FSLogix and DEM with Horizon Instant Clone
In this blog, I will guide you through a quick step-by-step process on how to integrate FSLogix and Omnissa Horizon Dynamic Environment Manager (DEM) with Horizon Instant Clones to manage user profiles and personalization within a VMware Horizon environment. FSLogix is commonly utilized for user profile management on non-persistent desktops, while Horizon DEM offers detailed management of user settings and configurations. Together, they offer a comprehensive solution for delivering a seamless user experience in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).
Overview of Components
VMware Omnissa Instant Clones:
Omnissa Instant Clones are non-persistent desktops quickly created from a master image. These desktops are usually removed when users log off or after a specified time.
Instant Clones are ideal for environments prioritizing scalability, speed, and resource efficiency.
FSLogix:
FSLogix is a profile management tool offering container-based profiles and Office 365 container management, ensuring a stable and consistent user experience on non-persistent desktops.
FSLogix employs Office Containers to store the user's Office 365 data in a virtual hard disk (VHD) or virtual hard disk format (VHDX), which is mounted at login.
VMware Omnissa Dynamic Environment Manager (DEM):
Omnissa DEM manages user environments by storing user-specific settings, such as desktop personalization, application settings, and Windows settings, in a centralized location.
It is particularly beneficial for managing non-persistent desktops, as it can enforce policies, settings, and configurations each time a user logs in.
Architecture :
How to Set Up FSLogix and DEM with Omnissa Instant Clones
Step 1: Deploy Omnissa Horizon Instant Clones
Before configuring FSLogix and DEM, ensure that Omnissa Horizon Instant Clones are properly deployed:
Create a Master Image:
Set up a Windows Server or Windows 11 base image for your Omnissa desktops. Ensure the Omnissa Horizon Agent and any necessary applications are installed.
Create Instant Clone Desktop Pools:
Within the Omnissa Administrator Console, create a new Instant Clone desktop pool using the prepared master image.
Set the pool to utilize non-persistent desktops and establish the required policies.
Step 2: Set Up FSLogix Profile Container
Download and Install FSLogix:
Download the latest version of FSLogix from the Microsoft website (usually through your Microsoft licensing portal).
Run the FSLogixAppsSetup.exe installer on the Master Image for your Instant Clones.
Storage Setup: Prepare a file share (SMB) for storing the VHD/VHDX files for user profiles and Office 365 data.
Set Up FSLogix Configuration:
FSLogix settings are typically configured through the Group Policy. Use Group Policy Objects (GPO) to set FSLogix parameters.
For Office containers, ensure that the Enable Container feature is enabled in the FSLogix GPO. Configure settings like the VHD storage location, VHD Access Mode, and Include required O365 Apps.
Group Policy Settings for FSLogix:
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > FSLogix > ODFC Containers.
Set the necessary below policies ( Depends on your Organization):
Enabled (to enable FSLogix Office Containers)
VHD locations (where to store profiles)
Size In MBs.
Include Teams
Outlook Cached Mode
Include Office Activation
Include Outlook Personalization
Include Outlook
Step 3: Set Up Omnissa Horizon Dynamic Environment Manager (DEM)
Install VMware Horizon DEM:
Download and Install the Omnissa DEM agent on the Master Image for Instant Clones with AD or NoAD Mode.
Ensure that the Omnissa DEM Management Console and the Omnissa DEM Server are configured and deployed. The DEM management console is used to configure policies, while the server stores user settings and configurations.
Set Up Configuration Share
Create the Profile Archive and Configuration share in a SMB path
Configure DEM User Settings:
In the DEM Management Console, configure the User Environment Management policies. These include:
User Environment Variables: Apply user-specific variables (e.g., custom folder paths, application settings).
Folder Redirection: Redirect user folders (e.g., My Documents, Desktop) to network shares or other locations.
Application Settings: Configure application-specific settings (e.g., Office settings).
Configure DEM GPOs if its NoAD Mode:
Apply Group Policies to enforce DEM behavior, like folder redirection, application settings, etc.
Step 4: Combining FSLogix and DEM for Omnissa Instant Clones
FSLogix will save the user's Office Containers in a VHD(X) file, guaranteeing persistence throughout Instant Clone sessions.
DEM will manage the user environment, implementing policies and settings (such as desktop wallpaper and application settings) at every login.
Step 5: Verify and Confirm the Setup
User Profile Test:
Log into an Instant Clone desktop using a test user account.
Confirm that FSLogix is properly loading the user profile from the designated storage location.
Check that DEM is correctly applying environment settings, such as application configurations, folder redirection, and desktop wallpaper.
Profile Persistence:
Log off the desktop, then log back into a new Instant Clone desktop to ensure the user’s profile remains consistent and retains their settings.
Performance Testing:
Verify that the logon time is satisfactory, particularly when using FSLogix profile containers. The profile load time may be affected by network speed and the size of the profile container.
Final Thoughts
By integrating FSLogix and Omnissa Horizon DEM with Instant Clones, you can deliver persistent profiles and customized environments to users, all while preserving the efficiency of non-persistent desktops. FSLogix guarantees that the user's profile remains consistent across sessions, while DEM offers the flexibility to manage user-specific settings and environment configurations, ensuring a seamless, personalized experience in Omnissa Horizon environments.
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