Which storage options are recommended for Azure Virtual Desktop profile data?

Using Azure Files or Azure Blob storage for storing Azure Virtual Desktop profile data is recommended because both options are designed to support scalable, reliable, and accessible storage needs in a cloud environment.

Azure Files provides the ability to create fully managed file shares in the cloud that can be accessed via SMB (Server Message Block) protocol. This is particularly useful for storing user profiles, as it allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to access the profile data concurrently. This storage solution enables features like profile redirection and user profile management, making it easier to handle user settings and file storage in a multi-user scenario.

Azure Blob storage offers an object storage solution that is ideal for unstructured data. It is highly scalable and provides a cost-effective way to store large amounts of data. While Blob storage might not directly facilitate the same file share access as Azure Files, it can be utilized to store user data that can be accessed by applications running in the Azure Virtual Desktop environment. This allows for flexibility and simplifies backup and disaster recovery processes.

In the context of Azure Virtual Desktop, utilizing Azure Files or Azure Blob storage ensures that user profile data is persistent, easily retrievable, and can be integrated into various aspects of the Virtual Desktop infrastructure, providing a seamless user experience.