Windows 365
Built on Azure Virtual Desktops, the new service will remind many of Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming Service, but for everyday Windows apps. Launching August 2, the service, at least initially, is being marketed towards enterprise customers only. As a result, it’s ideally suited for companies with employees who work in the office and remotely.
Requirements
Microsoft says Windows 365 will run from any modern web browser or through the company’s Remote Desktop app. Because the OS is installed in the cloud, its state remains the same as you move back and forth between devices.
What You Get
There are two versions of Windows 365 at launch: Business and Enterprise. Each Cloud PC is configured with at least a single CPU, 2GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. The best of the 12 available business and enterprise configurations include up to eight CPUs, 32GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The configurations are as follows: Microsoft Windows 365 customers will also have internet connections with 10Gbps download speeds and 4Gbps upload speeds.
Windows 365: Price
Microsoft wasn’t planning to announce pricing for Windows 365 until it launched in August. However, as The Verge noted, it inadvertently revealed one price point during a Microsoft Inspire session on July 14. For $31 per month, the company plans on offering two CPUs, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It’s part of the Windows 365 Business option intended for organizations with fewer than 300 overall users. As a Microsoft spokesperson explained: This is not the least expensive configuration, as you can see above.
Comparison Pricing
Security
Microsoft will undoubtedly spend plenty of resources educating would-be Windows 365 customers on the security and privacy put into place for the new service in the coming months. However, I don’t expect any problems on this front. After all, millions of companies and individuals are already using Microsoft cloud-based products like Office 365 and OneDrive.
What About Non-Enterprise Customers?
Microsoft has been mum on whether a consumer-based, non-enterprise version of Windows 365 is coming. However, I would expect that will eventually be the case. As a primary Mac user, I’d consider using the service on my MacBook Pro to run a cloud version of Windows 11. Being able to access it on my iPad Pro could also prove useful. Watch for more Windows 365 coverage at groovyPost in the coming weeks. In the meantime, visit Microsoft’s official website for up-to-date information. Comment Name * Email *
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