If your users need fast, frictionless Remote Access to their Virtual Desktop or Remote App, direct launch links are a game changer. In this post, we’ll show you how to build a Direct URL that sends users straight to their Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) or Windows 365 resource—right from a web link. No extra navigation, no thick client required. Just click and connect.
Watch the tutorial: Face-to-camera overview + screen capture demo walking through the whole process. Add your video link here.
Why Direct URLs?
Sometimes people don’t need the full Windows App experience. Maybe a consultant just needs to log time once a week, or temporary staff need quick access to a specific application. A Direct URL removes the extra steps:
- Instant access to an AVD desktop or app from a browser
- No client install required
- Perfect for embedding in email, documentation, portals, or SharePoint
- Works with internal users and external B2B guests when you include the tenant ID
Keep in mind: these links launch the web client, not the Windows App. If you require features that only exist in the desktop client, users will need to run the Windows App instead.
What You’ll Learn in the Video
In the demo, we build two Direct URLs:
- AVD Remote Desktop Direct URL
- AVD Remote App Direct URL
You’ll see how to:
- Identify the Workspace Object ID
- Get the Application Group and Resource IDs (for desktops and apps)
- Include your tenant ID for external identities (guests)
- Test with both internal and external accounts in an incognito browser session
Prerequisites
- Access to Microsoft Azure with Azure Virtual Desktop resources (workspaces, app groups, host pools)
- Permissions to query resource properties (Object ID / Resource ID)
- Optional: PowerShell and VS Code for a smooth workflow
- For external users: know your tenant ID to append to the URL
High-Level Steps (as shown in the demo)
- Get the Workspace Object ID
- Provide your workspace name and resource group, then capture the Object ID. You’ll use this in your URL.
- Get the Resource ID for the Desktop or App
- For Remote Desktop: query the desktop’s object ID in the app group.
- For Remote App: list the apps in the application group and copy the target app’s object ID.
- Optional: Get the Tenant ID
- If you plan to share links with external B2B guests, append the tenant ID to the URL. The link will still work for internal users.
- Assemble the Direct URL
- Combine the workspace, resource, and optional tenant identifiers into a single web link.
- Test in a Private Browser Window
- Use InPrivate/Incognito to avoid cached credentials, then sign in as the intended user and confirm the experience.
Use Cases
- Consultants and contractors: Send a single web link to a time-entry app or a single desktop.
- Helpdesk and onboarding: Reduce complexity by sharing Direct URLs in email or knowledge base articles.
- Portals and documentation: Embed AVD links in intranet pages for quick, remote access.
- Guest users: Provide Microsoft Azure access to a specific resource by including the tenant ID.
Tips for a Smooth Rollout
- Name resources clearly so links are easy to identify and trust.
- Document the flow: include screenshots and the final URL format for your team.
- Educate users on the differences between web client and Windows App features.
- Monitor access patterns and update links as resources evolve.
Wrap-Up
Direct URLs make Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365 even more approachable. Whether you’re supporting power users or occasional access, a clean Direct URL shortens the path from “I need it” to “I’m in.”
Ready to try it? Watch the video, copy the steps, and share your first Direct URL with your team today.
Links:
Zero to Hero with Azure Virtual Desktop
A Beginner’s Guide to the AZ-900
https://www.udemy.com/course/beginners-guide-az-900/?referralCode=C74C266B74E837F86969
Hybrid Identity with Windows AD and Azure AD
Windows 365 Enterprise and Intune Management
Access desktops and apps using direct launch URLs
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-app/direct-launch-urls?WT.mc_id=AZ-MVP-5004159
Compare Windows App features across platforms and devices
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-app/compare-platforms-features?WT.mc_id=AZ-MVP-5004159
PowerShell PARAMETER Splatting Demystified: Essential Tips for Beginners!
AVD + Entra ID Guest Users: The Ultimate Microsoft Azure B2B Access Guide!
