---
title: "Amazon AppStream 2.0"
type: entity
tags:
  - AWS
  - End-User-Computing
  - Application-Streaming
  - Virtual-Desktop
sources:
  - public-cloud-learning-sessions-aws-end-user-compute-services-20240430-160120-mee
last_updated: 2026-05-11
---

## Amazon AppStream 2.0

Amazon AppStream 2.0 is an AWS-managed **application and desktop streaming service** that provides selective persistence. It is part of the [[AWS-End-User-Computing]] portfolio and is designed for non-persistent desktop scenarios, labs, training environments, and bastion hosts.

## Key Characteristics

| Feature | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| **Persistence** | Selective persistence — fresh desktop at each logon, with optional application and storage connectors |
| **Deployment** | Instances created from base images — simplifies application management |
| **OS support** | Windows; exploring other Linux flavors |
| **Multi-tenancy** | Newer multi-tenant approach allows multiple users per instance (cost optimization) |
| **Concurrency** | Concurrency of use model for cost efficiency |
| **Auto-scaling** | Built-in auto-scaling capabilities for DR and load handling |
| **File transfer** | Supports file uploads/downloads |
| **Clients** | Web browser client, Windows native client for native application support |

## Positioning
> *"AppStream 2.0 is a great low cost alternative for customers that don't require a fully persistent desktop."* — [[Christian-ODonough]]

## Use Cases
- Non-persistent desktops
- Labs and training environments
- Bastion hosts / jump servers
- Secure access to corporate resources
- Online trials
- ISV application streaming with branding options

## Security Features
- Secure streaming protocols
- Built-in data protection policies
- Device certificates
- Multi-factor authentication
- VPC Interface Endpoints for private connectivity
- SAML-based authentication

## Connections
- [[AWS-End-User-Computing]] ← is_a ← [[AppStream-2]]
- [[Amazon-Workspaces]] ← compared_to ← [[AppStream-2]] (full persistence vs. selective persistence)
- [[Christian-ODonough]] ← presents ← [[AppStream-2]]

## Sources
- [[public-cloud-learning-sessions-aws-end-user-compute-services-20240430-160120-mee]]