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Microsoft App-V vs VMware ThinApp [EOL] comparison

Microsoft and Broadcom are both solutions in the Application Virtualization category. Additionally, 80% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.
Microsoft App-V
Read 9 Microsoft App-V reviews
  • 1,542 Views
  • 1,542 Comparison Views
80% willing to recommend
VMware ThinApp [EOL]
Read 3 VMware ThinApp [EOL] reviews
    100% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive Summary
    We performed a comparison between Microsoft App-V and VMware ThinApp [EOL] based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

    Find out what your peers are saying about Citrix, Microsoft, Parallels and others in Application Virtualization.

    DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE REPORT
    To learn more, read our detailed Application Virtualization Report (Updated: June 2026).
    Buyer's Guide
    Application Virtualization
    June 2026
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    Helped 900,747 peers since 2012

    Review summaries and opinions

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Categories and Ranking

    Microsoft App-V
    Average Rating
    8.6
    Reviews Sentiment
    7.5
    Number of Reviews
    9
    Ranking in other categories
    Application Virtualization (2nd)
    VMware ThinApp [EOL]
    Average Rating
    9.0
    Number of Reviews
    3
    Ranking in other categories
    No ranking in other categories
     

    Featured Reviews

    Francois Gotti - PeerSpot reviewer
    Francois Gotti
    Senior Infrastructure Engineer at IQEQ
    Streaming has impressed but integration and support require improvement
    The problem with Microsoft App-V is that there is no choice since Microsoft has decided to stop it, and we are searching for alternatives. Microsoft App-V needs to evolve, possibly with better integration with other solutions, particularly since we use Citrix and want to integrate App-V packages more efficiently. The management of packages should be easier, possibly through a web console for visibility in versioning, and options to convert packages when changing technologies. Many companies avoid using tools like Admin Studio due to high costs. Additionally, Microsoft App-V has been slow, and users experience delays when launching applications, which presents significant challenges.
    Read full review
    it_user769638 - PeerSpot reviewer
    it_user769638
    Associate Operations at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
    Streamlines checking our app after pushing an update, which helps cut costs
    In the past we used multiple servers to load-balance the application and when we pushed updates to the application we would need to check it on all servers. But when it comes to VMware ThinApp we can do it on a file server or Isilon share and this helps cut costs and create a healthy environment. If we publish an application in Citrix through a server we should have more capacity. On multiple occasions, some applications need updates so at that point we need to disable the servers. But in this case there is no need for disabling user sessions, they can use it and we can do just gpupdate to update all servers in a row.
    Read full review

    Quotes from Members

    We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
     

    Pros

    "From a technical point of view, it meets most of the customers' needs."
    "It is easy to scale. You can quickly deploy additional instances. Rollbacks are easy because there is an automatic backup every hour. Deploying the application is straightforward and efficient."
    "Microsoft App-V is a simple, very good working product that just works."
    "I appreciate the process of being able to change or review my answers."
    "It is very easy to use from an administration point of view."
    "From my experience with Microsoft App-V, the feature I liked the most is the streaming."
    "From my point of view, it reached a maturity where we can consider it to be perfect."
    "I would recommend Microsoft App-V for its simplicity and efficiency."
    More Microsoft App-V pros
    "A great solution to get started with app virtualization, app mobility and deployment"
    "In the past we used multiple servers to load-balance the application and when we pushed updates to the application we would need to check it on all servers, but when it comes to VMware ThinApp we can do it on a file server or Isilon share and this helps cut costs and create a healthy environment."
     

    Cons

    "The downside is that Microsoft bought this product and they are going to discontinue it in 2026. This is worrisome for us."
    "Microsoft App-V is more suited for legacy software usage, and trying to make it work in that context usually feels tricky and unreliable."
    "If it were possible to integrate App-V with a cybersecurity solution then we could implement a documentation registry, which would be useful."
    "There is definitely room for improvement with Microsoft App-V, especially in terms of enhancing troubleshooting resources and user guidance."
    "Regarding improvements in Microsoft App-V, I would appreciate seeing the successor, MSIX, work better, as nothing is going to be implemented anymore since it is end of life by the end of the year."
    "Microsoft App-V has been slow, and users experience delays when launching applications, which presents significant challenges."
    "The process was streamlined but didn't make our work simple. We encountered an issue with the person responsible for designing the website."
    "The reporting features could be improved."
    "There are some functional areas Thinapp could be improved. Perhaps including application specific or hardware specific virtual drivers"
    "There are some improvements needed regarding different types of options and still they are in research and build stage so once everything is set it will look good."
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "The pricing of this product is competitive."
    "Clients do not pay licensing fees."
    Information not available
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    Financial Services Firm
    17%
    Healthcare Company
    8%
    Comms Service Provider
    6%
    Government
    6%
    No data available
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
    By reviewers
    Company SizeCount
    Small Business4
    Large Enterprise5
    No data available
     

