Exam AZ-140: Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Exam AZ-140: Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

The Exam AZ-140 is designed for professionals who specialize in configuring, deploying, and managing virtual desktop environments within Microsoft Azure. Ideal candidates typically hold roles such as server or desktop administrators and possess deep expertise in creating and delivering Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) experiences and remote applications that are accessible across various device platforms.

Collaboration with Key Roles

To effectively plan, deliver, and support Azure Virtual Desktop solutions, you are expected to collaborate closely with multiple roles across IT infrastructure, including:

  • Azure Administrators – for cloud resource management and deployment
  • Azure Architects – for designing scalable and secure architectures
  • Microsoft 365 Administrators – for integrating Office 365 and related services
  • Azure Security Engineers – to ensure compliance and protection of virtual environments
  • Local Administrators – for overseeing on-premises user and device configurations

Required Technical Proficiency

Successful candidates should demonstrate solid hands-on experience with core Azure services and components, such as:

  • Compute – deploying and managing virtual machines and host pools
  • Networking – configuring virtual networks, routing, and access control
  • Identity – managing Azure Active Directory and access policies
  • Storage – implementing file systems, data storage solutions, and backups
  • Resiliency – ensuring availability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery strategies

Core Responsibilities and Skills

You should be capable of managing end-user computing environments, which includes:

  • Deploying and configuring applications for users
  • Customizing user settings and environment profiles
  • Monitoring and maintaining the AVD infrastructure
  • Utilizing Azure Portal, ARM templates, PowerShell, and CLI tools for automation and administration of virtual desktop deployments

This exam validates your ability to deliver efficient, secure, and scalable virtual desktop experiences using Microsoft’s cloud platform.

Exam Details

The Exam AZ-140: Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is intended for IT professionals at an intermediate level, particularly those in administrator roles. Candidates are given 100 minutes to complete the exam, which is proctored and closed-book, ensuring a secure testing environment. Some questions may include interactive components that require hands-on responses. To successfully pass the exam, a minimum score of 700 is required. It is available in multiple languages, including English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), and Simplified Chinese.

Course Outline

The AZ-140 exam covers the following topics:

Planning and implementing an Azure Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (40-45%)

Plan, implement, and manage networking for Azure Virtual Desktop

Plan and implement storage for Azure Virtual Desktop user data

Plan host pools and session hosts

Implement host pools and session hosts

Create and manage session host images

Planning and implementing 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
Planning and implementing user environments and apps (20—25%)

Plan and implement FSLogix

Plan and implement user experience and client settings

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
Monitoring and maintaining an Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure (10— 15%)

Monitor and manage Azure Virtual Desktop services

Plan and implement updates, backups, and disaster recovery

Microsoft AZ-140 Exam FAQs

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Exam Policies

Microsoft’s certification exam policies outline the procedures and rules governing the exam experience, whether taken online or at an authorized testing center. These policies are in place to ensure consistency, fairness, and integrity across all assessments, creating a standardized environment for every candidate.

Retake Policy

If a candidate does not pass the exam on their first attempt, they must wait a minimum of 24 hours before trying again. This window allows time to log into the Microsoft Certification Dashboard and schedule a new attempt. Should the second attempt also be unsuccessful, the waiting period increases to 14 days. This 14-day interval also applies between the third and fourth, and the fourth and fifth attempts. Candidates are permitted a maximum of five exam attempts within a 12-month period, starting from the date of their initial exam.

Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy

Microsoft provides scheduling flexibility, allowing candidates to reschedule or cancel an exam at least six business days before the appointment without incurring a fee. However, if changes are made within five business days, a rescheduling or cancellation fee will apply. Missing the exam or failing to make changes at least 24 hours in advance will result in the forfeiture of the full exam fee. Under certain circumstances, such as emergencies or accessibility needs, Microsoft may temporarily waive these fees.

Microsoft AZ-140 Exam Study Guide

1. Understand the Exam Objectives

A critical step in preparing for the AZ-140 exam is gaining a clear understanding of the exam objectives. These objectives outline the specific skills and knowledge areas that candidates are expected to master, including the planning, delivery, configuration, and management of Azure Virtual Desktop environments. By reviewing the official exam guide, candidates can identify key focus areas such as user identity and access, session host configuration, application delivery, and monitoring. This targeted approach not only helps streamline study efforts but also ensures alignment with the competencies measured during the assessment.

2. Use the Microsoft Official Learning Path

Leveraging the Microsoft Official Learning Path is an effective way to structure your preparation for the AZ-140 exam. These curated learning modules are designed by Microsoft experts and align directly with the exam objectives, ensuring that candidates gain in-depth knowledge of each required skill area. The content is organized into guided lessons that cover essential topics such as deployment, configuration, user management, and monitoring of Azure Virtual Desktop solutions. Utilizing this official resource helps build a strong foundation, reinforces practical understanding, and increases your readiness for the certification exam. The modules are:

3. Use Microsoft Documentation

Incorporating Microsoft Documentation into your AZ-140 exam preparation provides a valuable, in-depth resource for understanding the technical details and real-world application of Azure Virtual Desktop features. This official documentation is regularly updated to reflect the latest changes in Azure services, offering comprehensive insights into configuration steps, best practices, troubleshooting techniques, and integration scenarios. By studying the documentation, candidates can enhance their practical knowledge, stay current with platform updates, and gain the clarity needed to tackle complex exam topics with confidence.

4. Join Study Groups

Joining study groups can significantly enhance your AZ-140 exam preparation by providing opportunities to engage with peers, share knowledge, and clarify complex concepts. These groups, whether online forums, social media communities, or professional networks, create a collaborative environment where candidates can discuss exam topics, exchange study resources, and gain insights from those who have already taken the exam. Being part of a study group also helps you stay motivated, accountable, and up to date with any changes or tips related to the certification.

5. Take AZ-140 Exam Practice Tests

Taking AZ-140 exam practice tests is a crucial part of effective preparation, allowing you to assess your knowledge, identify weak areas, and become familiar with the exam format. These practice tests simulate the actual exam environment, helping you manage time efficiently and reduce test-day anxiety. By reviewing your performance on these assessments, you can focus your study efforts on specific topics that need improvement and reinforce your understanding of key concepts. Regular practice not only boosts confidence but also increases your chances of achieving a successful outcome on the certification exam.

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