Release date: May 26th 2019
Welcome to my VMware Horizon series. In this sub-session I will describe how I created a pool for testing and verifying functionality.
Now that I’m done with all preparations of my template, I can finally log in to Horizon Administrator and create a pool.
From the menu on the left, I select Desktop Pools, Add…In this session I will create an Automated Desktop Pool with Server 2016 Desktops, Next
As I don’t have Distributed vSwitch in my lab, as of yet, my only possible option here is «Floating», see VMware’s documentation about Instant-Clone Desktop Pools here: https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Horizon-7/7.7/horizon-virtual-desktops/GUID-D7C0150E-18CE-4012-944D-4E9AF5B28347.html
This pool will consist of Instant Clones, Next
I give my pool an ID and a display name, this is what the users will see in their client, Next
I adjust the desktop pool settings, Next
I fill in my vm naming pattern and desktop pool sizing, Next
Next
I add my vCenter settings….
Next I will browse MS Active Directory and select the correct OU for placing the computer accounts in, Next
I tick «Entitle users after this wizard finishes», Finish
Click Add… to open the «Find Users or Groups»-wizard
I search for my test-users group, View_Users, and adds this, OK
Entitlements done, Close
During provisioning I can verify status in Horizon Administrator
After deployment of the pool finishes, the state changes to «Published»
From the Inventory tab I can see two available virtual machines
I fire up my VMware Horizon Client and see my new pool available
I log in to my 2016SRV-Desktop and verify functionality. In a cmd-prompt I check the hostname
Back in VMware Horizon Administrator I can verify that my test-user is now connected to the vm: srv-desktop-001
When I log out of my session, I see that the vm is deleted and a new created, both in Horizon Administrator and vSphere Web Client, as pr. design with all instant clones.
After a little while, the new instant clone is available in Horizon Administrator
Conclusion: Using a server operating system in an instant clone pool is totally doable if your license situation allows it. I would reccomend applying som gpo’s and settings to lock down the desktop afterwords.
Recommended reading:
VMware Tech Zone: Creating an Optimized Windows Image for a VMware Horizon Virtual Desktop
VMware Horizon – Setup Server 2016 Instant Clone Template
VMware Horizon planning, deployment etc.
Disclaimer: Every tips/tricks/posting I have published here, is tried and tested in different it-solutions. It is not guaranteed to work everywhere, but is meant as a tip for other users out there. Remember, Google is your friend and don’t be afraid to steal with pride! Feel free to comment below as needed.
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