    Questions from the Community

    What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft App-V?
    Regarding pricing, I believe flexibility would help retain customers. Costs could be more adaptable to meet varying budgets.
    See all answers
    What needs improvement with Microsoft App-V?
    There is definitely room for improvement with Microsoft App-V, especially in terms of enhancing troubleshooting resources and user guidance.
    See all answers
    What is your primary use case for Microsoft App-V?
    I have been using Microsoft App-V for quite some time, and I can describe my use cases, which include various applications that enhance productivity.
    See all answers
    Ask a question
    Earn 20 points
     

    Comparisons

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    Compared 20% of the time
    Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs Microsoft App-V Logo
    Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs Microsoft App-V
    Compared 20% of the time
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    Systancia Workplace vs Microsoft App-V
    Compared 17% of the time
    Microsoft Virtual Server vs Microsoft App-V Logo
    Microsoft Virtual Server vs Microsoft App-V
    Compared 8% of the time
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    Inuvika vs VMware ThinApp [EOL] Logo
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    Compared 23% of the time
    Numecent Cloudpager vs VMware ThinApp [EOL] Logo
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    Compared 20% of the time
    Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs VMware ThinApp [EOL] Logo
    Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs VMware ThinApp [EOL]
    Compared 17% of the time
    Microsoft Virtual Server vs VMware ThinApp [EOL] Logo
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    Compared 12% of the time
    More VMware ThinApp [EOL] Competitors
     

    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Microsoft App-V
    June 2026
    Microsoft App-V reportDownload Microsoft App-V product report
    Buyer's Guide
    Application Virtualization
    June 2026
    VMware ThinApp [EOL] reportDownload VMware ThinApp [EOL] product report
     

    Also Known As

    App-V, MS App-V
    ThinApp
     

    Overview

    Microsoft App-V facilitates rapid, secure application deployment in isolated containers for Windows platforms. Its centralized management allows app deployment globally or per-user, enhancing productivity alongside legacy software support.

    Microsoft App-V is a robust tool for managing application deployments with centralized control and flexibility, offering features like instant upgrades, application streaming, and support for running multiple app versions. While facing discontinuation in 2026, it remains valuable for managing legacy applications and achieving cost efficiencies. Users can quickly manage apps via SCCM and benefit from reduced local installations, lowering security risks and enhancing scalability. However, there are calls for improved Azure integration and better synchronization capabilities.

    What are the key features of Microsoft App-V?
    • Instant Upgrades: Rapidly update applications without disruptions.
    • Centralized Management: Manage applications from a single location, reducing conflicts.
    • App Streaming: Streamline deployment with minimal local resource use.
    • Legacy Software Support: Run older applications on modern systems seamlessly.
    • Concurrent Versions: Support multiple app versions for user flexibility.
    What benefits should users look for in Microsoft App-V?
    • Cost Reduction: Lower operational costs through efficient resource use.
    • Scalability: Easily scale application deployments to meet growing needs.
    • Stability: Enhance operational stability with reliable application management.
    • Efficiency: Improve efficiency through reduced user interaction in updates.

    In industries like finance and healthcare, Microsoft App-V is used to maintain legacy application functionality while modernizing IT infrastructure. Companies in sectors with critical operations leverage its ability to keep applications separate, reducing conflicts and ensuring reliable performance even on aging systems. The focus on transition and integration is crucial as they explore advanced solutions for future needs.

    Microsoft

    VMware ThinApp accelerates application deployment and simplifies application migration with agentless application virtualization. Deploy ThinApp packages on "locked-down" PCs and allow end users to run their favorite applications without compromising security. ThinApp eliminate application conflicts by isolating applications from each other and the underlying OS into a single executable file that can be easily deployed to many endpoints.

    Broadcom
     

    Sample Customers

    The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), GDDKiA, P&V, Etisalat Lanka, Hellenic Petroleum
    Delhi International Airport, Telus Communications Company, Mansfield District Council, St Edmunds College, Sydney Adventist Hospital, ITSAM, Hertz International, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. , ASVZ, Appenzell Ausserrhoden Informatik, MTF, Stadt Hattingen, €sterreichisches Verkehrsbªro AG, DER Reisebªro GmbH & Co OHG, Thomas-Krenn.AG, BFI Wien, Metal One Pipe & Tubular Products Inc., NTT Neomeit
    Buyer's Guide
    Application Virtualization
    June 2026
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