If you are eyeing a career in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or looking to deepen your Azure expertise, the Microsoft AZ-140: Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop exam is probably already on your radar. And like most candidates, you’re likely wondering:
“How difficult is this exam, and what should I really expect?” The honest answer? AZ-140 is challenging — but not impossible.
It’s not just another multiple-choice test. This is a role-based, specialist-level exam designed for professionals who are already comfortable navigating the Azure portal and working with virtualization technologies. It assumes that you have real-world experience with cloud-based desktop delivery and understand how virtual desktop environments operate—not just in theory, but in practice.
So, what makes it tough?
Well, for starters, the breadth and depth of the exam. AZ-140 covers everything from:
- Planning and implementing Azure Virtual Desktop host pools,
- Managing session hosts and user profiles using FSLogix,
- Configuring access, security, and conditional policies,
- Deploying and managing remote apps,
- Monitoring performance and ensuring a seamless end-user experience.
It also tests your understanding of networking, identity and access management, storage, cost optimization, and scaling strategies within a production-like cloud environment.
In short, the exam doesn’t just test if you know how to set things up—it checks whether you understand how to design resilient, secure, and scalable AVD deployments that align with real business needs.
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is no longer a niche technology—it is now at the heart of secure, flexible, and scalable work environments across industries. As organizations rapidly adopt Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) to support hybrid workforces, the demand for professionals who can configure, manage, and secure these environments has surged.
The Microsoft AZ-140 exam, officially titled Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, is designed to certify exactly that expertise. But just how difficult is this exam? Is it something a cloud administrator can take on with confidence, or does it require deep specialization in VDI and Azure networking?
In this blog, we explore the true difficulty of the AZ-140 exam—what it covers, who tends to struggle with it, and what you can do to prepare effectively. If you are considering this certification or want to validate your Azure Virtual Desktop skills, this guide will help you assess the challenge and take the right steps toward passing it.
What is the Microsoft AZ-140 Exam?
The Microsoft AZ-140 exam is officially titled Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. It is a role-based certification exam that leads to the Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty credential. This certification is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for deploying, configuring, securing, and managing virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) hosted on Microsoft Azure.
The exam validates your ability to deliver secure, scalable, and high-performance remote desktop experiences using Azure’s platform services.
What does the Exam Cover?
The AZ-140 exam tests a broad range of technical skills, including:
- Multi-session deployments using Windows 10/11 on Azure
- Managing user profiles and application delivery using FSLogix
- Creating and maintaining custom images for session hosts
- Configuring host pools, scaling plans, and load balancing
- Securing virtual desktops through RBAC, conditional access, and networking policies
- Monitoring performance, availability, and user session health
This exam is not just about Azure Virtual Desktop setup—it also assesses your ability to integrate VDI into an enterprise-grade Azure environment that includes storage, identity, compliance, and automation.
Who should take the AZ-140 Exam?
The AZ-140 exam is intended for professionals who design, deploy, and manage virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) in Microsoft Azure. It is especially relevant for those working in organizations that deliver secure desktop experiences to remote or hybrid teams using Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
This exam is well-suited for individuals who:
- Administer cloud-hosted Windows desktops and applications
- Configure host pools, session hosts, user profiles, and scaling plans
- Work closely with identity and networking teams to deliver seamless access to virtual desktops
- Use tools such as FSLogix, Azure Files, and Microsoft Intune to personalize and secure user environments
Recommended Background
While there are no formal prerequisites, Microsoft recommends that candidates have:
- Hands-on experience with Azure administration
- Familiarity with Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365
- Working knowledge of virtualization, networking, and storage solutions in Azure
- Ideally, prior certification such as AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
This exam is ideal for:
- Cloud Administrators
- Virtual Desktop Engineers
- Infrastructure Architects
- IT professionals supporting hybrid or remote work setups
Exam Structure and Details
Understanding the structure of the Microsoft AZ-140 exam helps you plan your preparation more effectively. This section outlines the key details you need to know before scheduling your test.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | AZ-140 |
| Full Name | Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop |
| Certification Awarded | Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty |
| Duration | 100 to 120 minutes |
| Number of Questions | Approximately 40 to 60 |
| Question Types | Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, case studies, scenario-based |
| Passing Score | 700 out of 1000 |
| Exam Fee | USD 165 (may vary by country) |
| Exam Format | Online (remote proctored) or in-person at Pearson VUE centers |
| Languages Available | English (subject to expansion in the future) |
Types of Questions You May Encounter
- Scenario-based questions where you must solve problems based on a given business need
- Matching-type questions mapping components to use cases or configurations
- Multiple correct options questions testing your applied understanding
- PowerShell and portal-based configuration tasks
Familiarity with real-world deployments and administrative tasks in Azure is critical. The exam does not just test theory; it assesses how well you can apply knowledge in enterprise settings.
