Use an Intune Settings catalog policy on Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) session hosts to allow or block audio/video playback redirection and cap audio quality. In AVD, that policy is only one control layer: the host pool’s RDP properties determine where permitted audio plays. Apply both layers, restart the session hosts, and test with ordinary remote-session audio—not Teams or browser multimedia redirection.
What audio and video playback redirection controls
Playback redirection sends audio and video produced inside a remote Windows session through the RDP connection to a playback device. Depending on the AVD host-pool configuration, that device can be the user’s local computer or the remote session host.
This is different from audio recording redirection (a local microphone made available in the session), video capture redirection (a local camera), and clipboard, drive, printer, USB, or smart-card redirection. Microsoft Teams optimization and multimedia redirection for supported web or media content use separate paths, so they are not reliable proof that standard RDP playback redirection is working. See Microsoft’s audio and video redirection documentation.
Where the procedure applies
| Platform | How the policy is used |
|---|---|
| Azure Virtual Desktop | Apply the Windows policy to session hosts and coordinate it with host-pool RDP properties. |
| Windows 365 | Apply the same RDP-related Windows policy to Cloud PCs; there is no equivalent AVD host-pool layer. |
| Microsoft Dev Box | The same applicable Windows RDP controls can be managed on Dev Box devices. |
This article focuses on AVD. Microsoft also documents related AVD and Windows 365 redirection context in its current configuration guide.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Digital Stereo Sound: Fine-tuned drivers provide enhanced digital audio for music, calls, meetings and more
- Rotating Noise Canceling Mic: Minimizes unwanted background noise for clear conversations; the rotating boom arm can be tucked out of the way when you’re not using it
- Handy In-line Controls: Simple in-line controls on the headset cable let you adjust the volume or mute calls without disruption
- Plug-and-Play USB Computer Headset: Simply plug the USB-A connector into your computer and you’re ready to talk or listen without the need to install software
- Padded Comfort: Comfortable headphones with adjustable headband features swivel-mounted, leatherette ear cushions for hours of comfort and is easy to clean
Prerequisites and permissions
- Access to the Microsoft Intune admin center and an Intune role such as Policy and Profile manager, or equivalent permissions.
- An AVD host pool with session-host computers, plus a device group containing those computers.
- A supported remote-session client and a local speaker or headset for testing.
- For host-pool changes, Azure Virtual Desktop permissions such as Desktop Virtualization Host Pool Contributor, or equivalent access.
Create the Intune Settings catalog profile
- Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center.
- Open Devices, then create or edit a configuration policy.
- Choose Windows 10 and later as the platform and Settings catalog as the profile type.
- Select Add settings and browse to Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Device and Resource Redirection.
- Add Allow audio and video playback redirection. Add Limit audio playback quality if you need a quality ceiling.
- Configure the settings, add scope tags if your tenant uses them, and assign the profile to the group containing the session-host computers.
- Review the configuration and select Create. Allow the hosts to check in, then restart affected session hosts before testing.
The workflow is also illustrated in the HTMD article AVD Enable Audio and Video Playback Redirection and Limit Audio Playback Quality using Intune, published August 20, 2024.
Allow audio and video playback redirection
| State | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Enabled | Permits playback redirection, subject to other RDP, host-pool, and operating-system controls. |
| Disabled | Blocks playback redirection, even when a client or RDP file requests it. |
| Not configured | Leaves this policy layer undefined; other applicable policies, host-pool settings, and defaults determine the result. |
Do not treat Not configured as an automatic denial. The effective outcome depends on the rest of the deployment, and an explicit block elsewhere is more restrictive than an enablement at another layer.
Choose an audio-quality limit
The remote-session setting is a maximum permitted quality. A client can request a lower mode, but it cannot exceed the host’s cap. An RDP file may include an audioqualitymode value; the session-host policy still limits the final result.
| Limit | Characteristics | Good starting use |
|---|---|---|
| High | Uncompressed audio, minimum codec latency, and the greatest bandwidth demand. | Stable, high-bandwidth LAN or private connectivity where fidelity is important. |
| Medium | Some compression with a middle-ground quality and bandwidth profile. | Predictable networks or deployments needing a tighter bandwidth ceiling. |
| Dynamic | Compression varies with available connection bandwidth. | General-purpose deployments and variable WAN, VPN, or cellular conditions. |
These are operational recommendations, not Microsoft-mandated defaults. For a large deployment where audio is unnecessary, disable playback redirection instead of selecting a quality mode.
Rank #2
- How it Fits: On-ear compact design may feel snug initially—adjust properly and wear 30-60 minutes daily for the first week. Optimal comfort achieved after 1-2 weeks as ear cups conform to your ears. Take 10-minute breaks during extended use.
