What is the first action required to prepare a new Azure virtual machine for integration with an existing Azure Virtual Desktop host pool?

The first action necessary to prepare a new Azure virtual machine for integration with an existing Azure Virtual Desktop host pool is to install the Azure Virtual Desktop agent. This agent is essential as it allows the virtual machine to communicate with the Azure Virtual Desktop service, enabling it to function as a session host within the host pool.

Installing the Azure Virtual Desktop agent ensures that the virtual machine can register itself with the host pool, receive user sessions, and properly operate within the Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure. This piece of software facilitates critical functionalities such as session management, load balancing, and resource monitoring.

While the installation of the Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) role is important for providing a multi-user environment and allowing connections from users, it is not the very first step required before the virtual machine can be integrated into the host pool. The agent must be installed first, as it lays the groundwork for the functionality that the RDSH role will ultimately provide.

Running PowerShell cmdlets like New-AzWvdHostPool is used for creating host pools but is not necessary for preparing an individual virtual machine. Therefore, the process begins with installing the Azure Virtual Desktop agent, making it the critical starting point for integrating a new VM with an existing host pool.