Skills Measured in the AZ-140 Exam
The AZ-140 exam evaluates your ability to plan, implement, manage, secure, and monitor Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) infrastructure. Microsoft has structured the exam into following domains, each representing a critical function in delivering enterprise-grade virtual desktops on Azure.
Below is an overview of the major domains:
Plan and implement an Azure Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (40-45%)
Plan, implement, and manage networking for Azure Virtual Desktop
- Assess network capacity and speed requirements for Azure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft documentation: Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) bandwidth requirements)
- Design network configuration for session hosts to meet requirements for Azure Virtual Desktop
- Plan and implement Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Shortpath and quality of service (QoS) policies (Microsoft documentation: Implement Quality of Service (QoS) for Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Plan and implement an Azure Private Link solution for Azure Virtual Desktop
- Monitor and troubleshoot network connectivity (Microsoft documentation: Monitor and troubleshoot your end-to-end Azure network infrastructure)
Plan and implement storage for Azure Virtual Desktop user data
- Plan storage for Azure Virtual Desktop user data (Microsoft documentation: Implement and manage storage for Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Implement storage for FSLogix components (Microsoft documentation: Storage options for FSLogix profile containers in Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Implement storage accounts for Azure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft documentation: Create a storage account)
- Implement file shares for Azure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft documentation: Mount SMB Azure file share on Windows)
- Implement Azure NetApp Files for Azure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft documentation: Azure NetApp Files)
Plan host pools and session hosts
- Recommend resource groups, subscriptions, and management groups for Azure Virtual Desktop resources (Microsoft documentation: Azure management groups)
- Recommend an operating system (OS) for Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts
- Recommend an appropriate licensing model for Azure Virtual Desktop based on requirements (Microsoft documentation: Understanding licensing and per-user access pricing)
- Plan a host pools architecture (Microsoft documentation: Azure Virtual Desktop for the enterprise)
- Calculate and recommend a configuration for performance requirements (Microsoft documentation: Configuration Manager site size and performance guidelines)
- Design an Azure Virtual Desktop configuration for Azure Virtual Machines capacity requirements (Microsoft documentation: Session host virtual machine sizing guidelines)
Implement host pools and session hosts
- Create host pools and session hosts by using the Azure portal (Microsoft documentation: Create a host pool)
- Automate creation of Azure Virtual Desktop hosts and host pools by using PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure Resource Manager templates (ARM templates), and Bicep (Microsoft documentation: Create a host pool)
- Configure host pool and session host settings (Microsoft documentation: Create and configure host pools and session hosts for Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Apply a Windows client or Windows Server license to a session host (Microsoft documentation: License your RDS deployment with client access licenses (CALs))
Create and manage session host images
- Create an image manually
- Create an image by using Azure virtual machine Image Builder
- Modify an image
- Plan and implement lifecycle management for images (Microsoft documentation: Plan for lifecycle management in Teams)
- Apply OS and application updates to an image (Microsoft documentation: Manage OS images with Configuration Manager)
- Create a session host by using a custom image
- Plan and implement image storage, including Compute Gallery (Microsoft documentation: Create a gallery for storing and sharing resources)
Plan and implement identity and security (15—20%)
Plan and implement identity integration
- Select an identity scenario for Azure Virtual Desktop, including Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), Microsoft Entra ID, and Microsoft Entra Domain Services
- Specify requirements to configure the Azure Virtual Desktop session host for an identity scenario
- Plan and implement Azure roles and role-based access control (RBAC) for Azure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft documentation: Built-in Azure RBAC roles for Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Plan and implement Conditional Access policies for connections to Azure Virtual Desktop
- Plan and implement authentication options in Azure Virtual Desktop, including passwordless, smart card, and multifactor authentication
- Manage roles, groups, and rights assignments on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts (Microsoft documentation: Built-in Azure RBAC roles for Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Configure single sign-on
Plan and implement security
