What Does Persistent Desktop Mean?
A persistent desktop is a virtual desktop that can save data and user settings on the operating system. As with older physical desktops with persistent hard drive images, persistent virtual desktops allow users to store their own settings, files and shortcuts on the desktop.
Techopedia Explains Persistent Desktop
Unlike persistent desktops, non-persistent desktops do not save any of these pieces of data or settings. After closure, in the next session, they revert to the original disk image. As virtual desktops evolved, vendors began to offer both options to customers.
In general, the persistent desktop has certain values over the non-persistent desktop. For instance, it allows users to have certain administrative privileges. It also helps them to make sure that files and folders are not lost. However, persistent desktop can require more resources to maintain, which is why some companies may use non-persistent virtual desktops.