Windows 11 has rightly been the biggest story to come out of Microsoft this year. However, Windows 365 is also a big deal, although it probably won’t affect nearly as many users. However, after finally being released into the wild, the “hybrid Windows for a hybrid world” has given up its secrets. Or rather, Microsoft is finally answering the questions many of us had when it was first announced.
What is Windows 365?
Called by Microsoft, the world’s first Cloud PC, Windows 365 allows users to stream a personalized Windows desktop, apps, settings, and content, from the cloud to any device. By doing so, Windows can feasibly go from an exclusively device-based operating system to one that’s hybrid local and cloud. For now, Windows 365 is for businesses only, although there’s a possibility Microsoft could offer a consumer-based product later. For now, it’s ideally suited for elastic workforces, distributed employees, or someone that requires specialized workloads with versatile computing and storage capabilities.
Requirements
Windows 365 runs on any modern web browser or through Microsoft’s Remote Desktop app. You can run Windows 365 on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and any device with an HTML5-capable browser. You’ll find two editions of Windows 365: Business and Enterprise. As specified by Microsoft:
Windows 365 Business is intended for customers who want to deploy Cloud PCs for 300 seats or fewer across the organization.Windows 365 Enterprise is intended for larger businesses that need to deploy Cloud PCs across the organization with no seat limit. Additionally, customers can provision and manage Cloud PCs using fully integrated Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Windows 365 Enterprise requires that each user be licensed with a Windows 10 Pro subscription, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and Azure Active Directory P1, which is included in Microsoft 365 F3, Microsoft 365 E3, Microsoft 365 E5, Microsoft 365 A3, Microsoft 365 A5, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, and Microsoft 365 Education Student Use Benefit subscriptions.
Customers can purchase Windows 365 on a per-user basis for a fixed monthly fee. However, there could be additional fees based on network usage, which are mentioned below. Note that Windows 365 doesn’t support multiple users on a single Cloud PC. For both Business and Enterprise customers, Microsoft is offering the following Cloud PC configurations for which to choose: Microsoft Windows 365 customers will also have internet connections with 10Gbps download speeds and 4Gbps upload speeds.
Can I Upgrade or Downgrade?
Once you select a Windows 365 configuration, Enterprise customers can upgrade RAM, CPU, and storage size using the built-in Resize feature. Unfortunately, upgrading isn’t possible (right now) for Business users, and there’s no downgrading process for either type of customer.
What Happens When I Cancel?
Naturally, you can cancel your Windows 365 membership at any time. Further, you’re entitled to a partial refund when you do so, depending on when you made the purchase. For a limited time, Microsoft will retain your data. However, you should take steps beforehand to bring your data to a local machine. On Microsoft’s website, you’ll find the current plans and pricing for both Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise. Business packages begin at $24/user/month for 1 vCPU/2GB RAM/64GB plan to $162/user/month for the 8 vCPU/32GB RAM/512GB plan. Meanwhile, Windows 365 Enterprise packages range from $20/user/month to $158/user/month.
What’s the Hybrid Benefit?
If you already use Windows 10 Pro on a device, you’ll receive up to a 16% discount on a Windows 365 Business license through a Windows Hybrid Benefit. According to the fine print, “Windows Hybrid Benefit is available to customers who have devices with valid Windows 10 Pro licenses. Each person assigned a Windows 365 Business license with a Windows Hybrid Benefit license must be the primary user of a Windows 10 Pro licensed device, and that device must be their primary work device. To maintain your discounted pricing, during any subscription term in which you access the Windows 365 service, you must also access the service from your Windows 10 Pro licensed device at least once during that same term.”
And For Bandwidth?
Microsoft has placed a monthly bandwidth limit that’s based on the number of vCPUs. These limits are:
1 vCPU: 12 GB of outbound data per user per month.2 vCPU: 20 GB4 vCPU: 40 GB8 vCPU: 70 GB
Windows 365 Enterprise customers will see all network traffic pushed through the Azure virtual network to set up on-premise network connections. Azure bandwidth pricing will apply for network usage.
Where Can My Organization Purchase Windows 365?
For the latest information on purchasing Windows 365, regardless of the version, Microsoft has opened a special website, Windows365.com. For self-service Windows 365 purchases, you can request support through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. For volume license holders, you should contact your Microsoft account manager for help. Windows 365 could change computing as we know it and bring people much closer together, no matter their type of device. It will be interesting to see where Windows 365 goes in the coming months and years. For additional information, visit the Windows 365 website. Comment Name * Email *
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