TL;DR: Virtual desktop infrastructure, or VDI, is technology that hosts desktops on a central server or in the cloud and streams them to any device. Users get a full, secure desktop they can reach from anywhere, while IT manages everything centrally. This guide explains what VDI is, how it works, its benefits, the main types, and how cloud options like Windows 365 fit in.
Virtual desktop infrastructure, or VDI, has changed how businesses deliver desktops to their people. Instead of tying work to one physical machine, VDI hosts the desktop centrally and streams it to any device. The same secure workspace follows the user, whether they are in the office, at home, or traveling.
The shift matters more than ever. Hybrid work, security concerns, and the need to support many devices are pushing businesses to rethink how they provide desktops. VDI solves several of these challenges at once, which is why interest in it keeps growing.
This guide keeps it clear. You will learn what VDI is, how it works, its benefits, the main types, and how modern cloud options fit in. No technical background needed.
Key Takeaways
- VDI hosts desktops on a central server or in the cloud and streams them to any device.
- Users get a full, secure desktop they can reach from anywhere.
- Because data stays central, VDI improves security if a device is lost or stolen.
- The two main types are persistent (personal) and non-persistent (shared) desktops.
- Cloud options like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop make VDI easier to adopt.
- VDI suits hybrid work, contractors, and businesses that need central control.
What Is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
Virtual desktop infrastructure, or VDI, is technology that hosts user desktops on a central server or in the cloud, then delivers them to devices over a network. Each user connects to their desktop remotely, seeing the same apps, files, and settings regardless of the device they use. The desktop runs centrally, not on the local machine.
The core idea is separating the desktop from the physical device, which is called desktop virtualization. Instead of every laptop holding its own operating system, apps, and data, those live in the data center or cloud. This gives IT central control and gives users flexibility. It is a bit like streaming a film instead of storing it on your device: the experience is full and rich, but the heavy lifting happens elsewhere.
How Does VDI Work?
VDI works by running virtual desktops on servers, then streaming them to user devices through a connection broker. When a user logs in, the broker connects them to a virtual desktop, and only the screen images and inputs travel between the server and the device. The actual computing happens centrally.
Here is the flow in simple terms. Virtual desktops run on powerful servers, either on-premises or in the cloud. A connection broker manages which user gets which desktop. The user's device, whether a laptop, tablet, or thin client, acts as a window into that desktop. Because the data and apps never leave the central environment, the local device needs little power and holds no sensitive data. This is what makes VDI both flexible and secure.
What Are the Benefits of VDI?
The main benefits of VDI are security, flexibility, and central management. Because desktops and data live centrally, they stay protected even if a device is lost, and IT can manage everything from one place. Users gain the freedom to work from any device, anywhere.
The benefits play out in practical ways. Security improves, since no company data sits on local devices, so a lost or stolen laptop is not a data breach. Onboarding speeds up, because IT can create a ready-to-use desktop in minutes instead of configuring hardware. Flexibility grows, as staff, contractors, and remote workers all get a consistent workspace. And management simplifies, since updates and security are applied centrally rather than device by device. For a business with a distributed or hybrid workforce, these benefits add up quickly.
What Are the Types of VDI?
There are two main types of VDI: persistent and non-persistent. Persistent VDI gives each user their own personal desktop that saves their settings and files between sessions. Non-persistent VDI provides a fresh, shared desktop each time, which resets after use. Each suits different needs.
Persistent desktops feel like a personal computer, keeping customizations and data, which suits knowledge workers who need a consistent, tailored environment. Non-persistent desktops are simpler and cheaper to manage, which suits task-based roles like call centers or shared workstations, where users need the same standard setup each time. Many organizations use both, matching the type to the role. Choosing the right mix balances user experience against cost and management effort.
How Do Cloud Options Like Windows 365 Fit In?
Cloud options make VDI far easier to adopt by removing the need to build and run your own servers. Traditional VDI requires significant on-premises infrastructure and expertise. Cloud services deliver the same virtual desktops from a provider's cloud, managed for you.
Two leading options stand out. Windows 365 provides a turnkey Cloud PC with simple per-user pricing, ideal for businesses that want virtual desktops without managing infrastructure. Azure Virtual Desktop offers more control and flexible configuration, suited to larger or more complex needs. Both deliver the security and flexibility of VDI, but as a cloud service rather than a hardware project. For most businesses new to VDI, a Windows 365 Cloud PC is the simplest way to start, since it is fast to deploy and easy to scale.
Conclusion
Virtual desktop infrastructure hosts desktops centrally and streams them to any device, giving users a secure, consistent workspace and giving IT central control. Its benefits, better security, flexibility, and simpler management, make it a strong fit for hybrid work and distributed teams.
Cloud options like Windows 365 have made VDI easier to adopt than ever, removing the need to build your own infrastructure. Businesses exploring virtual desktops can talk to Embee Software about the right VDI solution for their teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)?
VDI is technology that hosts user desktops on a central server or in the cloud and streams them to any device. Users connect remotely and see the same apps, files, and settings regardless of device, while the desktop runs centrally rather than on the local machine.
How is VDI different from a normal desktop?
A normal desktop runs its operating system, apps, and data on the local device. With VDI, all of that runs centrally in a data center or cloud, and only the screen and inputs travel to the device. This gives central control and keeps data off local machines.
What is the difference between persistent and non-persistent VDI?
Persistent VDI gives each user a personal desktop that saves their settings and files between sessions. Non-persistent VDI provides a fresh, shared desktop that resets after use. Persistent suits knowledge workers, while non-persistent suits task-based or shared roles.
Is VDI more secure than a regular laptop?
Generally, yes. Because the desktop and data live centrally rather than on the device, a lost or stolen laptop does not expose company data. IT can also manage security centrally across all virtual desktops, which is harder to do with individual physical machines.
What is the easiest way to start with VDI?
Cloud options are the easiest starting point, since they remove the need to build your own servers. Windows 365 offers a turnkey Cloud PC with simple per-user pricing, while Azure Virtual Desktop offers more control. Both deliver VDI as a managed cloud service.
