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You can migrate hosted virtual desktops without automatically replacing every user device. Treat the desktop service and the endpoint as separate parts of the project: move or rebuild the hosted desktops, then test which existing PCs can connect securely and reliably. Keep endpoints that meet your requirements; replace only those that do not.
Can you use existing PCs with virtual desktops?
Often, yes. A virtual desktop migration does not itself require a fleet-wide switch to thin clients. Existing PCs and laptops may continue to serve as access devices, provided they meet the target service’s requirements for client software, identity and authentication, security, network access, peripherals, support, and user experience.
That is a possibility to assess, not a guarantee that a particular device will work. Microsoft’s guidance for Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) includes supported client options and browser access, as well as a list of thin-client partners. Those options do not certify every general-purpose PC or peripheral. Test your own hardware and configuration before committing to reuse.
Plan the desktop migration separately from endpoint decisions
The hosted desktop environment and the device used to access it are related, but they are not the same migration. Microsoft says AVD has a different, PaaS-based control plane from traditional VDI, so there is no direct migration path from another VDI platform. An AVD deployment requires new host pools and session hosts; teams must decide separately whether to migrate or recreate images, profiles, and applications.
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Citrix DaaS and AVD also have different requirements and capabilities. Compare the target architecture with your current environment before choosing a service or assuming that its desktop migration process will match another platform. Microsoft’s Cloud Adoption Framework planning and migration pages remain useful context, but currently carry a notice that they are deprecated and scheduled for removal on October 30, 2026. Follow current Azure Virtual Desktop architecture and product documentation for up-to-date requirements.
Use a staged migration process
- Inventory users and workloads. Document desktop types, applications, identity dependencies, profiles, peripherals, network locations, and user needs. This gives you a basis for sizing the target environment and identifying compatibility risks.
- Choose the target service and architecture. Evaluate AVD, Citrix DaaS, or another target against identity, network paths, storage, host pools, monitoring, application delivery, and the locations from which users connect. Microsoft recommends assessing workloads and reviewing landing-zone requirements.
- Decide what moves or gets rebuilt. For AVD, plan new host pools and session hosts. Make explicit decisions about images, profiles, and applications rather than treating the endpoint change as the desktop migration.
- Assess endpoint reuse. Select a representative sample of existing devices and test the intended client or endpoint operating system, authentication, displays, audio and video, smart cards and other peripherals, and expected network conditions. Confirm security and support requirements as well as basic connectivity.
- Run a proof of concept before deployment. Validate application behavior, user experience, support operations, security controls, and the endpoint fleet. Microsoft’s planning guidance says, “The process also requires a proof of concept before the first deployment.” Use the results to define which device types can remain in service.
- Roll out in waves. Expand in stages, monitor results, and replace only the endpoints that fail agreed requirements. Keep a documented exception path for users whose applications, peripherals, or working conditions need a different setup.
Decide whether to keep, convert, or replace each endpoint
Keep an endpoint as a PC
Keep a device in its current role if it can run the required access client or browser, meet security and support policies, and deliver acceptable performance with the user’s applications and peripherals. Validate the full connection path, including identity and network conditions, rather than relying only on a successful sign-in.
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Convert a compatible PC into a managed access device
An endpoint platform such as IGEL may be used to optimize compatible existing PCs and laptops as managed cloud-workspace endpoints, according to the vendor. Treat compatibility as device-specific: verify hardware, peripherals, management needs, and support arrangements for your fleet rather than assuming all x86-64 devices qualify.
Replace only devices that fail the requirements
Replacement may be necessary when a device cannot meet security, client, peripheral, performance, reliability, or support requirements. Base that decision on pilot results and a defined standard, not on the assumption that every hosted desktop requires a thin client.
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Compare platforms and estimate the full operating cost
There is no universally best target established by the available guidance. Compare options against the environment you have and the users you need to support.
| Decision area | Questions to answer |
|---|---|
| Control plane and hosts | What must be rebuilt or moved? For AVD, how will you provision new host pools and session hosts? |
| Applications and profiles | Which applications and user settings can move, and which need to be recreated or tested? |
| Endpoint compatibility and management | Which current devices support the required client or endpoint platform, and how will they be managed and supported? |
| Identity, network, and peripherals | Will authentication, network paths, displays, audio and video, smart cards, and other required devices work in users’ actual locations? |
| Support and user experience | Can your support team troubleshoot the complete connection, and does the service meet users’ application and performance needs? |
| Licensing and operating costs | What are the workload-specific costs of the target service, endpoint management, support, and any necessary replacements? |
Do not assume endpoint reuse will produce a particular saving or that one platform will cost less. Estimate licensing and ongoing operational costs for your users, workloads, support model, and chosen architecture; the outcome depends on those specifics.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
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What the assessment should establish
- Which device models and configurations passed the pilot, and which failed or need remediation.
- Whether users can authenticate and connect reliably from their real network locations.
- Whether required applications, displays, audio and video, smart cards, and other peripherals behave as needed.
- Whether endpoint security, management, and support meet organizational requirements.
- Which exceptions require a different endpoint or desktop configuration before rollout.
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