Configuring New Session Host Rollout

Introduction

In order for autoscaling, host replacement, and other automated rollout actions to function, you must first define a New Session Host Rollout configuration.

Configuring New Session Host Rollout

To add new Session Hosts, a New Session Host Rollout configuration is required:

From the Host Pool Configuration page, open the New Session Host Rollout section.

In the Deployment Configuration section, fill in the following details:

Naming schema: Specifies the naming convention for session hosts. Names should end in ### to enumerate session hosts, e.g., AVD-PROD-### becomes AVD-PROD-001.
Naming mode: Determines how to enumerate session hosts, either Count up from the highest number or Use and reuse free numbers.
Network & Subnet: Configures the Virtual Network and Subnet used by the Session Host Network Cards.
Image: Specifies the base image Name or Image Version if using an Azure Compute Gallery
Virtual Machine Size: Dictates the VM size of Session Hosts.
Resource Group: Specifies the resource group where Session Host VM resources should be created.
Availability (optionally): Configures Availability Zones (e.g., AZ1, AZ2, AZ3) or Availability Sets
Disk Type: Configures the disk type used by Virtual Machines – Microsoft recommends Premium SSD.
Disk Size in GByte: Specifies the size of the OS disk – can be determined by image.
Local Administrator Name: Specifies the username of the local admin account.
Local Administrator Password: Specifies the password of the local admin account.
Run Script or Script Collection After Deployment: Allows for additional customization or preparation using PowerShell scripting.
GPU Acceleration Extension: Installs the GPU drivers via extension, but should typically be left disabled.
- The recommendation is to perform the driver installs on the golden image.
Entra ID / AAD Only: Determines whether the Session Host will be joined to a traditional AD-domain, or Entra ID only.
- Note that a Service Account must be used for Active Directory deployments. This Service Account must have delegated rights to create and delete machines within the given OU. Refer to Create and Delegate a Service Account in AD and Microsoft Documentation for details.
Join Intune: Determines whether to enroll the device in Intune.
Entra ID / AAD: Try to delete old device: Determines whether to attempt deleting devices with the same name to avoid conflicts in Entra.
Client License Mode: Configures Windows licensing to avoid additional costs for OS licensing.
Accelerated Network Card: Determines whether to deploy Accelerated Network Cards (not supported by all VM sizes).
Install Hydra Agent: Determines whether the Hydra agent should be installed as part of the session host rollout.
Download the newest AVD agent during the rollout: Determines whether to force new session hosts to download the newest AVD agent binaries, as opposed to using the binaries stored from the imaging process.
Try to enable host for hibernation: Determines whether to enable the host for hibernation (supported on limited VM sizes).

After configuring the New Session Host Rollout menu, click Save.