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Summary: Microsoft introduces Windows 365, a cloud-based PC server offering personalized virtual desktops for businesses. It comes in Business and Enterprise versions, each with unique features and pricing. The service provides flexible user and administrative capabilities, requiring specific hardware requirements for access. Windows 365 allows seamless access to a user’s Windows environment across devices, eliminating the need for a full license.

In most cases, the acronym PC typically refers to a computing device, such as a desktop or laptop, that operates using the Windows Operating System. The most recent iteration of this OS is Windows 11, tailored to run on well-equipped systems demanding substantial RAM, extensive storage capacity, a speedy processor, and a high-definition display. However, Microsoft is poised to revolutionize this convention with its cloud-based PC service, known as Windows 365.

This is a personalized cloud virtual desktop solution that tailors a unique arrangement of applications, data, and preferences for the end-user within a virtualized Windows environment. Each individual cloud PC is dedicated to a single user, delivering a user experience reminiscent of Windows 10 or 11.

welcome to your windows 365 Cloud PC
Windows 365 is not available for individual usage now, but for business and enterprise users.

Windows 365 Business

This solution is tailored to meet the needs of small businesses with fewer than 300 users, offering straightforward day-to-day computational services and user-friendly management tools.

Pricing

Windows 365 Business is further divided into three versions to provide a customized cloud PC environment for smaller businesses.Pricing

Windows 365 Enterprise

The Enterprise subscription option is ideal for larger organizations seeking both flexibility in crafting custom virtual PCs and access to a comprehensive suite of management tools.

Pricing

Windows 365 Enterprise offers a competitive pricing structure, tailored to suit the unique needs and advantages of larger organizations. These plans come with an array of additional benefits to cater to your specific requirements.
Pricing

Difference between Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise

There are different versions of Windows 365 with different capabilities. We are enlisting them into different tables that will show you, their uniqueness.

Licensing
Features Windows 365 Business Windows 365 Enterprise
Requirements No pre-requirement of a license to use Windows 365 There must be a license for Windows 10 or 11 as well as Endpoint manager, Azure AD P1.
Assignments Through Microsoft 365 Admin Center/Azure AD portal. Through Microsoft 365 Admin Center/Azure AD portal.
Purchase mediums Cloud Service Provider, Web direct, self-service. Cloud Service Provider, Web direct, self-service.
User limits 300 users per tenant. No limitation.
User capabilities
Features Windows 365 Business Windows 365 Enterprise
User role Each user will be a Standard user and to assign the permissions, check Remote management actions. Each user will be a standard user and the admin can change through the Microsoft Endpoint manager admin center.
Accessibility The user can access the Cloud PC with windows365.microsoft.com in the web browser. The user can access with Cloud PC with windows365.microsoft.com in the web browser or through Microsoft Remote Desktop.
Platform supports Supports all platform that works with Microsoft Remote Desktop clients. Supports all platform that works with Microsoft Remote Desktop clients.
Manage The user can reset, rename, restart, and troubleshoot their Cloud PCs. The user can rename, restart, and troubleshoot their Cloud PCs.
Administrative capabilities
Features Windows 365 Business Windows 365 Enterprise
License provisioning It is provisioned with a standard image when the license is assigned. License is configurable and customizable based on the requirement of the organization. Administrators can mention the network, user permissions, and policies to the Azure Active Directory.
Windows Updates Default Windows updates are provided routinely. Admin can update Windows using Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
Policy management No Support. Group Policy Objects and Intune MDM are supported.
Device support The device management is managed through Microsoft Endpoint manager when it has to intune a license. The admin can manage all device control through Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
Troubleshooting No Support There is a troubleshooting option present in Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
Hardware requirement to access Windows 365

For safe and smooth access to Windows 365 in Cloud PC, there are certain hardware requirements to meet.

  • RAM – 1024 Megabyte.
  • CPU – 1vCPU with 1 GHz or better processor.
  • Storage – 100 Megabytes or more.
  • Operating System –Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
  • .NET Framework – version 4.6.1 or newer.
  • Video – DirectX 9

Conclusion

In alignment with the prevailing shift towards embracing comprehensive cloud technologies, Microsoft has unveiled virtual Windows Systems. With this innovation, you can now subscribe for a single user without the need to acquire a full license, enabling you to enjoy a consistent Windows environment across various computer devices. Your personalized user settings, files, drives, and applications are readily available whenever and wherever you access Windows 365.

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