What is Windows 365?
Running in the cloud on Azure, Windows 365 is a brand-new category of computers, which Microsoft describe as “cloud PCs”. These PCs are always online, ready to be accessed via a web browser or app on any device, from phones and tablets to desktops and laptops.
With persistent sessions, your apps, settings, desktop, and clipboard will be exactly where you left them. This applies whether you are switching between a tablet and desktop in real-time or accessing it for the first time after a long-overdue holiday.
Video: Introducing Windows 365
How Does Windows 365 Work?
Your cloud PC can be accessed securely via a web browser or app on almost any device. The cloud PC is protected by your login credentials and MFA (multi-factor authentication) but can be accessed on a phone, tablet, or computer.
You can also stay logged into your cloud PC from multiple devices simultaneously, ideal for switching from a static desktop to a tablet for meetings on the go.
Who Should Use It?
Windows 365 makes sense for every type of business, from start-ups to enterprise corporations.
For smaller growing businesses, the monthly subscription to a Windows 365 cloud PC might be more affordable than buying an equivalent machine outright. Staff could then use their own personal computers and devices to log in to their work cloud PCs, minimising the amount of physical hardware to purchase and maintain.
Larger organisations can use the incredible management tools to quickly deploy, upgrade, maintain and support many devices simultaneously. Whether rapidly expanding a new division, or monitoring the performance of all staff devices, it is incredibly easy to manage an organisation on Windows 365.
Are Cloud PCs Powerful?
You can choose your own specifications, to create a PC that has enough power for your specific tasks.
Starting with 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage, the entry-level Basic cloud PC is ideal for basic productivity tasks such as Word, Outlook, and OneDrive, along with audio-only Teams meetings. The Standard cloud PC increases the RAM to 8 GB and can run the full Office suite of Apps, including video meetings on Teams.
Currently, you can specify Windows 365 cloud PCs with up to 8 vCPUs, 32 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, capable of almost any intense workloads you could throw at it. These specifications can be resized by IT admins quickly and easily, so that by the time the user next logs in, they will have an upgraded PC. However, their docs, storage, settings etc will stay the same.
Unlike your work or home computers, these cloud PCs are connected to the internet via the Azure platform, so they have significantly faster download and upload speeds than most workplaces. In initial tests, we have seen download speeds of around 10 Gb/s and upload speeds of over 3.5 Gb/s.
If your workflow requires downloading or uploading data at high speeds this might be the fastest computer available.
Minimum Requirements?
The main limitation is that this is a streaming service. As a rule of thumb, if you can stream a Full HD or 4K film on your internet connection, you should have a smooth experience using Windows 365.
Windows 365 works best as a Hybrid working environment and Microsoft provide discounts for organisations already using Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Pro.
IT Management
One of the best features about the Windows 365 service is how easy it becomes to manage cloud PCs across your organisation. With a clear overview of all users, licenses, and active devices, it is remarkably simple to maintain and manage your organisation.
Cloud PCs can also be connected directly to your internal network, to provide access to local servers, printers, storage, and tools that might otherwise require a VPN connection.
If you would like more information or would like to discuss how Windows 365 could improve your business, please contact us.