- Wired computer headset with foldable design; ideal for calls, meetings, online learning, and more. Compact headset measures 6.1" W x 7.2" H with 2.8" ear cups and 4.4" boom mic. Ideal fit for small to medium head sizes
- Flexible, adjustable boom mic can be positioned at any angle; unidirectional mic reduces the background noise to ensure crisp, bright conversations (Provided that your conversation is under the correct direction of the microphone)
- 32mm speaker drivers offer an immersive listening experience with clear sound quality
- One-touch mute/unmute with intuitive in-line control box; Using microphone, slide the button upward to unmute and enabled audio settings in your device. For USB connection, ensure the 3.5mm jack (4-pin) is fully inserted into the USB adapter. For direct 3.5mm connection, first remove the USB adapter from your device
Configure the AVD host-pool audio destination
Intune controls the session host’s permission and quality ceiling. AVD host-pool RDP properties separately control where allowed audio is played.
- In the Azure portal, open Azure Virtual Desktop.
- Select Host pools, then the target host pool.
- Open RDP Properties and choose Device redirection.
- Set Audio output location to Play sounds on the local computer, Play sounds on the remote computer, Do not play sounds, or Not configured.
- Save the host-pool configuration.
The corresponding RDP property is audiomode:i:<value>. The host-pool choice cannot override an explicit session-host block.
How conflicting settings resolve
| Intune session-host policy | Host-pool audio output | Effective result |
|---|---|---|
| Playback allowed | Local computer | Audio plays on the local endpoint. |
| Playback allowed | Remote computer | Audio remains on the session host. |
| Playback blocked | Local computer | Redirection is blocked; the host-pool setting cannot restore it. |
| Playback blocked | Remote computer | Playback redirection remains blocked. |
| Not configured | Host pool configured | The host-pool setting and operating-system defaults determine behavior. |
Use the most restrictive applicable configuration as the practical rule: an explicit denial at the session host wins over an enabling destination setting.
Apply and verify the policy
- In Intune, check the profile’s assignment, last device check-in, and per-setting status.
- Confirm the targeted device is an AVD session host, not only an end-user laptop or thin client.
- Trigger or wait for an Intune sync.
- Restart the session host after the policy is received.
- Connect to the expected host pool and session host.
- Play a Windows test sound, a standard audio file, or audio from a simple application inside the remote session.
- Confirm the intended local or remote output device, and check mute controls in Windows, the client, and the application.
Testing warning: Do not use Teams or a browser page that may be using multimedia redirection as your only test. Those features can work through separate optimization paths and produce a different result from ordinary RDP playback.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Digital Stereo Sound: Fine-tuned drivers provide enhanced digital audio for calls, meetings, music, and more
- Rotating Noise-Canceling Mic: Minimizes unwanted background noise for clear conversations; the rotating boom arm can be tucked out of the way when not in use
- Handy Inline Controls: Simple inline controls on the headset cable let you adjust the volume or mute calls without disruption
- USB-C Plug-and-Play: Simply plug the USB-C cable into your computer, including MacBook Neo laptops, and you're ready to talk or listen without installing software.
- Padded Comfort: Comfortable USB C headphones with adjustable headband feature swivel-mounted, leatherette ear cushions for hours of comfort
Troubleshoot common failures
No audio after enabling the profile
- Verify that the session host is in the assigned Intune group and has checked in successfully.
- Confirm the setting status, then restart the host.
- Check that the host pool is not set to Do not play sounds.
- Review the client’s local-resource audio selection and any supplied RDP file.
- Test a basic system sound rather than Teams or multimedia-redirection content.
- Check for domain Group Policy, local policy, security baselines, or another configuration profile that explicitly blocks playback.
- Verify that the endpoint’s intended speakers or headset are selected and unmuted.
Audio plays on the wrong device
Review the host pool’s Audio output location, then confirm the remote client’s playback-device selection. An enabled Intune policy permits playback but does not choose the destination.
Audio uses too much bandwidth
- Change Limit audio playback quality from High to Dynamic or Medium.
- Check whether the client is requesting a high-quality mode.
- Test on the actual VPN, WAN, or cellular path and account for other redirected resources.
- Keep Teams and multimedia-redirection traffic separate from standard RDP audio tests.
The policy appears enabled but users cannot change the behavior
This can be intentional. An explicit session-host policy can override client choices and RDP-file requests. If the policy is Disabled, changing the client setting will not re-enable playback.
Teams works while ordinary RDP audio fails
That result does not by itself indicate a policy error. Teams has its own media optimization for audio, cameras, and microphones, while multimedia redirection has another separate mechanism.
