# 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 [desktop-virtualization-nql-capabilities](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/user-guide/vdi-experience/desktop-virtualization-nql-capabilities "mention") and [nql-data-model](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/understanding-key-data-platform-concepts/nql-data-model "mention") documents.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://268444917-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxJSUDk9NTtCHYPG5EWs3%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c1f152783b19b7edff963f221c9fce0f9a07eddf%2F_on-prem-vdi.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://268444917-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FxJSUDk9NTtCHYPG5EWs3%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e8ca875194725b7eb59fb81b71ed9e7984948447%2F_cloud-vdi.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% 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 [desktop-virtualization-nql-capabilities](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/user-guide/vdi-experience/desktop-virtualization-nql-capabilities "mention") 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/diagram content="flowchart TD
DB(Desktop broker)

subgraph brokers
direction LR
DB --> MS(Microsoft)
DB --> CTX(Citrix)
DB --> AWS(Amazon AWS)
DB --> OM(Omnissa Horizon)
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<br>AVD connector")
RDSH --> WX1(Basic Nexthink license*)
AWS --> AWSDaaS("Setup AWS WorkSpaces<br>DaaS (cloud) connector")
AWS --> AWSapps("Setup AWS WorkSpaces<br>applications (on-prem) connector")
CTX --> CVAD("Setup Citrix CVAD<br>(on-prem) connector")
CTX --> DaaS("Setup Citrix DaaS<br>(cloud) connector")
OM --> OM2("Setup Omnissa Horizon<br>(on-prem) 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)

subgraph desktop\_type
direction LR
VDItype --> PER("Personal<br>(a.k.a. persistent)")
VDItype --> POOL("Pooled<br>(a.k.a. non-persistent)")
VDItype --> SHA("Shared<br>(a.k.a. multi-session)")
end

SHA --> DEPL(Collector deployment<br>methods)

%%'Shared' branch
subgraph deployment
direction LR

DEPL --> IMG(Image based)
DEPL --> UNATT(Unattended installation)
end

subgraph install
direction LR
PER --> REG(Collector Installation<br>via UEM or VDI platform)
POOL --> REF(Collector installation<br>via reference images)
UNATT --> REG2(Collector Installation<br>via UEM or VDI platform)
IMG --> REF2(Collector installation<br>via reference images)
end

REG --> EXC(Exceptions)
REF --> EXC(Exceptions)
REG2 --> EXC(Exceptions)
REF2 --> EXC(Exceptions)

EXC --> |None| DONE(None)
EXC --> Citrix(Citrix running <br>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 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\_
" fullWidth="true" %}

\*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 [#additionaldashboards-desktopvirtualization](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/user-guide/alerts-and-diagnostics/getting-started-with-diagnostics/additional-dashboards#additionaldashboards-desktopvirtualization "mention") 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](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios "mention") documentation.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Set up the VDI Platform-specific inbound connector**

Install the appropriate Inbound connector for your VDI Platform, when applicable:

* [AWS AppStream](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-aws-appstream)
* [AWS WorkSpaces](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-aws-workspaces)
* [Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (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)
* [Citrix 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)
* [Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)](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)
* [Omnissa Horizon](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-omnissa-horizon)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Configure Collector for Virtual Machines (VMs)**

* If needed, use [Nexthink Collector Installer (MST)](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows#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)](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows#installingcollectoronwindows-prerequisites-4) or [Windows Installer](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows#installingcollectoronwindows-deployingcollectorusingactivedirectorygrouppolicy).

* The VDI Client Extension component of Collector is included by default.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Deploy endpoint agents on client devices**

* [Deploy Nexthink Collector](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-collector/installing-collector-on-windows#installingcollectoronwindows-deployingcollectorusingactivedirectorygrouppolicy-1) on employee devices using your preferred method (UEM, MECM, GPO).
* Optionally, [deploy VDI Client Extension](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/installing-the-nexthink-vdi-client-extension) 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](https://docs.nexthink.com/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 "mention") 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](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/installing-the-nexthink-browser-extension) on employee devices.
* If you have purchased Amplify, deploy the Amplify browser extension:
  * [Install and configure Amplify](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/configure-amplify/installation-and-configuration)
  * [Deploy Amplify to multiple devices](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-non-vdi-environment/configure-amplify/extension-deployment)
    {% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Configure other inbound connectors according to your IT infrastructure and Nexthink license**

Configure other [Inbound connectors](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors), such as [Microsoft Entra ID](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-microsoft-entra-id-azure-ad) or [Salesforce](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/integrating-nexthink-with-third-party-tools/inbound-connectors/connector-for-salesforce), 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](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/aws-workspaces-applications "mention")
* [aws-workspaces-daas](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/aws-workspaces-daas "mention")
* [citrix-daas-cloud](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/citrix-daas-cloud "mention")
* [citrix-cvad-on-prem](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/citrix-cvad-on-prem "mention")
* [microsoft-avd](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/microsoft-avd "mention")
* [microsoft-windows-365](https://docs.nexthink.com/platform/configuring_nexthink/bringing-data-into-your-nexthink-instance/deploying-nexthink-in-vdi-environment/vdi-platform-specific-deployment-scenarios/microsoft-windows-365 "mention")
* [omnissa-horizon-on-prem](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 "mention")