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Deploy and manage Windows 365 Cloud PCs quickly, easily, and cost-effectively with Nerdio Manager.

What is Windows 365?

Windows 365 is a Microsoft 365 virtual desktop product that offers organizations a monthly fixed-price subscription to a Cloud PC that is dedicated to a user and can be managed using the exact same tools as a traditional Windows PC. Making a Cloud PC available to a user (once the initial environment is set up) is a matter of assigning a Microsoft 365 license.

Each Cloud PC is a persistent VM that is dedicated to a specific user at a fixed price per user per month and is part of the Microsoft 365 cloud rather than Azure. The Cloud PC is based and built upon the existing global Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure as part of the Azure Cloud.

All security software agents, licensed applications or patches recognize the VM as a single-user, traditional Windows device running on the same Windows 10/11 Enterprise operating system. Windows 10 EVD (multi-session) is not currently supported. All this is important to make Cloud PCs behave and be managed together with and like physical devices, and over time replace physical machines with Cloud PCs.

Cloud PCs are delivered as a SaaS offering and managed through Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) and the M365 admin portal, rather than through the more complex Azure portal like AVD – unless you are using Nerdio Manager.
Cloud PCs securely stream desktop apps, settings, and content from the Microsoft cloud to users’ devices to provide a personalized Windows experience. With cloud PCs, Windows evolves from a device-based operating system to hybrid personalized computing.

Each Cloud PC is a persistent VM that is dedicated to a specific user at a fixed price per user, per month, and is part of the Microsoft 365 cloud rather than Azure. The Cloud PC is based and built upon the existing global Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure as part of the Azure Cloud.

Windows 365 Pricing

Windows 365 license costs depend on the hardware specs that a user needs. Each desktop comes with a certain number of vCPUs, GB of RAM, and SSD storage. If we align the vCPU and RAM configuration of each cloud PC license with a comparable Azure VM size and managed disk, we can then compare their costs side-by-side. Windows 365 Cloud PCs are most cost-effective when users need dedicated, persistent desktops and will be using them more than 50 hours per week.

Windows 365 Business vs. Enterprise

There are currently two Windows 365 Cloud PC versions that Microsoft offers: Enterprise and Business.
Enterprise Cloud PCs are designed for organizations who have invested into Microsoft Endpoint Manager and are using this powerful platform to manage their existing, physical Windows 10 desktops. Enterprise Cloud PCs require an Intune license for each user who is assigned a cloud PC M365 SKU.

Business Cloud PCs are designed for individual users and very small businesses who typically go to their local Best Buy when they need a new PC. Now, instead of visiting Best Buy, they can go to Microsoft and subscribe to a new Cloud PC and have it ready to use in an hour. Business Cloud PCs do not require an Intune license and are managed entirely by the user, similar to a standalone physical PC.

Windows 365 vs. Azure Virtual Desktop

Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop and two virtual desktop products offered by Microsoft. Depending on you or your organization’s needs, one of these options should fit the bill.

Deploying & Managing Windows 365

Easily deploy and manage Windows 365 Cloud PC using Nerdio Manager for an affordable price. Save time and money by eliminating user errors and automate the process from start to finish.

Available anywhere.

Windows 365 and Nerdio Manager allows all users to be productive from anywhere, on any device with a cloud-powered, secure, and always up to date Windows experience. It also seamlessly allows MSPs and IT professionals to instantly provision Cloud PCs and manage physical and virtual devices through a unified portal and a fixed and predictable price.

How it works.

Nerdio Manager is an Azure managed application deployed from the Azure Marketplace into your own Azure tenant, and can, connect to customers’ tenants if needed. Nerdio Manager deploys and manages Cloud PCs, applications and images, servers, networking, and identity (such as Azure Active Directory) across multiple environments, if applicable.

Deploy, manage, optimize.

Nerdio Manager makes Windows 365 deployment faster, management easier, allows for cost-efficiency, and offers more flexibility than using native Windows 365 management tools. Nerdio Manager fully supports Windows 365 for Enterprise IT Professionals and the MSP community. It is a single platform that helps admins and MSPs manage multiple virtual environments in a seamless, integrated flow. It does this by managing and automating several Azure technologies, including identity, virtual machines, file storage, networking, and backup, which in turn helps with quick and easy deployment (as little as 10 minutes), management, and optimization.

Windows 365 + Nerdio

Pricing

Architect a solution with per-user, per-month pricing, before deployment.

CLICK HERE FOR PRICING

Delpoyment

Stand up the virtual environment, get the images in place, and set up the required networking and identity.

Management

Enable application management, desktop updates, and monitoring, all from a single console.

Greenfield (No Azure Footprint)

Create a new all-PaaS environment of AVD supporting services + AVD hosts.

New resource group
New network
New Azure AD DS
New Azure Files share
New AVD deployment
New Cloud PC deployment
Deployment Time: 60 minutes

View Setup Flow

Landing Zone Only (Existing AD or AADDS)

Create AVD supporting services leveraging existing components + AVD hosts.

