--- title: Getting Started with App-V (Windows 10/11) description: Get started with Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) for Windows 10/11. App-V for Windows client devices delivers Win32 applications to users as virtual applications. author: greg-lindsay ms.pagetype: mdop, appcompat, virtualization ms.mktglfcycl: deploy ms.sitesec: library ms.prod: w10 ms.date: 04/18/2018 ms.reviewer: manager: dansimp ms.author: greglin ms.topic: article --- # Getting started with App-V for Windows client [!INCLUDE [Applies to Windows client versions](../includes/applies-to-windows-client-versions.md)] > [!NOTE] > [!INCLUDE [Application Virtualization will be end of life in April 2026](../includes/app-v-end-life-statement.md)] Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) for Windows delivers Win32 applications to users as virtual applications. Virtual applications are installed on centrally managed servers and delivered to users as a service in real time and on an as-needed basis. Users launch virtual applications from familiar access points and interact with them as if they were installed locally. Starting with Windows 10 version 1607, App-V is included with the [Windows 10 for Enterprise edition](https://www.microsoft.com/WindowsForBusiness/windows-for-enterprise). If you're new to Windows client and App-V, you’ll need to download, activate, and install server- and client-side components to start delivering virtual applications to users. To learn what you need to know before getting started with App-V, see the [Application Virtualization (App-V) overview](appv-for-windows.md). If you’re already using App-V, performing an in-place upgrade to Windows 10/11 on user devices automatically installs the App-V client and migrates users’ App-V applications and settings. For more information about how to configure an existing App-V installation after upgrading user devices to Windows 10/11, see [Upgrading to App-V for Windows from an existing installation](appv-upgrading-to-app-v-for-windows-10-from-an-existing-installation.md). >[!IMPORTANT] >You can upgrade your existing App-V installation to App-V for Windows from App-V versions 5.0 SP2 and higher only. If you are using an earlier version of App-V, you’ll need to upgrade your existing App-V installation to App-V 5.0 SP2 before upgrading to App-V for Windows. To learn more about previous versions of App-V, see [MDOP information experience](/microsoft-desktop-optimization-pack/index). ## Getting started with App-V for Windows (new installations) To start using App-V to deliver virtual applications to users, you’ll need to download, enable, and install server- and client-side components. The following table describes the App-V for Windows client components, what they do, and where to find them. | Component | What it does | Where to find it | |------------|--|------| | App-V server components | App-V offers five server components that work together to allow you to host and publish virtual applications, generate usage reports, and manage your App-V environment. For more details, see [Deploying the App-V Server](appv-deploying-the-appv-server.md).

If you're already using App-V 5.x, you don't need to redeploy the App-V server components, as they haven't changed since App-V 5.0's release. | The App-V server components are included in the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) 2015 ISO package that can be downloaded from the following locations:

If you have a Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscription, use the [MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) subscriptions site](https://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/downloads/default.aspx#FileId=65215) to download the MDOP ISO package.

If you're using [Windows client for Enterprise or Education](https://www.microsoft.com/WindowsForBusiness/windows-product-home), download it from the [Volume Licensing Service Center](https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/default.aspx).

See [Deploying the App-V Server](appv-deploying-the-appv-server.md) for more information about installing and using the server components.| | App-V client and App-V Remote Desktop Services (RDS) client | The App-V client is the component that runs virtualized applications on user devices, allowing users to interact with icons and file names to start virtualized applications. | Starting with Windows 10 version 1607, the App-V client is automatically installed.

To learn how to enable the client, see [Enable the App-V desktop client](appv-enable-the-app-v-desktop-client.md). | | App-V sequencer | Use the App-V sequencer to convert Win32 applications into virtual packages for deployment to user devices. Devices must run the App-V client to allow users to interact with virtual applications. | Installed with the [Windows Assessment and Deployment kit (ADK) for Windows client](https://developer.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit). | For more information about these components, see [High Level Architecture for App-V](appv-high-level-architecture.md). If you're new to App-V, it's a good idea to read the documentation thoroughly. Before deploying App-V in a production environment, you can ensure installation goes smoothly by validating your deployment plan in a test network environment. You might also consider taking a class about relevant technologies. To get started, see the [Microsoft Training Overview](https://www.microsoft.com/learning/default.aspx). ## Getting started with App-V [What's new in App-V](appv-about-appv.md) provides a high-level overview of App-V and how it can be used in your organization. [Evaluating App-V](appv-evaluating-appv.md) provides information about how you can best evaluate App-V for use in your organization. [High Level Architecture for App-V](appv-high-level-architecture.md) provides a description of the App-V features and how they work together. ## Other resources for this product * [Application Virtualization (App-V) overview](appv-for-windows.md) * [Planning for App-V](appv-planning-for-appv.md) * [Deploying App-V](appv-deploying-appv.md) * [Operations for App-V](appv-operations.md) * [Troubleshooting App-V](appv-troubleshooting.md) * [Technical reference for App-V](appv-technical-reference.md)