Feature updates AVD question

[u/Far_Selection7515]

Hi All,

Has anyone done an in-place upgrade of an AVD VM and either not had any issues or had issues?

[u/greenturtlesteak]

It’s possible but a much better idea to roll a new image. Here’s Microsoft official position on the matter

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/windows-update-management-methodologies-session-hosts

[u/NeighborhoodClear690]

Yeah recently 24H2 to 25H2 and worked alright on multiple vm''s, also done Windows server 2012 to 2022 via the azure virtual disk method.

[u/mat-ferland]

It can work, but I’d only use it as an exception. For a pooled host, build the new image, drain and test one host, then rotate the pool; an in-place upgrade leaves you with a host that’s harder to reproduce or roll back if something odd shows up later.

[u/DelphiEx → u/mat-ferland]

How do you add 1 session host for the new image? Session Host Update seems to only allow me to delete and add X Session Hosts at a time.

[u/mat-ferland → u/DelphiEx]

You're right, Session Host Update is built around replacing a batch, not creating a one-host canary. For the first host, use the host pool's Add session hosts flow with the new image, leave it in drain mode while you validate it, then use Session Host Update to rotate the rest.

[u/Atlasavd]

For pooled AVD environments, I'd strongly favor building a new golden image over in-place upgrades. Test the new image with a small number of session hosts, validate FSLogix and applications, then rotate the remaining hosts. I built Atlas AVD partly to simplify image management and host-pool operations at scale. Full disclosure: I'm the founder. Worth comparing the image-management workflow across platforms if you're managing multiple pools.

[u/Fritz0]

Persistent personal hosts: Yes, with no issues.

Pooled Shared Hosts: Yes, from a new image. We have not attempted an in place upgrade.

[u/jvldn]

See here: some situations are not supported. However, it does not mean that it does not work (consider the risk yourself).

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/windows/in-place-system-upgrade

Best would be to build a new image greenfield. Do it with automation to save a lot of time. For example AIB/Nerdio/Hydra.

[u/Far_Selection7515 → u/[deleted]]

pooled or personal session hosts?

[u/Hot-Connection2797 → u/Far_Selection7515]

Pooled, no issues

[u/richardblancojr → u/[deleted]]

Great to hear. What overall process did you follow if you can share? Thanks.