I'm about to set up a completely new RDS 2025 farm for 30 users, and I would appreciate any feedback on my proposed architecture. Here's the environment I'm looking at:
- Server power is on-premises.
- Using Windows Server 2025 Datacenter.
- Entra Private Access for security.
- Applications installed on session hosts include Microsoft 365 Apps, OneDrive, an ERP client, a web browser, and Foxit Reader. Note that Teams won't be used.
- All users will have the same applications and a uniform environment.
My main focus is to keep everything as simple and tidy as possible.
Here's what I have in mind:
- 1 VM for Connection Broker, License Server, and Entra Private Access Agent.
- 2 VMs as Session Hosts.
- 1 VM for FSLogix profile storage with a separate ODFC container.
- An RDS Collection to balance the load between the two session hosts.
Does this setup look good to you? Would you suggest any changes, particularly regarding roles, FSLogix, or scalability? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
5 Answers
I think your plan sounds solid. One tip I'd offer is to build your first session host, then sysprep it and shut it down. This way, you can make a copy of that VM for your live session hosts, which will speed up deployment. And I'd suggest considering using 2022 for now but buying the 2025 licenses just for future-proofing. You might also want to think about spreading the load over two physical hosts; 30 users could theoretically fit on one session host, but it’s nice to have that extra room.
Why are you choosing 2025 over 2022?
Are you or your client using M365 E3 or E5? If that's the case, don't forget to check out Windows Multi-Session. It can help you skip the RDS CALs and simplify things a bit.
No, they’re on M365 Business Premium.
Because it has longer support than 2022. Plus, it’s the latest version!
Honestly, I'd recommend going with RDS 2022 instead of 2025. I've found that 2025 on the same hardware runs about half the speed of 2022. You could end up waiting a while just to load the start menu.
I totally agree! There's definitely something off with the Windows 11 search and Explorer experience. Microsoft needs to address that sluggishness.
Isn't Multi-Session just for AVD?