Windows 365 FAQ
What is it exactly?
Windows 365 is the world’s first Cloud PC that will allow you to securely streams your personalized Windows desktop, apps, settings, and content from the cloud to any device. A Cloud PC provides customers a virtualized computing experience where you can stream your Windows experience from the Microsoft cloud to any device.
Windows evolves from a device-based operating system (OS) to hybrid personalized computing. Hybrid in the context of the Cloud PC refers to the Windows client operating system. With Windows 365, Windows becomes a “hybrid” local OS and cloud OS. Organizations can choose whether a PC, with its locally installed operating system or a Cloud PC, with its cloud-based operating system, is the best fit for a given user or role in the organization. In some cases, a given user may benefit from having both, using the best tool for the job(s) at hand at the moment. Either way, the evolution of Windows into a hybrid local/cloud OS brings new possibilities to organizations of all sizes.
Why all the rage?
Virtual machines aren’t a new concept (Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop does something similar) but Windows 365 simplifies the process. Business users can go to the Windows365.com site (when it launches), choose from a dozen configurations, and get the ball rolling — no third-party solution needed.
Who is Windows 365 for?
Windows 365 is for organizations of all sizes that need secure and agile hybrid work solutions for elastic workforces, distributed employees or specialized workloads with versatile compute and storage capabilities, accessible on any device.
Who is the target audience for Windows 365?
Customers of all sizes can benefit from Windows 365 when there is a need to support distributed workforces, hybrid and remote work, contractors, vendors, and seasonal workers.
Subscription and Licensing FAQ
How is Windows 365 licensed?
There will be two editions available: Windows 365 Enterprise and Windows 365 Business. Each edition will include a completely cloud-based offering with multiple Cloud PC configurations based on performance needs. Customers can purchase Windows 365 as a separate license per user for a fixed monthly fee to access and use the Cloud PC(s). Additional costs may apply based on network usage.
Can multiple users share one Cloud PC on Windows 365?
Windows 365 allows one user per license and doesn’t support multiple users on a single Cloud PC.
Will I be able to cancel my Windows 365 subscription?
Your Windows 365 subscription can be canceled at any time by going to the Microsoft 365 admin center. When a subscription is canceled, all associated data will be deleted.
Can I upgrade or downgrade to another Windows 365 plan?
Windows 365 Enterprise includes a Resize feature that makes it easy to upgrade RAM, CPU, and storage size to meet users’ needs, such as users who require a more powerful Cloud PC to run CPU-intensive apps or users who need more disk space for file storage. Downgrade options are not available at this time. Learn more about resizing (available August 2, 2021).
What is the Windows Hybrid Benefit?
Windows Hybrid Benefit is a licensing benefit that helps reduce the cost of Windows 365 Business. With Windows Hybrid Benefit, you receive a discount of up to 16 percent on your Windows 365 Business subscription if you already use Windows 10 Pro on a device. Savings vary by Windows 365 Cloud PC configuration and region.
Where can I purchase Windows 365?
Windows 365 is available for purchase starting Aug 2, 2021, through windows365.com or contact Louisville Geek for assistance.
Is there a minimum number of licenses required for purchasing Windows 365?
There is no minimum purchase required to access Windows 365. However, some licensing channels, such as the Enterprise Agreement, may have minimum purchasing requirements.
Are Windows 365 trials available? If so, how do I sign up?
Trials are available for the three signature Windows 365 configurations: Basic, Standard, and Premium. A trial includes one user license and is available for two months. Customers who qualify should select the trial offer that includes Windows Hybrid Benefit.
For existing Microsoft 365 customers, the trial is available through the Microsoft 365 admin center. Contact your global administrator or billing administrator to sign up for the Windows 365 trial.
Windows 365 Business free trial (available August 2, 2021) Windows 365 Enterprise free trial (available August 2, 2021)
Do I need high-speed internet to run Windows 365?
If you have a DSL connection, or a wireless internet connection capable of streaming a video, you can run Windows 365, though your bandwidth needs will vary depending on your workload.
Can I use Windows 365 if I’m not connected to the internet?
An internet connection is required to use Windows 365.
APPS FAQ
Will my apps work on Windows 365?
Yes, Microsoft is committed to ensuring your apps work on the latest versions of our software, and Windows 365 was built with compatibility in mind. Apps that worked on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 also work on Windows 365. If you experience issues with your apps, Microsoft will help you fix them at no cost with an eligible subscription.
Do I need a Windows device to connect to my Cloud PC?
No. You can connect to your Cloud PC on any platform that has either the Microsoft Remote Desktop app or an HTML5-capable browser to access the web client. Windows devices will provide the optimal experience. Certain features may require specific hardware. Learn more.
With a hybrid Windows, how does that work when the local device is running Windows 10 and the Cloud PC is running Windows 11?
The user’s profile data will sync with OneDrive across Windows 10 and, when available, Windows 11 for a consistent (hybrid) data experience. The sync that happens between the Cloud PC and local OS is related to OneDrive, Microsoft 365 Apps (Office), and Microsoft Edge. We will support Windows 11 as part of Cloud PC when it’s generally available later this calendar year.
How does hybrid Windows work when the Cloud PC is running Windows 10 or Windows 11 and the local device is running iOS, macOS, or Android?
For those platforms, Windows 365 runs via the browser as well as via the Remote Desktop App for the respective operating systems.
How is Windows 365 different from Azure Virtual Desktop?
Windows 365 was designed for simplicity, allowing customers to get the benefits of personalized Cloud PCs without requiring VDI or Azure expertise. It also provides predictable per user/per month pricing to simplify managing costs. Windows 365 is for those customers who are not already widely invested in VDI or virtualization expertise/resources or those who wish to move to a fixed cost per-user, as-a-service model.
Azure Virtual Desktop was designed for maximum flexibility. It provides organizations that have virtualization experience with a flexible, highly customizable option. Its consumption-based pricing makes it appropriate for any scenario, including low-usage use cases. It also supports non-persistent desktops, remote app streaming, multi-session virtual machines, and deep customization.
Can I have multiple Cloud PCs assigned to a single user on Windows 365?
Yes, a user may have multiple Cloud PCs assigned to them if needed. For example, a contractor that works for several companies might have a Cloud PC assigned to them by each customer.