- Plan, implement, and manage security for Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts by using Microsoft Defender for Cloud (Microsoft documentation: Security best practices)
- Configure session host protection by using Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Configure session host protection by using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, including onboarding and scanning options
- Implement and manage network security for connections to Azure Virtual Desktop, including user defined routes (UDRs), network security groups (NSGs), and Azure Firewall
- Configure Azure Bastion or just-in-time (JIT) for administrative access to session hosts
- Plan and implement Windows threat protection features on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts, including Windows Defender Application Control and Controlled Folder Access
- Plan for and implement Confidential VM and Trusted Launch security features for Azure Virtual Desktop session host provisioning
Plan and implement user environments and apps (20—25%)
Plan and implement FSLogix
- Recommend FSLogix configuration (Microsoft documentation: FSLogix)
- Configure FSLogix Profile Containers (Microsoft documentation: Configure Profile Container to redirect User Profiles)
- Configure FSLogix Office Containers (Microsoft documentation: Configure Office Container to redirect Microsoft Office user data)
- Configure FSLogix Cloud Cache (Microsoft documentation: Configure Cloud Cache to redirect profile containers or office container to multiple Providers)
- Implement FSLogix application masking
Plan and implement user experience and client settings
- Choose an Azure Virtual Desktop client (Microsoft documentation: Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Choose a deployment method for the client
- Deploy and troubleshoot Azure Virtual Desktop clients (Microsoft documentation: Troubleshooting overview, feedback, and support for Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Configure device redirection (Microsoft documentation: Configure device redirection)
- Configure multimedia redirection
- Configure printing and Universal Print
- Configure user settings through Microsoft Intune policies or Group Policy
- Configure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) properties on a host pool (Microsoft documentation: Configure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) properties on a host pool)
- Configure session timeout properties (Microsoft documentation: Session.Timeout)
- Implement the Start Virtual Machine on Connect feature (Microsoft documentation: Set up Start VM on Connect)
- Assign and unassign personal desktops for users
Install and configure apps on a session host
- Choose a method for deploying an app to Azure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft documentation: Deploy Azure Virtual Desktop with the getting started feature)
- Create and configure an application group
- Assign users to application groups
- Publish an application as a RemoteApp
- Implement and manage Microsoft 365 apps on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts (Microsoft documentation: Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Implement and manage OneDrive, including multisession environments
- Implement and manage Microsoft Teams, including the Remote Desktop WebRTC Redirector Service
- Implement and manage browsers for Azure Virtual Desktop sessions
- Configure dynamic application delivery by using app attach or MSIX app attach
- Create an application package for app attach or MSIX app attach
Monitor and maintain an Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure (10— 15%)
Monitor and manage Azure Virtual Desktop services
- Configure log collection and analysis for Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts (Microsoft documentation: Use Log Analytics for the diagnostics feature)
- Monitor Azure Virtual Desktop by using Azure Monitor
- Customize Azure Monitor workbooks for Azure Virtual Desktop insights (Microsoft documentation: Azure Workbooks, Use Azure Monitor for Azure Virtual Desktop to monitor your deployment)
- Optimize session host capacity and performance (Microsoft documentation: Performance Tuning Remote Desktop Session Hosts)
- Implement autoscaling in host pools (Microsoft documentation: Create an autoscale scaling plan for Azure Virtual Desktop)
- Monitor and manage active sessions and application groups (Microsoft documentation: Manage app groups with the Azure portal)
Plan and implement updates, backups, and disaster recovery
- Recommend an update strategy for session hosts (Microsoft documentation: Use Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager to automatically deploy software updates)
- Plan and implement a disaster recovery plan for Azure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft documentation: Azure Virtual Desktop disaster recovery)
- Plan for multi-region implementation (Microsoft documentation: Highly available multi-region web application)
- Design and implement a backup strategy for Azure Virtual Desktop
- Configure backup and restore for FSLogix user profiles, personal virtual desktop infrastructures (VDIs), and golden images (Microsoft documentation: FSLogix profile containers and Azure files)
How difficult is the Microsoft AZ-140 Exam?
