Amazon WorkSpaces ICYMI Q1 2026

This quarter we delivered updates to Amazon WorkSpaces across graphics performance and visual quality, productivity tools, and operational visibility. We also launched a new training program to let you build expertise with Amazon WorkSpaces. Here’s what you might have missed.

Graphics Performance & Visual Quality

Graphics G6, Gr6, and G6f Bundles

What it does: GPU-accelerated virtual desktops for graphics-intensive workloads on Amazon WorkSpaces Personal and Core bundles
Why it matters: Organizations can access professional-grade graphics capabilities at substantially lower costs for high-performance GPU use cases including CAD and BIM applications with faster render times and smoother viewport performance, 4K and 8K video editing, 3D animation, and AI-powered creative workflows.
How it works: Built on NVIDIA L4 Tensor Core GPUs with 24GB VRAM, third-generation RT Cores for ray tracing, and fourth-generation Tensor Cores for AI applications. Fractional GPU options (1/8, 1/4, 1/2) reduce entry costs 64% with up to 65% better price-performance

WorkSpaces Applications 4K Resolution Support

What it does: 4K resolution (4096 x 2160) on non-accelerated instance types across all client connection modes for Amazon WorkSpaces Applications
Why it matters: Organizations select instance types based on workload requirements while maintaining high-quality streaming. Users with ultra-wide monitors at 21:9 aspect ratios gain optimal clarity without requiring GPU hardware.

Platform & Security Updates

WorkSpaces Now Supports Microsoft Windows Server 2025

What it does: New bundles powered by Microsoft Windows Server 2025 for Amazon WorkSpaces Personal and Core
Why it matters: Organizations run applications requiring newer Windows versions, including eligible Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. Advanced security features include TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, Secured-core server, Credential Guard, HVCI, and DNS-over-HTTPS.
How it works: Use managed Windows Server 2025 bundles or create custom bundles tailored to specific requirements; Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022 remain available

Screen Capture Protection for Windows WorkSpaces Personal

What it does: Prevents screenshots, screen recordings, and screen sharing of WorkSpaces sessions from local client tools
Why it matters: Organizations protect sensitive information from exfiltration. When enabled, capture attempts from the client device show either the background or a black rectangle, helping secure confidential data during remote work sessions.

Productivity & Collaboration

Microsoft Office, Visio, and Project 2024

What it does: Microsoft Office LTSC Professional Plus 2024, Office LTSC Standard 2024, Visio LTSC Professional and Standard 2024, and Project Professional and Standard 2024 available through managed applications catalogue
Why it matters: Organizations standardize on latest productivity tools without modifying existing bundles. Add applications to new or existing WorkSpaces instances through existing workflow, reducing deployment complexity.

Advanced Printer Redirection

What it does: Full access to printer capabilities for Windows Amazon WorkSpaces Personal
Why it matters: Professional document production with double-sided printing, paper tray selection, and finishing options like stapling and hole-punching.
How it works: Requires matching printer drivers on both Amazon WorkSpaces instance and client device; configurable validation modes automatically fall back to basic printing when needed.

Microsoft Teams Optimization Now Available for WorkSpaces DaaS

What it does: VDI optimization for Microsoft Teams on Amazon WorkSpaces for Windows endpoints—offloads audio and video processing from virtual machines to endpoint devices
Why it matters: Organizations deliver seamless collaboration with high-definition audio and video, reduced latency, and improved call quality. Media processing happens directly on endpoint devices, bypassing the VM entirely for smoother, more responsive meetings.

WorkSpaces Secure Browser Custom Domain Support

What it does: Custom domains for Amazon WorkSpaces Secure Browser portals
Why it matters: Organizations configure portal access through their own domain names, aligning secure browser experience with organizational branding.
How it works: Configure custom domain with reverse proxy like Amazon CloudFront; supports AWS Identity Center and custom Identity Providers across 10 AWS Regions at no additional cost.

Other Announcements

Optimize Amazon WorkSpaces Personal and Applications with new dashboard

What it does: Comprehensive monitoring for Amazon WorkSpaces Personal and Applications through Amazon QuickSight
Why it matters: Visibility into cost optimization opportunities through AutoStop versus AlwaysOn analysis, usage pattern trending, inactive workspace identification, and weekend usage monitoring. Integration with CloudWatch metrics provides CPU and memory utilisation data for targeted optimization and capacity planning.
How it works: Deploy Data Collection Lab version 3.2.0 or higher with foundational dashboard; access insights through Amazon QuickSight

AWS End User Computing Specialty Badge

What it does: Digital training pathway validating expertise in Amazon WorkSpaces and cloud-based desktop delivery
Why it matters: AWS partners demonstrate verified expertise through a standardized curriculum. Technical teams gain formal recognition that differentiates in competitive situations and accelerates customer success across Amazon WorkSpaces Personal, Pools, Applications, Core, and Secure Browser.
How it works: Complete three progressive courses (210 minutes total) and pass 60-question certification exam with 80% or higher score; badge issued through Credly within two weeks.

Amazon WorkSpaces Now Available on AWS Free Tier

What it does: New customers receive up to $200 in credits as part of the AWS Free Tier program to create their first WorkSpaces. Once exhausted, customers can then upgrade to a paid plan to access WorkSpaces Free Tier benefits.
Why it matters: Organizations can evaluate WorkSpaces capabilities risk-free, reducing barriers to cloud desktop adoption and enabling hands-on testing before committing to paid plans.

Customer Success Story

Learn about how The New Mexico Educational Retirement Board migrated from failing on-premises VMware infrastructure to Amazon WorkSpaces Core, cutting sign-on times by 90% and securing pension operations for 160,000+ educators.

We have exciting releases planned throughout Q2 that will continue advancing WorkSpaces capabilities. Join us at AWS Global Summits kicking off this month where we’ll share major announcements you won’t want to miss.

Existing AWS customer? Get started with Amazon WorkSpaces here.

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