AVD and Windows 365: what differs
| Control area | AVD | Windows 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Windows policy | Managed on the session-host computer through Intune, Group Policy, or local policy. | Managed on the Cloud PC through the same relevant Windows policy path. |
| Additional RDP layer | Host-pool RDP properties control audio destination. | No AVD host-pool control layer in the same form. |
| Operational action | Coordinate Intune settings with host-pool configuration and restart hosts. | Apply the Cloud PC policy and validate the Cloud PC and client settings. |
The same broad RDP concepts also apply to supported Microsoft Dev Box scenarios, but controls should be validated for the specific service and Windows build.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- ✅【Outstanding Noise cancelling Microphone】 The headphones with unidirectional boom 270°microphone that only picks up your voice and block out unwanted background noises. Also, you can wear it on the left or right ear as you like.
- ✅【All-Day Comfort for All Head Shape】 Eaglend always designed for all-day comfort using, there will be no restraint pressure, with the adjustable headbend fit adult and kids easily.The soft protein memory foam earpads is made of high-level breathable materials，ROHS certified materials prevent your ears from heat and sweat.
- ✅【Enhanced sound performance & 40mm audio driver】:Corded phone headset with built-in audio sound card, Eaglend sound lab tested thousands of times for your daily conversation/music/movie/gaming, bringing you extra clear and bass for pleasant experience.
- ✅【USB/3.5mm Connection】 The headphone is designed for multiple use, 3.5mm audio cable with USB In-line audio volume control (cord length 5+4 feet)，with mic mute &indicators /speaker mute.Compatible with PC/Tablet/Mac/iOS/laptop /Android phone and other devices."
- ✅【Global warranty &multi-purpose】24 months warranty by eaglend. Great ideal for online courses, Skype chat, call center, Webinars Presentations, Office, Business, Rosetta Stone, Dragon Speaking, Conference Calls and more.
Security and performance guidance
- Disable playback redirection where audio is not needed or where reducing the media-redirection surface supports security and compliance objectives.
- Use Dynamic as a practical starting point for mixed or changing network conditions; choose Medium or High only after representative testing.
- Document both the Intune policy and AVD host-pool RDP properties so administrators can explain the effective result.
- Include restart, check-in verification, and a basic-audio test in change procedures.
Related Microsoft services and management options
Intune is the native way to assign this Windows policy. AVD provides the host-pool and session-host infrastructure, while Windows 365 provides Microsoft-hosted Cloud PCs. Organizations needing delegated administration, automation, or lifecycle reporting can evaluate third-party management such as Nerdio Manager for Enterprise, but it is not required for this configuration.
See Microsoft Intune, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Windows 365 for product details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Intune decide whether audio plays locally or remotely?
No. Intune controls whether the session host permits playback redirection and can cap quality. In AVD, the host pool’s Audio output location chooses local playback, remote playback, or no playback.
Can an AVD host-pool setting override an Intune block?
No. An explicit session-host block is more restrictive and prevents redirection even when the host pool is configured to play sounds locally.
Best Value
- Noise-Canceling headphones with microphone: Our headset with mic features a unidirectional, rotatable microphone that picks up only your voice, effectively blocking out background noise. Whether you're in a bustling office or a noisy home environment, your voice will come through clear and loud from this headset with microphone noise cancelling.
- All-Day Comfort: Designed for those who work from home, this headset offers all-day comfort. The adjustable headband fits various head shapes, eliminating any sense of constriction. The earpads, made of soft protein memory foam and high-grade breathable materials, prevent overheating and sweating, ensuring you stay comfortable even during long work sessions.
- Enhanced Stereo Sound Quality: With a built-in 40mm audio driver unit, our headset delivers enhanced sound quality. Whether you're on a daily call, listening to music, watching a movie, or gaming on your laptop or PC, expect clear audio and rich bass for an immersive experience.
- Convenient Connectivity: As a wired USB headset, it connects via a USB-A port for easy plug-and-play functionality. The inline controls include volume adjustment, microphone mute with an indicator light, and speaker mute, making operation straightforward. The 6.56-foot (2-meter) extension cord gives you plenty of room to move around while you work.
- Long-lasting and Stylish Design: The headsets' exterior and earpads are crafted from Long-lasting, comfortable materials like soft PU leather and breathable fabric. This not only ensures a long lifespan but also provides a luxurious feel. The design is sleek and modern, making it suitable for both professional and casual settings.
Is High audio quality always the best choice?
No. High is uncompressed and low-latency but consumes the most bandwidth. Dynamic or Medium is usually more practical on variable or constrained links.
Does this policy enable microphone or webcam redirection?
No. The procedure concerns playback. Microphone and camera capture use separate redirection settings.
Is a restart required?
Microsoft’s configuration guidance calls for restarting the computers providing the remote session after the policy applies.
Can a user’s RDP file override the administrator policy?
A client or RDP file can request a mode, but it cannot exceed the session-host quality cap or restore playback when the administrator explicitly blocks it.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
