As you may know, Microsoft had previously announced that Microsoft Application Virtualization (commonly known as “App-V”, or “SoftGrid”) was reaching end of life and heading towards deprecation. Thankfully, Microsoft has reversed this decision and instead placed App-V in fixed extended support. While they are no longer deprecating all of it, some parts tied into other services are still losing support, like App-V server components.
For many years now, Recast’s Application Workspace, an application management platform, has been supporting App-V. So, when the initial deprecation announcement was released, many of our customers began hastily searching for alternatives to App-V. They asked us where things stood and what they should do to move forward. In this blog, we’ll examine what we’ve seen and share how we can help.
MSIX and MSIX App Attach didn’t cut it
Several years ago, Microsoft introduced MSIX and MSIX App Attach as the successor to App-V. Unfortunately, many companies struggled to deliver their applications with this newly designed approach.
Many teams saw low success rates when trying to move large portions of their app portfolio to MSIX, leaving many companies to stick with using App-V. The takeaway was simple: If App-V is working, a forced format change can create churn without clear payoff.
The stress of finding a suitable alternative
With a high rate of MSIX migration failures and an approaching App-V end-of-life date, a lot of stress has been placed on companies to look for alternatives. Few options have the maturity to support the broader application landscape. Additionally, the effort to (re)package a company’s applications into a new format is often repetitive and not worth the time spent.
With pressure from the community, Microsoft changed positioning and announced they’d continue supporting App-V in a minimal capacity without officially deprecating it. This is good news for most companies. The bad news is that this continued support comes with some major changes.
App-V is not end of life
Let’s start with the good news about App-V staying alive. This means:
- The App-V client will remain available and be supported
- The App-V Sequencer will also still be available
Now for the catch: Microsoft is deprecating the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) in April 2026, which includes the Microsoft App-V Server functionality. This functionality is a core component for the delivery of App-V packages. As many companies use it today, there is still pressure to change tactics.
What the future might bring and what you should know
Can you still use App-V? The short answer is yes, but you should consider the changes Microsoft is positioning and providing for as you plan.
The first thing to consider is the movement toward cloud-based options. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop and Cloud PCs are, and will continue to be, at the forefront of Microsoft’s innovations. Every company is being urged to move to one of the Microsoft cloud-based desktop solutions.
With that comes the change in your application landscape, and the use of Microsoft’s App Attach. Now wait, didn’t we just say that this doesn’t support all applications? Yes, you’re right, but the problems we described lie within MSIX and not within App Attach. With App Attach, you were just mounting those MSIX applications in a session.
Thankfully, Microsoft also supports App-V in the App Attach format. This enables you to convert your applications to be ready for hosting on AVD or Cloud PC. With that possibility, we now have the option of making 99% of applications available. However, it still leaves us without a solution to any current on-premises situation.
How can Recast help with Application Workspace?
The best news of all is that Recast natively supports App-V, MSIX, and App Attach with Application Workspace, regardless of whether you are using on-premises or cloud-based services. It also means you can focus on transitioning your applications first, and then move to the cloud, all without noticeable disruption to end users.
We know many companies are not entirely ready to move to AVD or Cloud PC, and need to take a gradual approach toward this change. While there are many reasons for this, the one we hear the most is around application transition.
With a few simple steps, we can help you get the most out of your environment and set you up for future success. There is no need for complex repackaging of your applications, which is a time-intensive investment of roughly four to eight hours per application. Recast provides options to fit your needs and save time using the following steps:
- Maintain security and functionality now: Upload your App-V applications to your Application Workspace zone and continue to use them. This allows you to safely shut down and replace your deprecating App-V servers.
- Test now and migrate later: Mount and deploy your App-V as App Attach applications on-premises, allowing you to test now, and then move to the cloud when you’re ready.
- Leverage connectors for a seamless experience: Use our connectors to link your current on-premises Citrix, RDS, Omnissa (VMware), or other VDI/RDSH environments all into Azure Virtual Desktop, creating a seamless hybrid experience. Then, migrate at your own pace and grant specific users the ability to test your new environment.
- Create AVD deployments and prepare for launch: By creating an AVD deployment and mounting your already-converted applications, you’re ready for the last step.
- Migrate without end users noticing: Leverage the same icons end users are familiar with via our Smart Icons Technology. You are the curator of their operational design and can launch apps where and how you need to or see fit.
Conclusion
The future of App‑V may look different than it did a few years ago, but the path forward doesn’t have to be uncertain. With Microsoft shifting focus toward cloud‑based delivery and App Attach models, organizations now have clearer choices. You don’t need to abandon the solutions that work well for you. Application Workspace simply helps bridge those worlds.
By using the steps we outlined, you’ll be able to stabilize your current App‑V environment, begin testing modern application delivery methods, and prepare for a cloud transition at a pace that fits your organization. No rushed repackaging, no abrupt changes, just a steady evolution built on what already works. For those looking to optimize their application management strategy, explore more about Application Workspace.
