Virtual desktop black screen when Monitor off

When logging into a Windows Virtual Desktop[WVD]environment,you would expect a relative quickness to get to your desktop.However, for the past few months now,a smattering of clientshaveexperienced a rather frustrating issue, where it can take anywhere from 30 seconds tofiveminutesto log in, sometimes not letting userslog in at all.

So, if you are too familiar with this

then carry on readingtodelve a little deeper into howyoucan solvethe problemor at least decrease logontimes.

Option 1: disable the app readiness service

The pro?Thismassively helps users if they just cannot login to the environment,as well ashelpsreduce logon times.

The con?Thishas been knowntocause a few issueswith Microsoftbased apps such as Outlook and OneDrive, such as not syncingandasking to reactivate.

That said, if you are using Windows Virtual Desktop to access internal websites or resources, then disabling this pesky service is asure-fireway toalleviate your logon woes.

Option 2: review your applications

Do you have an application that has a connection toonpremiseor even anon-premisesexchange server?This could have some impact on logon times, not massively, but you will see some reduction.In our investigation, this can be hit and miss.

More often thannot, logon issuesarecaused byapplicationsthat run at logon.They maypollonpremises systemsand checkfor any updates.

Option 3: upgrade your Windows 10

Another option, dependent on Windows 10 version[I am assuming you are all running Windows 10at this point] would be to move to Windows 10 1909. Microsofthasfixed theblack screen logonissue in this and previous versions with a patch.Howevernewer versions, such as Windows 10 2004,still experience black screen logon issues. This can be problematic if you haveyour heart set on using MSIX App Attach,as this feature is native in 2004 and above,however, still in preview.

All in all, there are a few ways to resolve this issue.Somearemore effectivethanothers, but nonetheless, they are straightforward fixes for arather obscure issue.

One final point,make sure you are running the latest version ofFSLogix,the latest Remote Desktop Appand that your session hosts are all up to datewith the latest patches and security updates.

If youre still experiencing black screen logon issues with Windows Virtual Desktop, or want more information on keeping up to date with security and patching, get intouch with our experts today.

Further Insights

Joe Parr

Azure Platform Engineer