Migrating 5,000+ users and 200+ applications from Citrix to Azure Virtual Desktop without a single major incident comes down to sequencing, profiles and application strategy.
Get profiles right first
FSLogix profile containers on fast storage — such as Azure NetApp Files — are foundational. Profile performance is the first thing users notice, and the first thing that erodes trust in a new platform if it’s wrong.
Treat applications as the real workload
MSIX App Attach lets you decouple applications from the image, which dramatically simplifies image management. Inventory every application early, validate compatibility, and decide per-app whether it’s attached, installed or retired.
Automate the image build
Azure Image Builder plus Bicep turns image creation into a repeatable pipeline. Manual golden images drift; automated ones stay consistent and are far easier to patch.
AVD rewards preparation. Spend the time on profiles, applications and automation up front, pilot ruthlessly, and the cut-over becomes a non-event — exactly what you want when thousands of people depend on it.
