Jun 25, 2018 Click the '+' button, choose a name for the folder, and input the folder's path to have it available. When you are finished configuring your remote desktop, click the red close button at the top.

Applies to: Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel), Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows 10

Microsoft Desktop Virtualization automatically detects device configurations and network conditions to get users up and running sooner by enabling the instant setup of corporate applications and desktops, and it equips IT to provide access to legacy applications during migration to Windows 10.

Although the Windows 10 operating system is very well tuned out of the box, there are opportunities for you to refine it further specifically for the corporate Microsoft Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environment. In the VDI environment, many background services and tasks are disabled from the beginning.

This topic is not a blueprint, but rather a guide or starting point. Some recommendations might disable functionality that you would prefer to use, so you should consider the cost versus the benefit of adjusting any particular setting in your scenario.

These instructions and recommended settings are relevant to Windows 10 1607 (version 10.0.1393).

Note

Any settings not specifically mentioned in this topic can be left at their default values (or set per your requirements and policies) without appreciable impact on VDI functionality.

When you create an image to base the VDI deployment, be sure to use the Current Branch. For more information about Current Branch, see Windows 10 release information.

Creating the Windows 10 image

The first step is to install a reference image of Windows 10 1607 (version 10.0.1393) on either a physical or virtual machine. Installing to a virtual machine is easy and allows you to save versions of the virtual hard-disk (VHD) file, in case you want to roll back to an earlier version.

During installation, you can choose either Express Settings or Customize. The settings offered during the Customize option are adjustable by using Group Policy, so the method of installing the base OS is not that important.

If you chose Customize, you can adjust these settings during installation:

In 'Customize settings'

You can also adjust these after installation with Group Policy Editor; see the 'Group Policy settings' section of this topic.

Once installation is complete, you can continue adjusting settings starting with Windows Settings.

In Windows Settings

To access Windows Settings, click Start (the Windows icon on the taskbar), and then click the Settings icon (shaped like a gear).

In the 'System' area of Windows Settings

In Windows Settings area, clicking the System icon gives you access to a number of system-related settings. Not all of them need adjustment for optimum VDI use--these settings are the most important:

Apps and features

To remove an app, thereby excluding it from your VDI image, click the app, and then click Uninstall. If Uninstall is grayed out, you cannot remove it by this method; you might be able to remove it with Windows PowerShell, or try these steps:

1. Click Manage optional features (immediately below the Apps and features heading on the same page).
2. Click the optional feature, and then click Uninstall.

Features to consider removing (if present) include the following:

• Contact support
• English (United States) Retail Demo Content
• Neutral Retail Demo Content
• Quick Assist

Default apps

This area defines the app to be used by default for certain generic functions such as e-mail, web browsing, and maps. If you want a different app to be used for a particular function, click the current entry, and then click the app you prefer to be used in the VDI image. For a non-Microsoft app to be an available choice, you must install the app prior to adjusting this setting.

Notifications and actions

These recommended values will reduce notifications and background network activity in a VDI environment:

Offline maps

This setting is only applicable if the Maps app is installed. Its default value is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Tablet mode

In the 'Devices' area of Windows Settings

In Windows Settings area, clicking the Devices icon gives you access to a number of system-related settings. Not all of them need adjustment for optimum VDI use--these settings are the most important:

Autoplay

In the 'Personalization' area of Windows Settings

In Windows Settings area, clicking the Personalization icon gives you access to a number of system-related settings. Not all of them need adjustment for optimum VDI use--these settings are the most important:

Background

Sometimes the default black background can cause users to think the computer is not responding. Changing the background color can help make it clearer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. In the Background area, click the pull-down menu.
2. To change the background color, click Solid color, and then click any of the colors other than black. Alternately, you could click Picture and then select an image to use as the background.

Start

Taskbar

The default setting is to use large taskbar buttons (that is, a value of 'Off' for Use small taskbar buttons). This setting causes the Cortana item to use a lot of taskbar area. To avoid this, set Use small taskbar buttons to 'On.' If you prefer that the taskbar items stay larger, but prefer not to have Cortana taking up so much space, right-click the taskbar, point to Cortana, and in the menu that flies out, select Hidden.

