Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a critical component of Windows Server, enabling organizations to provide secure, remote access to applications and desktops. In Windows Server 2025, Microsoft has introduced several enhancements and new features to the RDS ecosystem, making it more flexible and scalable than ever before.
Deployment Topologies
Windows Server 2025 supports a variety of deployment topologies for Remote Desktop Services, allowing organizations to tailor the solution to their specific needs.
Single Server Deployment
For smaller environments or proof-of-concept setups, Windows Server 2025 supports a single server deployment, where all RDS roles are installed on a single physical or virtual machine. This configuration is easy to set up and manage, but may not be suitable for larger, more complex environments.
Server Farm Deployment
In larger environments, organizations can deploy RDS in a server farm configuration, where the various RDS roles are distributed across multiple servers. This allows for better scalability, high availability, and load balancing. The key RDS roles in a server farm include:
- Remote Desktop Connection Broker: Manages user connections and load balances sessions across the RD Session Host servers.
- Remote Desktop Web Access: Provides a web-based interface for users to access their remote applications and desktops.
- Remote Desktop Session Host: Hosts the user sessions and applications.
- Remote Desktop Licensing: Manages the licensing of the RDS deployment.
- Remote Desktop Gateway: Provides secure, remote access to the RDS environment over the internet.
Hybrid Deployment
Windows Server 2025 also supports a hybrid deployment model, where some RDS roles are hosted on-premises, while others are deployed in the cloud. This can be beneficial for organizations looking to leverage the scalability and flexibility of cloud infrastructure while maintaining control over sensitive data and applications.
Azure Virtual Desktop Integration
For organizations already leveraging Microsoft's Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) service, Windows Server 2025 provides seamless integration, allowing you to extend your AVD environment with on-premises RDS resources. This hybrid approach can help organizations optimize their remote desktop infrastructure and take advantage of the best of both on-premises and cloud-based solutions.
Supported Client Devices
Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services supports a wide range of client devices, including:
Windows Devices: Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2025 clients can connect to the RDS environment using the built-in Remote Desktop client.
macOS Devices: Users can access their remote desktops and applications using the Microsoft Remote Desktop client for macOS.
Mobile Devices: The Microsoft Remote Desktop mobile app is available for iOS, Android, and iPadOS, enabling users to connect to their RDS resources on the go.
Web Browsers: The Remote Desktop Web Access role in Windows Server 2025 provides a browser-based interface, allowing users to access their remote resources from any device with a compatible web browser.
Licensing and Pricing
Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2025 follows a user-based licensing model, similar to previous versions of the product. Organizations have the following options for licensing RDS:
Remote Desktop Client Access Licenses (RDS CALs)
RDS CALs are required for each user or device accessing the RDS environment. These can be purchased either as device-based or user-based CALs.
Remote Desktop Services Suite
The RDS Suite is a bundled offering that includes the RDS CALs, as well as the Remote Desktop Connection Broker, Remote Desktop Web Access, and Remote Desktop Gateway server roles. This can simplify the licensing process for organizations.
Directdeals
Customers looking to purchase Windows Server 2025 and the associated RDS licenses can explore options from Directdeals, a leading provider of Microsoft software and services. Directdeals offers competitive pricing and flexible purchasing options to help organizations optimize their RDS deployment.
New Features and Enhancements
Windows Server 2025 introduces several new features and enhancements to the Remote Desktop Services ecosystem, including:
Azure Arc Integration
Windows Server 2025 now includes built-in support for Azure Arc, Microsoft's hybrid and multi-cloud management platform. This allows organizations to seamlessly manage their on-premises RDS infrastructure alongside their cloud-based resources, providing a unified management experience.
Improved Performance and Scalability
Windows Server 2025 includes performance optimizations and scalability improvements, allowing organizations to support more concurrent user sessions and handle higher workloads. This is particularly beneficial for large-scale RDS deployments.
Enhanced Security
Windows Server 2025 introduces several security enhancements, such as the default enablement of Credential Guard, which helps protect against credential theft and pass-the-hash attacks. Additionally, the integration of Azure Active Directory and Azure AD Conditional Access policies provides more granular control over user access to the RDS environment.
Delegated Managed Service Accounts
A new type of managed service account, called Delegated Managed Service Accounts (dMSA), enables organizations to migrate from traditional service accounts to a more secure and manageable solution. This helps reduce the administrative overhead and improve the overall security of the RDS deployment.
Improved Remote Desktop Client Experience
Windows Server 2025 includes updates to the Remote Desktop client, providing users with a more modern and intuitive interface, as well as support for additional features like Bluetooth device connectivity.
Conclusion
Windows 2025 Remote Desktop Services offers a robust and flexible solution, catering to the diverse needs of organizations of all sizes. With support for various deployment topologies, client device integration, and a range of new features and enhancements, Windows Server 2025 RDS provides a secure and scalable platform for delivering remote access to applications and desktops. Organizations looking to optimize their RDS infrastructure can explore the options available from Directdeals to find the right licensing and purchasing solutions to meet their requirements.
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