Use existing identity
Use existing resource group
Use existing network
New Azure Files share
New AVD deployment
New Cloud PC deployment
Deployment Time: 30 minutes

View Setup Flow

Existing IAAS (Existing Azure Environment)

Connect to existing Azure environment and extend with AVD.

Use existing identity
Use existing resource group
Use existing network
Use existing file storage
New AVD deployment
New Cloud PC deployment
Deployment Time: 10 minutes

View Setup Flow

Existing AVD (Existing AVD Deployment)

Overlay on top of existing AVD deployment to enhance management and auto-scaling.

Use existing identity
Use existing resource group
Use existing network
Use existing file storage
New AVD deployment
New Cloud PC deployment
Deployment Time: 10 minutes

View Setup Flow

Windows 365 FAQs

What are the benefits of using Windows 365 for businesses?

Microsoft 365 enhances efficiency, collaboration, and security for businesses of all sizes. Microsoft 365 for business offers a comprehensive suite of productivity tools, such as Word and Excel, which foster collaboration through cloud-based platforms, such as OneDrive and SharePoint. It provides business-class email with Exchange Online and facilitates seamless communication with Teams. Robust security features ensure data protection, and tools like Power BI enable data-driven decision-making. With automatic updates, businesses stay current effortlessly, and the flexibility of plans allows scalability to meet varying organizational needs.

What types of businesses can benefit from Windows 365?

Microsoft 365 is versatile and beneficial for a wide range of businesses, regardless of size or industry. Small businesses can leverage its cost-effective solutions for essential productivity tools and communication, while large enterprises benefit from its scalable and robust infrastructure. Remote or distributed teams find its cloud-based collaboration features invaluable, promoting seamless work regardless of location. Industries with stringent security and compliance requirements, such as finance or healthcare, appreciate the platform’s strong security features. Essentially, any business looking to enhance productivity, streamline collaboration, and ensure data security can find value in adopting Microsoft 365.

How much does Windows 365 cost?

The cost of Windows 365 will depend on the size of your organization and your business needs. Visit the Windows 365 pricing comparison page to learn more.

How is Windows 365 licensed?

Windows 365 is licensed on a per-user subscription model, where users pay for access to a virtualized Windows desktop based on their chosen configuration and performance level. This licensing approach provides flexibility and scalability, simplifying management by associating the virtual desktop with individual users. The subscription covers the Windows license, compute resources, and includes Microsoft Endpoint Manager for streamlined administration.

Is there a minimum number of licenses required to purchase Windows 365?

While there is no obligatory minimum purchase for Windows 365 access, certain licensing channels, such as the Enterprise Agreement, might entail specific minimum purchasing requirements.

Is Windows 365 secure?

Windows 365 emphasizes security with features like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular updates. Leveraging Microsoft’s security infrastructure, it integrates with Defender Antivirus for real-time threat detection. While no system is risk-free, Windows 365’s robust security measures contribute to creating a secure virtualized desktop environment.

Who has access to my data in Windows 365?

In Windows 365, access to your data is typically governed by your organization’s administrators. They have the authority to manage user permissions, ensuring that only authorized individuals within the organization can access and control data within the virtualized desktop environment. Microsoft, as the service provider, may have access to operational and diagnostic data for the purpose of maintaining and improving the service, but the specifics are outlined in Microsoft’s privacy and data usage policies.

What happens to my data if my Cloud PC is compromised?

If your Windows 365 cloud PC is compromised, it may result in unauthorized access to your data and applications. The impact depends on the nature of the compromise and the security measures in place. Strong security policies, such as robust authentication and encryption, can mitigate risks. Windows 365 incorporates isolation measures, but a swift response from your organization’s IT team is crucial. Regular backups of critical data and adherence to security best practices are essential to minimize potential data loss and facilitate recovery in the event of a compromise.

What devices can I use with Windows 365?

Windows 365 is designed to be versatile and accessible across a range of devices. Whether you are using a Windows PC, Mac, Linux machine, tablet (including both iOS and Android devices), smartphone, or even thin client devices built for virtual desktop environments, you can access Windows 365 through a compatible web browser. This flexibility allows users to work seamlessly from different platforms, offering a consistent virtualized Windows experience regardless of the device being used. Keep in mind that the user experience and performance may vary based on the specifications of the device and the quality of the internet connection.

What is the difference between Windows 365 Enterprise and Windows 365 Business?

Windows 365 Business offers a turn-key cloud PC solution hosted by Microsoft. The Windows 10 or 11 Pro licenses is included with the cost of the Cloud PC with an option to use hybrid benefits for those who already own Windows 10 or Windows 11 pro. Device management is limited and requires a Microsoft Intune license for each enrolled Cloud PC. The device cannot be Windows AD joined or connected to an Azure private network. There is a limit of 300 Windows 365 Business Cloud PCs per Entra ID tenant.

Windows 365 Enterprise provides integrated Microsoft Intune management along with options to connect to a private Azure network and hybrid join to a Windows AD domain. Each Windows 365 Enterprise users must have a Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise license as well as a Microsoft Intune and Entra ID P1 or P2 license. Organizations also have an option to create custom images for Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs. There is no practical limit on the number of Windows 365 Enterprise PCs an organization can deploy.