In the 'Privacy' area of Windows Settings

In Windows Settings area, clicking the Privacy icon gives you access to a number of system-related settings. Not all of them need adjustment for optimum VDI use--these settings are the most important:

General

Some of these settings are also set from the 'Customize settings' window, discussed at the beginning of this topic.

Camera

The default value for 'Let apps use my camera' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Microphone

The default value for 'Let apps use my microphone' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Notifications

The default value for 'Let apps access my notifications' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Contacts

The default value for 'Let apps access my contacts' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Calendar

The default value for 'Let apps access my calendar' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Call history

The default value for 'Let apps access my call history' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Email

The default value for 'Let apps access and send email' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Messaging

The default value for 'Let apps read or send messages (text or MMS)' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Radios

The default value for 'Let apps control radios' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Other devices

The default value for 'Let your apps automatically share and sync info with wireless devices that don't explicitly pair with your PC, tablet, or phone' is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

Feedback and diagnostics

The default value for 'Windows should ask for my feedback' is Automatically; for VDI use, the recommended value is Never.

Background apps

Listed apps have a default value of On, which allows them to receive information, send notifications, and update themselves whether they are being used or not. You should disable (set to Off) any apps you don't want running in the background in the VDI image.

Update and security

Windows Update

In the Update settings area, click Advanced options to adjust these settings:

On the Advanced options page, click Choose how updates are delivered to access the setting for 'Updates from more than one place.' The default value is On; for VDI use the recommended value is Off.

In Control Panel and other system utilities

The settings in this section are adjustable either by navigating through Control Panel or opening the utility directly.

Note

Any settings not specifically mentioned in this topic can be left at their default values (or set per your requirements and policies) without appreciable impact on VDI functionality.

Task Scheduler

The fastest way to open Task Scheduler is to push the Windows button and type task scheduler or taskschd.msc. In the results that return, click Task Scheduler to open the utility. In Task Scheduler, expand Task Scheduler Library, expand Microsoft, and then expand Windows. You now have access to the list of task collections. To change the state of each scheduled task, right-click it, and then click the desired state (typically, Disabled for VDI use).

Click Windows again to collapse it, then click XblGameSave. This gives you access to the tasks XBLGameSaveTask and XBLGameSaveTaskLogon; both of these can be set to Disabled.

Performance Monitor

The fastest way to open Performance Monitor is to push the Windows button and type performance monitor or perfmon.msc. In the results that return, click Performance Monitor. In Performance Monitor, click Data Collector Sets and then double-click Event Trace Sessions. Right-click WiFiSession; if it is in the default state of Running, then click Stop.

Click StartupEventTraceSessions, then right-click ReadyBoot; if it is running, click Stop. Click Event Trace Sessions, right-click ReadyBoot, and then click Properties. In the dialog that opens, click the Trace Session tab. Clear the Enabled check box.

Services

The fastest way to manage Services is to push the Windows button and type services. In the results that return, click Services. The following services are good candidates to disable for use in VDI scenarios; however, you might need to do some testing to verify that they aren't needed for your purposes. To disable a service, in the Services snap-in, right-click the service name, and then click Properties. On the General tab, click the Startup type pull-down menu, and then click Disabled. Click OK.

• BranchCache
• Delivery Optimization
• Diagnostic Service Host
• Windows Mobile Hotspot Service
• Xbox Live Auth Manager
• Xbox Live Game Save
• Xbox Live Networking Service

File Explorer Options

Push the Windows button and type control panel. In the results that return, click Control Panel. In Control Panel, click File Explorer Options. In the dialog that opens, click the Search tab, and then in the When searching non-indexed locations area, clear the check box for Include system directories. Click OK to save.

Flash settings

Push the Windows button and type control panel. In the results that return, click Control Panel. In Control Panel, click Flash Player to open the Flash Player Settings Manager. On the Storage tab, select the radio button for Block all sites from storing information on this computer. In the dialog that opens, click OK.

On the Camera and Mic tab, in the Camera and Microphone Settings area, select the radio button for Block all sites from using the camera and microphone.

On the Playback tab, in the Peer-assisted Networking area, select the radio button for Block all sites from using peer-assisted networking. Close the Flash Player Settings Manager.

