Inactive AWS WorkSpace

Taylor Houck

Service Category

Compute

Cloud Provider

AWS

Service Name

AWS WorkSpaces

Inefficiency Type

Inactive Resource

Explanation

If an AWS WorkSpace has been provisioned but not accessed in a meaningful timeframe, it may represent waste—particularly if it is set to monthly billing. Many organizations leave WorkSpaces active for users who no longer need them or have shifted roles, leading to persistent charges without corresponding business value. Even in hourly mode, costs can accrue if WorkSpaces are left in a running state.

Relevant Billing Model

Amazon WorkSpaces supports two primary billing options: **monthly** (always-on) and **hourly (auto-stop)**. In monthly mode, you are billed a flat rate regardless of usage. In hourly mode, billing is based on active usage with a lower base fee. Unused or inactive WorkSpaces in monthly mode result in unnecessary recurring charges.

Detection

Review the last login date for all provisioned WorkSpaces to identify users with prolonged inactivity
Confirm whether inactive WorkSpaces are set to monthly billing (always-on) or hourly (auto-stop)
Evaluate if inactive WorkSpaces are associated with users who have left the organization or changed roles
Check whether a WorkSpace remains in a running state even in hourly mode, causing unnecessary hourly charges
Review tagging metadata or directory assignments to determine if the WorkSpace is part of a temporary, staging, or unused environment

Remediation

Decommission WorkSpaces that are no longer needed
Switch billing mode from monthly to auto-stop for WorkSpaces with intermittent usage
Automate reviews of WorkSpaces based on last login data to flag stale resources for cleanup or conversion
Use lifecycle management policies to standardize default billing modes and enforce deactivation schedules

Relevant Documentation

Amazon WorkSpaces Pricing
Manage Amazon WorkSpaces Usage

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