Hi all, I just setup several Azure Virtual Desktops (VDI) and am needing to install several programs on all of them, such as SSMS, Visual Studio Code, Notepad++, etc. I have a list of about 10 different programs that users are going to use on the VDI's, so I want to try and make this automated the best I can. Can anyone help me with a way to do this? Or if there is a video or guide that would be good to follow? Thanks!!

Hi, Adam You can use PowerShell to do the installation, or even install Chocolatey , then you can create a script 'choco install visual studio' that can run in Custom Extensions. Ideally, these will be installed on your AVD image, then the AVD hosts rolled out from that - to keep consistency. Do you create custom images now, or just use the marketplace Windows 11/10 images?

Installing software on Azure VDI VMs

Accepted answer

Luke Murray 11,076 Reputation points MVP

2023-06-07T00:48:28.2233333+00:00

Hi, Adam

You can use PowerShell to do the installation, or even install Chocolatey, then you can create a script 'choco install visual studio' that can run in Custom Extensions.

Ideally, these will be installed on your AVD image, then the AVD hosts rolled out from that - to keep consistency. Do you create custom images now, or just use the marketplace Windows 11/10 images?
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AdamLowe-7183 91 Reputation points

2023-06-07T13:05:41.0133333+00:00

Hi Luke,

I have 15 marketplace Windows 10 images deployed already. I just got this setup. If I need to create my own image, I can definitely do that. Which ever way would be the best to maintain them and keep them updated. I was looking for PS scripts to install everything, but sounds like Chocolatey would probably be easier. Here is a list of software that I will need to install. If you know which way would be easier to update/maintain, I am definitely open to options.
Visual Studio Code with the ability to install extensions

SSMS

Python

Azure Storage Explorer

Notepad ++

Powershell 7

Git for Windows

VS Pro (both code and VS Pro are used for different processes)

Probably would be best to install as a user-install vs system install.

Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Luke Murray 11,076 Reputation points MVP

2023-06-09T21:10:20.2933333+00:00

Chocolatey can definitely help you there, I think most do have switches for install vs system.

I would look into Azure Image Builder as well, you can create customized images every month, that are patched with the latest updates and software, then use that for your AVD machines from the Azure Portal - this is prefered, as you don't need to login and you know your image is consistant

https://video2.skills-academy.com/en-gb/azure/virtual-machines/image-builder-overview?tabs=azure-powershell

https://portal.azure.com/#create/Microsoft.ImageTemplate
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Installing software on Azure VDI VMs

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