Internet Options

Push the Windows button and type control panel. In the results that return, click Control Panel. In Control Panel, click Internet Options to open Internet Properties. In the Home page area, enter the URL for the web site you want users to see as the home page in browsers. This could be a web site for your company or you can set it to a blank home page by entering about:blank.

In the Browsing history area, select the check box for Delete browsing history on exit.

Power Options

Push the Windows button and type control panel. In the results that return, click Control Panel. In Control Panel, click Power Options to open the Power Options control panel. In the Choose or customize a power plan area, click the down arrow for Show additional plans, and then select the radio button for High performance. This setting will have very little impact on the VDI host.

System

Push the Windows button and type control panel. In the results that return, click Control Panel. In Control Panel, click System to open the System control panel. In the left pane, click Advanced system settings. In the dialog that opens, click the Advanced tab. In the Performance area, click the Settings button, then on Visual Effects tab in the dialog that opens, select the Adjust for best performance radio button. Click OK to save and exit.

Group Policy settings

To edit Group Policy settings, press the Windows button and type group policy or gpedit.msc. In the results that return, click Edit group policy to open Local Group Policy Editor.

Note

Any settings not specifically mentioned in this topic can be left at their default values (or set per your requirements and policies) without appreciable impact on VDI functionality.

Under Computer Configuration, expand Windows Settings, and then expand Security Settings. Click Network List Manager Policies, and then double-click All Networks. In the dialog that opens, in the Network location area, select the radio button for User cannot change location. Click the OK button to save.

Collapse Windows Settings, and then expand Administrative Templates. Click or expand Network, and then adjust each setting as follows by double-clicking it, then selecting the radio button for the indicated value and clicking the OK button:

Collapse Network, and then expand System. Adjust each setting as follows double-clicking it, then selecting the radio button for the indicated value and clicking the OK button:

Expand Filesystem, double-click NTFS, double-click Short name creation options, select the radio button for Enabled, and then use the Options pull-down menu to select Enable on all volumes. Click the OK button to save.

Collapse Filesystem, and then expand Internet Communication Management. Click Internet Communication settings. Adjust each setting as follows by double-clicking it, then selecting the radio button for Enabled, and then clicking the OK button:

• Turn off Event Viewer 'Events.asp' links
• Turn off handwriting personalization data sharing
• Turn off handwriting recognition error reporting
• Turn off Help and Support Center 'Did you know?' content
• Turn off Help and Support Center Microsoft Knowledge Base search
• Turn off Internet Connection Wizard if URL connection is referring to Microsoft.com
• Turn off Internet download for Web publishing and online ordering wizards
• Turn off Internet File Association service
• Turn off Registration if URL connection is referring to Microsoft.com
• Turn off the 'Order Prints' picture task
• Turn off the 'Publish to Web' task for files and folders
• Turn off the Windows Messenger Customer Experience Improvement Program
• Turn off Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program
• Turn off Windows Error Reporting
• Turn off Windows Update device driver searching

Click Power Management and then double-click Select an active power plan. Select the radio button for Enabled, and then use the Options pull-down menu to select High Performance. Click the OK button to save.

Click Recovery, and then double-click Allow restore of system to default state. Select the radio button for Enabled, and then click the OK button to save.

Expand Troubleshooting and Diagnostics. Click Scheduled Maintenance, double-click Configure Scheduled Maintenance Behavior, and then select the radio button for Disabled. Click the OK button to save.

For each of the following settings areas, click it, then double-click Configure Scenario Execution Level, select the radio button for Disabled, and then click the OK button to save:

• Windows Boot Performance Diagnostics
• Windows Memory Leak Diagnostics
• Windows Resource Exhaustion Detection and Resolution
• Windows Shutdown Performance Diagnostics
• Windows Standby/Resume Performance Diagnostics
• Windows System Responsiveness Performance Diagnostics

Collapse System, and then expand Windows Components. Adjust each setting as follows by double-clicking it, then selecting the radio button for the indicated value and clicking the OK button:

At the same level as the Internet Explorer settings you just adjusted in the preceding table, note another level of folders ranging from Accelerators to Toolbars. In other words, you are now at Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer.

Open the Delete Browsing History folder, double-click Allow deleting browsing history on exit, select Enable, and then click OK to save and exit.

