AZ-800 Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Exam

Implementing Enhanced Session Mode

Enhanced Session Mode in Hyper-V gives administrators more control and a smoother experience when working with virtual machines (VMs). This mode enables clipboard sharing, drive redirection, and better display options, making it easier to copy text, access local files, and view high-resolution screens. By activating this feature, IT teams can interact with VMs as if they were running locally on their workstation. The improved user experience helps reduce support time and increases productivity within a hybrid infrastructure.

To activate Enhanced Session Mode, you must enable it on the Hyper-V host. Open Hyper-V Manager, select the host, and navigate to the Hyper-V Settings. Under the Enhanced Session Mode Policy, check the box to enable the feature on the host. For larger environments, use Group Policy to enforce this setting across multiple servers, ensuring a consistent configuration and minimizing manual steps.

Next, you need to allow guest VMs to support the new features by installing Integration Services. These services provide the drivers and services required for Enhanced Session Mode to work properly. On each VM, confirm that Integration Services is up to date by checking the VM settings or running Windows Update inside the guest. Proper installation of these components ensures that the host and guest can communicate and share resources seamlessly.

Once the host and guests are configured, validate the enhanced features during a live session. Key elements to test include:

• Device redirection for USB drives, printers, and other peripherals
• High-resolution display to confirm screen scaling and clarity
• Clipboard sharing to copy and paste text between host and guest
• Drive access to read and write files from local folders

By confirming each feature works as expected, you ensure a reliable, high-performance remote management setup that benefits both administrators and end users.

Conclusion

Implementing Enhanced Session Mode involves three main steps: enabling the feature on the Hyper-V host via Hyper-V Manager or Group Policy, installing Integration Services on guest VMs, and validating key functionalities like device redirection and high-resolution displays. Together, these steps provide a seamless, efficient way to manage VMs remotely, improving both usability and productivity. By following this process, administrators can leverage the full power of Hyper-V in a hybrid infrastructure environment.