In this project, you’ll learn how to configure, manage, and stream desktop applications to your users with Amazon AppStream 2.0. AppStream 2.0 is a fully managed, secure application streaming service that allows you to stream desktop applications from AWS to an HTML 5 compatible web browser, without rewriting them. Users can access desktop applications from any computer, including Chromebooks, Macs, and PCs.

What you'll accomplish:

Install and configure two applications on AppStream 2.0, and stream them to your users. Your applications are accessed through an HTML 5 browser, and you control who can access them.

Perform foundational administrative tasks using the AppStream 2.0 console. You'll learn how to install applications using the image builder, optimize your applications with the Image Assistant, provision a fleet for your applications, and provision a stack to stream your applications to users.

Provision an Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) using a provided AWS Cloud​Formation template. The VPC will host your AppStream 2.0 resources within your isolated virtual network infrastructure.

What you'll need before starting:

An AWS account: You need an AWS account to begin using AppStream 2.0. Sign up for AWS.

A user's email account: You'll need access to at least one user's email account to complete the user configuration process.

Skill level: You don't need any prior experience with AWS to get started, but a basic understanding of networking and virtual desktop infrastructure is helpful.

Monthly billing estimate:

The total cost of streaming applications using AppStream 2.0 will vary depending on your needs and configuration. If you use the resources described in this guide for a business week, your total cost will be about $25.

To see a breakdown of the services used in this project and their associated costs, see Services Used and Costs.


Quickly and easily import, install, test, and update your applications using the image builder.

Choose from graphics, compute, memory, or general purpose instance types to optimize the performance of your applications, and reduce your overall costs.

Enable users to sign in to AppStream 2.0 using their existing credentials.

Use your existing Active Directory domains, either cloud-based or on-premises, to launch domain-joined streaming instances.

Automatically change the size of your AppStream 2.0 fleet to match the supply of available instances to user demand.

Use AppStream 2.0 APIs to integrate your applications with automation workflows or software-as-a-service solutions.