Connection-based resource management for virtual desktop instances

A method, comprising:

• performing, by one or more computers on a service provider network:
• executing a virtual desktop instance comprising a computing resource instance and a storage volume attached to the computing resource instance over a network, wherein a connection for a user of the service provider network is supported to the virtual desktop instance through a client over a network connection;
• shutting down the virtual desktop instance, responsive to detection that the user has disconnected from the virtual desktop instance based at least in part on monitoring of the network connection, while maintaining data for the virtual desktop instance on the storage volume, wherein shutting down the virtual desktop instance comprises shutting down the computing resource instance, detaching the storage volume from the computing resource instance, and making the computing resource instance available for another use;
• and
• restarting the virtual desktop instance, responsive to detecting that the user has reconnected to the virtual desktop instance through a client, comprising attaching for network access the storage volume to a different computing resource instance and booting up the different computing resource instance for the virtual desktop instance.