The Microsoft AZ-140 exam is widely regarded as a moderately to highly difficult certification. It is not an entry-level test. Instead, it assumes you already have a solid grasp of Azure administration and experience working with virtualization, networking, and identity management.
So, how hard is it—really? The answer depends on your background and comfort with both Azure infrastructure and virtual desktop environments.
What Makes the AZ-140 Exam Challenging?
1. Technical Breadth and Depth
You are expected to know how to:
- Deploy and scale host pools
- Troubleshoot FSLogix issues
- Automate deployments with ARM templates or PowerShell
- Integrate with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Intune, and Defender for Endpoint
It is not enough to memorize terms—you need to understand how technologies work together in real-world deployments.
2. Scenario-Based Questions
Many questions are framed as enterprise scenarios. You will need to evaluate architecture options, licensing implications, and access controls—all while ensuring security and performance standards.
3. Troubleshooting Focus
There is a strong emphasis on monitoring and maintaining the environment:
- Diagnosing slow session performance
- Interpreting Azure Monitor or Log Analytics reports
- Identifying misconfigured scaling or profile settings
4. Integration Across Services
AVD does not exist in isolation. You will need to understand:
- Networking (NSGs, hybrid connections)
- Storage (Azure Files, premium disks, caching)
- User identity (Azure AD DS, hybrid join)
Who Might Find the AZ-140 Easier?
- Those who have passed AZ-104 or have hands-on Azure admin experience
- Professionals familiar with Windows Server, Group Policy, and virtualization (like Hyper-V or VMware)
- Engineers working in remote desktop, IT infrastructure, or managed services roles
- People who already manage AVD environments or FSLogix profiles on a day-to-day basis
The AZ-140 is tough, but it is also highly practical. If you prepare with hands-on labs, use Microsoft Learn modules, and truly understand how AVD fits into the Azure ecosystem, you will find the challenge well within reach.
Step-by-Step Study Plan for the Microsoft AZ-140 Exam
Preparing for the AZ-140 exam requires more than just reading documentation. It involves structured learning, lab experimentation, and scenario-based thinking. This 6-week plan is designed for working professionals aiming to balance preparation with hands-on experience.
Week 1: Understand Core Concepts and Exam Blueprint
- Download and review the official skills outline.
- Study AVD components: host pools, session hosts, FSLogix, scaling plans.
- Set up a free Microsoft 365 Developer account or [Azure sandbox].
Week 2: Deploy and Configure AVD Infrastructure
- Create host pools, register session hosts, and configure user assignments.
- Understand custom image creation and gallery image deployment.
- Practice deploying a full AVD environment using Azure portal and PowerShell.
Week 3: Manage Access, Identity, and Security
- Configure Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), RBAC, Conditional Access, and MFA.
- Explore access policies, user group assignments, and hybrid domain join.
- Simulate a multi-user environment with permissions and secure access settings.
Week 4: Configure User Profiles and Apps
- Implement FSLogix profile containers using Azure Files or NetApp.
- Use MSIX app attach for remote app delivery.
- Customize user experience through Group Policy or Intune.
Week 5: Monitor, Maintain, and Optimize
- Work with Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Workbooks for real-time insights.
- Test alert configurations, session diagnostics, and scaling plan automation.
