When it comes to setting up an XENDesktop server with VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), there are several important considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we'll explore some of the key factors to consider when choosing a supported operating system for your VDA (Virtual Desktop Agent).

For Windows Server 2012 R2, it's no longer supported by Citrix, and you should instead opt for a newer version such as Windows 11 or Windows Server 2022. When using Windows 11, make sure to install the latest Cumulative Update and use VDA version 2109 or later.

Another important consideration is the support for Microsoft 365 Apps (aka Office 365). While Windows Server 2022 does not support these apps, you can still use Office LTSC 2021. Additionally, VDA version 2206 supports a range of operating systems including Windows 11, Windows 10 (1607 and newer), Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016.

In terms of scalability, Citrix has a simple rule to follow: take the number of physical cores in your hypervisor host and multiply it by either 5 or 10. This will give you an estimate of how many Virtual Desktop VMs or user sessions you can host on a single server. For example, if your hypervisor host has 8 physical cores, multiplying this by 5 would result in 40 Virtual Desktop VMs that you can host.

When it comes to registry settings, there are several options available for customization. You can adjust EDT MTU, black screen settings, faster login times, published Explorer settings, Screen Saver settings, Smart Card support, HTML5 Clipboard and Upload Folder settings, and even support for 4K monitors and COM Ports.

Another important consideration is the ability to allow non-administrators to RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) to your VDA. This can be achieved by joining a Direct Access Users Group. Additionally, you'll want to configure your Pagefile for Citrix Provisioning and install Citrix File Access 2.0.4 for Workspace app for Chrome.

Finally, don't forget to verify VDA registration with your controller and consider changing the default port number from 80 to something else. You may also want to opt-in to the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) and install Microsoft FSLogix to support Outlook OST, OneDrive, and other applications.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to setting up a successful XENDesktop server with VDI, using three VMDKs.

Xendesktop server vdi has 3 vmdk