# Deploying Nexthink in VDI environment This page provides an overview of how to deploy and configure Nexthink in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environment. VDI environments introduce specific technical considerations when deploying endpoint agents and capturing user session data. As such, some steps in this guide focus on integrating your VDI environment with Nexthink, while others outline general configuration tasks applicable to all Nexthink deployments. * Refer to [#identifying-your-vdi-deployment-path](#identifying-your-vdi-deployment-path "mention") on this page to get an overview of VDI-specific deployment path. * Refer to [#step-by-step-deployment-procedure](#step-by-step-deployment-procedure "mention") on this page that includes both VDI-specific and general Nexthink configuration tasks. ## Understanding VDI infrastructure components The following figure shows a simplified representation of typical on-premises and cloud-hosted VDI infrastructures, highlighting which components to install on each node. {% hint style="info" %} The connection lines show the path of metrics collected in the `vdi_session` and `vdi_event` tables, specific to VDI Experience. To learn about these metrics, refer to the [VDI Experience NQL capabilities](/platform/user-guide/vdi-experience/desktop-virtualization-nql-capabilities.md) and [NQL data model](/platform/understanding-key-data-platform-concepts/nql-data-model.md) documents. {% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %} Depending on what components you install, the system collects different metrics. To learn what metrics are provided by each installation scenario, refer to the [VDI Experience NQL capabilities](/platform/user-guide/vdi-experience/desktop-virtualization-nql-capabilities.md) documentation. {% endhint %} ## Determining your VDI Deployment path The chart below outlines the available VDI deployment paths based on your desktop broker, desktop type, and the method used to deploy Nexthink Collector on virtual machines. ```mermaid flowchart TD DB(Desktop broker) subgraph brokers direction LR DB --> MS(Microsoft) DB --> CTX(Citrix) DB --> AWS(Amazon AWS) DB --> OM(Omnissa Horizon) DB -.-> VSPH("VMware vSphere hypervisor") DB --> OTH(Other) end %% Microsoft branch subgraph ms direction LR MS --> RDSH(RDSH) MS --> AVD(Microsoft AVD) MS --> W365(Windows 365 CloudPC) end %% Connectors branch subgraph results direction LR AVD --> AVD1("Setup Microsoft
AVD connector") RDSH --> WX1(Basic Nexthink license*) AWS --> AWSDaaS("Setup AWS WorkSpaces
DaaS connector") AWS --> AWSapps("Setup AWS WorkSpaces
applications connector") CTX --> CVAD("Setup Citrix CVAD
(on-prem) connector") CTX --> DaaS("Setup Citrix DaaS
(cloud) connector") OM --> OM2("Setup Omnissa Horizon
(on-prem) connector") VSPH -. When applicable .-> VSPC("vSphere Hypervisor connector") OTH --> WX2(Basic Nexthink license*) end W365 --> |no connector needed| VDItype(Virtual Desktop type) AVD1 --> VDItype(Virtual Desktop type) AWSDaaS --> VDItype(Virtual Desktop type) AWSapps --> VDItype(Virtual Desktop type) CVAD --> VDItype(Virtual Desktop type) DaaS --> VDItype(Virtual Desktop type) OM2 --> VDItype(Virtual Desktop type) VSPC -.-> VDItype subgraph desktop_type direction LR VDItype --> PER("Personal
(a.k.a. persistent)") VDItype --> POOL("Pooled
(a.k.a. non-persistent)") VDItype --> SHA("Shared
(a.k.a. multi-session)") end SHA --> DEPL(Collector deployment
methods) %%'Shared' branch subgraph deployment direction LR DEPL --> IMG(Image based) DEPL --> UNATT(Unattended installation) end subgraph install direction LR PER --> REG(Collector Installation
via UEM or VDI platform) POOL --> REF(Collector installation
via reference images) UNATT --> REG2(Collector Installation
via UEM or VDI platform) IMG --> REF2(Collector installation
via reference images) end REG --> EXC(Exceptions) REF --> EXC(Exceptions) REG2 --> EXC(Exceptions) REF2 --> EXC(Exceptions) EXC --> |None| DONE(None) EXC --> Citrix(Citrix running
