Windows has recently entered two new phases of its existence. The first was with the latest version of the desktop operating system, Windows 11. The second was with the revolutionary new cloud service, Windows 365.
If you were to ask any IT support company about which operating system was the most suited to professional work, they would likely say Windows 10. For many years, Windows 10 pioneered features that helped businesses optimise their productivity with daily tasks. Microsoft have specifically designed Windows 11 to be the first operating system built for hybrid work. Many leaders in business and technology see hybrid work as the future of business, and so Microsoft were eager to give their customers the tools and resources for it.
Flexible and Remote Working
One of the things that has become apparent since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, is that the vast majority of employees want flexible and remote working options permanently. In the 2022 Work Trend Index survey by Microsoft, which included more than 30,000 people in 31 countries around the world, they found that more than two-thirds of people feel this way. This is why Microsoft have worked hard to incorporate a range of features that support flexible, remote, and hybrid ways of working within Windows 11.
Windows 365
A big part of this new approach and feature set is the integration between Windows 11 and Windows 365. The latter is a new Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solution from Microsoft –which is the world’s first Cloud PC, a new form of computing that combines the power of the Cloud, with the resources of end-user’s own devices to form a powerful and flexible service. A Windows 365 Cloud PC is a persistent virtual desktop solution that can be streamed to a user’s local device – these Cloud PCs draw from the compute resources in the Microsoft Cloud to gives users access to powerful virtual devices harnessing as many as 8 CPUs and up to 32 gigabytes of RAM.
The beauty of Windows 365 is that is both flexible and scalable, meaning that Cloud PCs can be deployed and recalled to meet the demand of either an increasing or decreasing workforce. Businesses that utilize an elastic workforce through contractors will find this to be very useful.As mentioned above, Cloud PCs can be deployed with a range of compute resources attached – so whether business is deploying one to an intern, or a full-stack developer, they can configure a Cloud PC with the resource that the role demands.
Microsoft have recently announced 4 new ways of accessing Windows 365. 3 of these methods are currently available, while the 4th is still in development. All of these metods are tied to Windows 11:
- Windows 365 Boot–this method allows one to access their Cloud PC from startup. This means that when you start up your Windows 11 PC, you will have the option to either log into to your local desktop, or log directly into your Windows 365 Cloud PC. You an even designate the Cloud PC as your primary Windows experience on that device. This feature is perfect for businesses employing a bring your own device (BYOD) policy.
- Windows 365 Switch–this method of access will integrate Windows 365 into the Task View in Windows 11. The Task View is a function that is accessed from your taskbar, and allows you to view all the apps and window you have open on your desktop (along with local virtual desktops). With Windows 365 Switch, you can switch between your local desktop and your Cloud PC from within Task View.
- Windows 365 app – this native application will sit on your Windows 11 desktop, the taskbar, or the Start menu. By opening the Windows 365 app, you will be able to access your Cloud PC from within the application.
- Windows 365 Offline–Microsoft are currently working on a way to enable users to access their Cloud PCs when offline. This feature may have some limitations compared to the online access – for example, compute resources may be limited by the local device’s hardware; but the offline service will guarantee users can access the data they have stored on their Cloud PC even when offline. Due to the persistent nature of Windows 365, this will mean that any changes the user makes on their Cloud PC whilst they are offline will by synchronised with the Windows 365 service once internet connectivity is restored.Visit for more articles: forbeser.com
