical from the drop-down list
    Subscription Select a subscription containing Azure Virtual Desktop (classic) resources from the drop-down list.
    Service Select My services.
    Service type Select Azure Virtual Desktop from the drop-down list
    Resource Select an Azure Virtual Desktop (classic) resource from the drop-down list.
    Summary Enter a description of your issue.
    Problem type Select Issues configuring Azure Virtual Desktop (classic) from the drop-down list.
    Problem subtype Select Tenant creation exemption request from the drop-down list.

  3. Complete the remaining tabs and select Create.

Help and support

If you have a support plan and you need technical help, see Azure Virtual Desktop (classic) troubleshooting overview, feedback, and support for information on how to create a support request. You can also ask community experts questions at Azure Virtual Desktop - Microsoft Q&A.