on Windows 365) Citrix --> Force_Citrix("Force Citrix Collection") Force_Citrix --> DONE(Done) %%links %%click AVD1 "https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-microsoft-azure-virtual-desktop" _blank %%click CVAD "https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-citrix-virtual-apps-and-desktops" _blank %%click DaaS "https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-citrix-daas" _blank %%click OM2 "https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/omnissa-horizon-on-prem" _blank %%click REG "https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows#installingcollectoronwindows-deployingcollectorusingactivedirectorygrouppolicy-1" _blank %%click REG2 "https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows#installingcollectoronwindows-deployingcollectorusingactivedirectorygrouppolicy-1" _blank %%click REF "https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows#installingcollectoronwindows-deployingcollectorwithinawindowsreferenceimage" _blank %%click REF2 "https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows#installingcollectoronwindows-deployingcollectorwithinawindowsreferenceimage" _blank %%click Force_Citrix "https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows#windows-installer-mst" _blank %%style classDef default fill:#d8edff,color:#221F20, stroke:#a8c8ee,stroke-width:2px classDef nexthink_blue fill:#1046A8,color:white,stroke-width:0px classDef nexthink_blue_stroke fill:#FFF,color:#1046A8,font-weight: bold,stroke:#1046A8,stroke-width:3px classDef nexthink_dark_blue fill:#011130,color:white, stroke:#1E88E5,stroke-width:0px classDef nexthink_dark_blue_stroke fill:#545A7A,color:white, stroke:#384065,stroke-width:2px classDef nexthink_light_blue fill:#3194F7,color:white,stroke-width:0px classDef nexthink_light_blue_stroke fill:#FFF,color:#3194F7,font-weight: bold,stroke:#3194F7,stroke-width:3px classDef gray fill:gray,color:white,stroke-width:0px classDef invisible fill:#FFF,color:white,stroke-width:0px classDef green fill:#00B1A9,color:white,stroke-width:0px classDef red fill:#FF7461,color:white,stroke-width:0px classDef subgraph_ fill:#00000000,color:white,stroke-width:0px classDef light fill:#DAE3EC,color:#221F20, stroke:#1E88E5,stroke-width:0px linkStyle default stroke:gray %%nodes style class DB nexthink_dark_blue_stroke class VDItype nexthink_dark_blue_stroke class EXC nexthink_dark_blue_stroke class AVD1 nexthink_light_blue class AWSDaaS nexthink_light_blue class AWSapps nexthink_light_blue class CVAD nexthink_light_blue class DaaS nexthink_light_blue class OM2 nexthink_light_blue class VSPC nexthink_light_blue class WX1 light class WX2 light class REG nexthink_blue class REG2 nexthink_blue class REF nexthink_light_blue class REF2 nexthink_light_blue class NONE gray class Force_Citrix nexthink_light_blue %%subgraph style class brokers subgraph_ class ms subgraph_ class results subgraph_ class desktop_type subgraph_ class deployment subgraph_ class install subgraph_ ``` \*For Microsoft Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) and other desktop brokers not outlined in this chart, Nexthink recommends using features available in the basic Nexthink license, such as [Additional dashboards](/platform/user-guide/alerts-and-diagnostics/getting-started-with-diagnostics/additional-dashboards.md#additionaldashboards-desktopvirtualization) in the **Alerts and Diagnostics** module. ## Step-by-step deployment procedure This section describes the high-level sequence for installing and configuring Nexthink components in a VDI environment, including VDI-specific and general Nexthink configuration tasks. Nexthink recommends following this sequence for a smooth and consistent setup, and to ensure that data is sent correctly from each node to the next. For more detailed guidelines specific to your VDI platform, refer to one of the following deployment scenarios outline in the [VDI platform-specific deployment scenarios](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios.md) documentation. {% stepper %} {% step %} **Set up the VDI Platform-specific inbound connector** Install the appropriate Inbound connector for your VDI Platform, when applicable: * [AWS AppStream](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-aws-appstream.md) * [AWS WorkSpaces](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-aws-workspaces.md) * [Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD)](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-citrix-virtual-apps-and-desktops.md) * [Citrix DaaS](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-citrix-daas.md) * [VMware vSphere Hypervisor](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-vmware-vsphere-hypervisor.md) * [Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-microsoft-azure-virtual-desktop.md) * [Omnissa Horizon](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-omnissa-horizon.md) {% endstep %} {% step %} **Configure Collector