Microsoft has unveiled a significant enhancement in the management of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Shortpath, now available through Group Policy Objects (GPO) and Microsoft Intune. This development empowers IT teams to implement centralized control over RDP Shortpath behavior across Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) session hosts and Windows 365 Cloud PCs, streamlining operations and enhancing user experience.
RDP Shortpath is designed to elevate performance and reliability by establishing a more direct, UDP-based network connection between the client and the remote session host, moving away from traditional TCP dependencies. By selecting the most efficient route, RDP Shortpath minimizes latency and boosts responsiveness, particularly for audio and video applications. This results in a more fluid user experience, even in intricate or fluctuating network conditions.
The management gap Microsoft is addressing
Prior to this update, the management of RDP Shortpath was fragmented, lacking a centralized, policy-driven approach. IT teams were often required to manually adjust settings on individual Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts or depend solely on host pool-level controls. This piecemeal method complicated the enforcement of consistent networking behavior, particularly in complex or security-sensitive environments where precise control over RDP traffic is essential.
In expansive and distributed settings, this lack of centralization led to inconsistent configurations, increased operational overhead, and unpredictable connection behaviors. The need for a unified solution that integrates seamlessly with existing management tools like Group Policy and Microsoft Intune became evident.
Centralized configuration via Group Policy and Intune
The latest update from Microsoft effectively bridges this management gap, enabling administrators to enforce Shortpath settings centrally. This ensures predictable operation across all managed devices, alleviating the burden of manual configuration and aligning settings with security requirements, NAT environments, and overall network readiness.
Key benefits for IT and enterprise environments
The introduction of centralized RDP Shortpath policies significantly reduces administrative overhead while ensuring consistent performance and security controls. This advancement simplifies the management and troubleshooting of large-scale virtual desktop environments.
1. Centralized policy-based control
Administrators can now manage RDP Shortpath settings from a central location, eliminating the need for individual session host configurations. By deploying policies through management tools like Group Policy and Microsoft Intune, they can ensure uniform application across diverse environments.
2. Control of all Shortpath modes
With this update, administrators gain the ability to enable or disable the three RDP Shortpath transport options: Managed, Public (STUN), and Public (TURN). While Microsoft recommends keeping all options enabled for optimal performance, organizations have the flexibility to restrict specific modes to comply with security or networking protocols.
3. Works alongside Azure Virtual Desktop Host Pool settings
In AVD environments, Shortpath policies applied via GPO or Microsoft Intune complement host pool network settings. When both configurations are in place, the session host policy takes precedence, ensuring deterministic behavior.
It is important for administrators to remember that RDP Shortpath relies on appropriate network conditions, including UDP connectivity and the accessibility of STUN or TURN endpoints, to function effectively. Additionally, any policy changes necessitate a restart of session hosts or Cloud PCs to implement and enforce the new Shortpath configuration.