Use the back arrow in the upper left of Local Group Policy Editor to go back to the Internet Explorer level. Double-click Internet Settings, double-click Advanced Settings, and then adjust the settings in the subfolders as follows:

Go back up to the level of Internet Explorer, then double-click Internet Settings. In this folder, set these two settings under AutoComplete to Enabled:

• Turn off URL Suggestions
• Turn off Windows Search AutoComplete

Go back up four levels to Windows Components, double-click Location and Sensors, and then set these three settings to Enabled (for each, click OK to save and exit):

• Turn off location
• Turn off location scripting
• Turn off sensors

While at the level of Location and Sensors, double-click Windows Location Provider and set Turn off Windows Location Provider to Enabled. Click OK to save and exit.

In the left pane, click Maps, set these settings to Enabled; for each, then click OK to save and exit:

• Turn off Automatic Download and Update of Map Data
• Turn off unsolicited network traffic on the Offline Maps settings page

Using the left pane, enter each of the following settings subfolders and adjust the individual settings as follows:

In the left pane of Local Group Policy Editor, click User Configuration. Using the left pane, click Administrative Templates and then enter each of the following settings subfolders and adjust the individual settings as follows:

Microsoft Store apps

There are a number of Microsoft Store apps that you might want to remove from the VDI image; removing them will decrease CPU usage and conserve disk space. Good candidates for removal include:

• Get Office
• Skype (preview)
• Get Started (especially if there is no Internet connection)
• Feedback Hub
• Microsoft Solitaire Collection
• Paid Wi-Fi and Cellular

To customize the default user profile used for creating VDI images, use the built-in Administrator account. If it is not already enabled, do so by using Local Users and Groups in Computer Management. Then log in to the Administrator account to complete the following steps.

Note

Don't remove system apps such as the Store app. They are difficult to reinstall. Other apps are easily reinstallable from the Store.

Delete unwanted apps from the Administrator user profile

1. In Windows PowerShell, run Get-AppxPackage | ft PackageFamilyName to see the list of installed apps.

2. For each app packager you want to uninstall run cmdlets of this example format:

   Get-AppxPackage *messaging* | Remove-AppxPackage

   Get-AppxPackage *WindowsMaps* | Remove-AppxPackage

   Get-AppxPackage *ZuneMusic* | Remove-AppxPackage

Delete the payload of unwanted Store apps

This will prevent the apps from being reinstalled.

1. List Store apps and other items that have provisioned data in storage with this cmdlet: Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online.
2. Remove a given package with Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName MyAppPackage, using the appropriate MyAppPackage returned from Step 1. For example, to remove the Zune-related package, you would run Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName Microsoft.ZuneMusic_2019.17012.10311.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.

Removing other items

You can remove the OneDrive icon and app, turn off system icons, and delete downloaded updates.

Remove OneDrive icon and app

1. Click Start and scroll to the OneDrive icon.
2. Right-click the OneDrive icon, point to More, and then click Open file location.
3. Right-click the OneDrive icon in its file location, and click Delete.

To remove the OneDrive app:

1. Click Start and scroll to the OneDrive icon.
2. Right-click the OneDrive icon, and then click Uninstall. Programs and Features opens.
3. In Programs and Features, right-click Microsoft OneDrive and click Uninstall.

Programs and Features (from previous versions of Control Panel)

Microsoft Remote Desktop Mac Reboot Windows 10

1. Push the Start button, type Control, and then press ENTER.
2. Tap or double-click Programs and Features.
3. On the far left, under Control Panel Home, tap or click Turn Windows features on or off. A new user interface will open.
4. Clear the check boxes for any items that you do not want or need in the base image, for example: SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.

Turn system icons off

1. Push or click Start, and then click Settings (the gear icon).
2. In the Find a Setting text area, type Taskbar, and then click Taskbar Settings.
3. Under the Taskbar section, scroll or swipe down to the Notification area section.
4. Click or tap Turn system icons on or off, and then turn each system icon on or off as you prefer for the image.

Delete downloaded updates

Microsoft Remote Desktop

1. Using File Explorer, navigate to C:WindowsSoftware DistributionDownload.
2. Delete all files and folders in that directory.