for Virtual Machines (VMs)** * If needed, use [Nexthink Collector Installer (MST)](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows.md#installingcollectoronwindows-prerequisites-4) to include VM-specific MST parameters * The VDI Client Extension component of Collector is included by default. {% endstep %} {% step %} **Deploy Collector on Virtual Machines (VMs)** The method for Collector deployment on VMs depends on the type of desktop: * **Persistent desktops**: Deploy Collector with **UEM** or **VDI platform-specific tool**. * **Non-persistent desktops**: Prepare a golden image and deploy Collector with your **VDI platform-specific tool**. * **Shared desktops**: Deploy Collector with **VDI platform-specific tool**. {% hint style="warning" %} Once both Connector and Collector on VMs are set, use the Investigations module to verify if related VDI data is available in Nexthink. {% endhint %} {% endstep %} {% step %} **Configure Collector for client devices** Configure Collector using [Nexthink Collector Installer (MST)](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows.md#installingcollectoronwindows-prerequisites-4) or [Windows Installer](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows.md#installingcollectoronwindows-deployingcollectorusingactivedirectorygrouppolicy). * The VDI Client Extension component of Collector is included by default. {% endstep %} {% step %} **Deploy endpoint agents on client devices** * [Deploy Nexthink Collector](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows.md#installingcollectoronwindows-deployingcollectorusingactivedirectorygrouppolicy-1) on employee devices using your preferred method (UEM, MECM, GPO). * Optionally, [deploy VDI Client Extension](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/installing-the-nexthink-vdi-client-extension.md) on private or unmanaged devices where you cannot install Collector. {% hint style="info" %} In case you use Citrix, see the [Citrix virtual channel allowlist configuration](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/windows-collector-references/citrix-virtual-channel-allowlist-configuration.md) documentation. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Once Collector and VDI Client Extension are deployed, use the Investigations module to verify if related VDI client data are available in Nexthink. {% endhint %} {% endstep %} {% step %} **Deploy browser extensions on client devices** * [Deploy the Nexthink browser extension](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-the-nexthink-browser-extension.md) on employee devices. * If you have purchased Amplify, deploy the Amplify browser extension: * [Install and configure Amplify](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/configure-amplify/installation-and-configuration.md) * [Deploy Amplify to multiple devices](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/configure-amplify/extension-deployment.md) {% endstep %} {% step %} **Configure other inbound connectors according to your IT infrastructure and Nexthink license** Configure other [Inbound connectors](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors.md), such as [Microsoft Entra ID](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-microsoft-entra-id-azure-ad.md) or [Salesforce](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-salesforce.md), to enrich data from endpoint agents and browser extensions with additional context from external vendors. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} To understand how to install and configure components for your specific virtual infrastructure, continue with reading the topic that is applicable to your VDI platform: * [AWS Workspaces applications](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/aws-workspaces-applications.md) * [AWS WorkSpaces DaaS](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/aws-workspaces-daas.md) * [Citrix DaaS (cloud)](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/citrix-daas-cloud.md) * [Citrix CVAD (on-prem)](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/citrix-cvad-on-prem.md) * [Microsoft AVD](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/microsoft-avd.md) * [Microsoft Windows 365](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/microsoft-windows-365.md) * [Omnissa Horizon (on-prem)](/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/omnissa-horizon-on-prem.md) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.