- Review AVD cost optimization strategies and update management.
Week 6: Final Review and Practice Tests
- Revisit weak areas from Microsoft Learn modules.
- Take full-length practice exams (2–3).
- Review deployment scripts, automation examples, and JSON templates.
- Practice scenario-based configurations and troubleshooting.
Recommended Resources for the AZ-140 Exam
| Category | Resource | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Official Learning Path | Microsoft Learn – AZ-140 Modules | Free, role-based modules aligned with exam objectives |
| Practice Lab Access | Microsoft 365 Developer Program | Free tenant to simulate AVD, FSLogix, and app attach setups |
| AVD Documentation | AVD Tech Docs | Comprehensive, continuously updated documentation for each domain |
| Monitoring & CQD | Azure Monitor for AVD | Real-world tools for log analysis, performance tuning, and alert configuration |
| Practice Tests | Skilr | Useful for question style familiarity—use caution with unofficial content |
| Automation Reference | Azure PowerShell for AVD | Helps automate deployments, scaling, and policy updates |
| Community Forums | Microsoft Tech Community, r/AZURE subreddit, and AVD Discords | Helpful for tips, real use cases, and troubleshooting advice |
Career Path After passing the AZ-140 Exam
Earning the Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty certification validates your ability to manage modern desktop environments in the cloud. As organizations increasingly move toward remote-first and hybrid infrastructures, this certification opens up strong career pathways in both technical and consulting roles across IT and cloud domains.
Common Job Titles
| Job Title | Role Description |
|---|---|
| Azure Virtual Desktop Engineer | Designs and manages full-scale AVD environments including FSLogix and scaling plans |
| Cloud Infrastructure Engineer | Builds and maintains cloud-based infrastructure including networking and VMs |
| IT Systems Administrator (Azure Focus) | Administers AVD along with identity, storage, and network configurations |
| Cloud Solutions Consultant | Advises clients on VDI, remote work infrastructure, and Azure-based solutions |
| Microsoft 365 Administrator | Extends Teams/Exchange/Intune administration with AVD integration |
| Technical Support Specialist (AVD) | Supports end users and resolves issues related to session performance or access |
Career Progression Opportunities
1. Senior Azure Architect or Consultant
Once experienced in AVD, many professionals move into broader Azure architecture roles. These include:
- Designing hybrid cloud environments
- Managing multi-region deployments
- Leading cloud migration projects
Relevant follow-up certifications:
- AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- AZ-500: Azure Security Engineer
2. End-User Computing (EUC) Specialist
This path focuses on managing large-scale digital workspaces, including:
- Microsoft Intune
- Windows 365
- VDI across platforms (e.g., Citrix, VMware Horizon on Azure)
3. Cloud Security and Compliance
After mastering desktop deployment and management, the next level often involves ensuring environments are secure and compliant:
- Configuring Conditional Access, MFA, and Defender for Endpoint
- Managing regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
Recommended progression:
- SC-300: Identity and Access Administrator
- SC-200: Security Operations Analyst
Industries Hiring AZ-140 Certified Professionals
- Healthcare and Education – for remote desktop accessibility and compliance
- IT Services and Managed Service Providers – for scalable AVD deployment and consulting
- Banking and Finance – where secure desktop environments and endpoint control are critical
- Government and Public Sector – focused on centralized, compliant digital workspaces
The AZ-140 certification positions you as a cloud-first VDI expert, making you a valuable asset in organizations transitioning from legacy desktop models to cloud-native virtual environments.
Conclusion
The Microsoft AZ-140 exam is not just another cloud certification—it is a focused validation of your ability to deliver modern, secure, and scalable desktop environments in Azure. While the exam presents a moderate to high level of difficulty, it is entirely manageable with consistent study, hands-on practice, and a clear understanding of the key domains.
If you are already familiar with Azure administration, virtualization, or remote desktop technologies, this certification is a natural next step in your career. It opens doors to roles that are increasingly in demand as businesses expand hybrid work environments and virtual desktop strategies.
