This documentation set describes how to use Horizon Image Management Service (IMS) within a first-generation Horizon Cloud Service environment, including how to set up the service and how to create, customize, and publish versions of images for use by desktop assignments across your cloud-connected Horizon pods.

Important: Use this set of pages solely in the scenario when you have a first-gen tenant environment and will use IMS features in that first-gen environment. As of August 2022, Horizon Cloud Service - next-gen is generally available and has its very own Using Next-Gen documentation set available here. See the following screenshot that illustrates the location of the next-gen documentation set in docs.vmware.com.

When you have a next-gen tenant, you would naturally use IMS features in that next-gen environment. Those next-gen IMS features and how to use them are located inside the next-gen documentation set starting at the page Next-Gen Managing Horizon Images.


Screenshot that shows the location of the next-gen documentation in the left navigation from the Horizon Documentation page.

Remember: As described in Tour of the Cloud-Based Horizon Universal Console, the first-gen console is dynamic and reflects features that are appropriate for the up-to-the-minute configuration of your first-gen tenant environment. Access to features described in this documentation can depend on factors including, and not limited to:
  • Whether the feature depends on system code available only in the latest first-gen Horizon Cloud pod manifest, Horizon pod version, or Horizon Cloud Connector version.
  • Whether access to the feature is in Limited Availability, as stated in the Release Notes at the feature's debut.
  • Whether the feature requires specific licensing or SKUs.

When you see mention of a feature in this documentation and you do not see that feature in the first-gen console, first check the Release Notes to see if the feature's access is limited and the way you can request enablement in your tenant. Alternatively, when you believe you are entitled to use a feature that is described in this documentation and you do not see it in the console, you can ask your VMware Horizon Cloud Service representative or, if you do not have a representative, you can file a service request (SR) to the Horizon Cloud Service team as described in How to file a Support Request in Customer Connect (VMware KB 2006985).

Intended Audience

If you need to set up, customize, and publish system images for VMware Horizon desktop assignments in a first-generation environment, this information is for you. The information is written for experienced Windows system administrators who are familiar with virtual machine technology and data center operations.