Windows 365 Cloud PC Pros & Cons

Microsoft announced its brand new Windows 365 in early August. This is a cloud-based computer designed that capitalizes on the new hybrid workforce and the rise of remote teams.

Over the last 18 months of the pandemic, the traditional office has changed dramatically. Pre-pandemic just 17% of the U.S. workforce worked remotely for five days per week. After the pandemic, that number jumped to 44%. That means that almost half of US workers are working from home full time.

Microsoft is making sure its offerings are in the right place at the right time with this launch of Windows 365 which is marketed to businesses and enterprises. The company is banking on the fact that companies have become so familiar with cloud solutions that moving computers to the cloud will not be a huge leap. 

What is Windows 365?

Windows 365 is a cloud-based PC. This means that everything that you normally store on the hard drive of a computer (the operating system, settings, applications, folders and files) is instead stored on a virtual server.

A user can use any device to log in and get to their cloud computer desktop. In the case of a cloud PC, the device that you are using to log in with is just a method to get to the virtual computer. All of the files and computing power is in the cloud.

Is Windows 365 right for your company? We will go through some pros and cons below so that you can make a better-informed decision. 

Windows 365

Windows 365 Pros

Better Remote Team Security

One of the challenges of a remote team is keeping user computers secure. If employees are working from a personal computer or using a work computer at home, it is harder to know if it is being properly updated.

Another security issue with remote teams is if the employee leaves the company. What happens to the remote files? It can be tricky retrieving them. This is especially true if someone was using their own PC for work.

Companies still maintain complete control over employee workstations with Windows 365. Since they are cloud-based, admins can easily deploy updates and security policies to the PC environment.

If an employee leaves, there are no files to retrieve because they will be on the hard drive of the Windows 365 PC (which the company controls). All an admin needs to do is change the user login and password.

Computers are Accessible from Anywhere

Hybrids teams are becoming the norm. This is where employees work part-time at the office and part-time at home. Facilitating a consistent desktop experience between the two locations can be difficult.

Windows 365 lets you take your PC with you wherever you go without needing to carry anything. This is also a big benefit for people that travel a lot for business. They can just use any device to log in and have access to all of their applications and files regardless of where they are.

Only Pay for the Computing Power You Need

Windows 365 is a subscription service so you only pay for the computing power you need. You don’t end up with computers more powerful than your team requires or expensive unused computers sitting around if you have downsized.

You can easily upgrade or downgrade performance options anytime. 

Windows 365 Cons

Monthly Subscription Instead of a One-Time Purchase

While a subscription model gives you flexibility, it also means that you don’t own the computer like you do a physical PC. So, you’re signing up for an ongoing subscription fee for your staff computers.

Current pricing for Windows 365 is:

  • Basic: $31/user/month (4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, 2 vCPU)
  • Standard: $41/user/month (8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage 2 vCPU)
  • Premium: $66/user/month (16 GB RAM, 128 GB storage 4 vCPU)

The lowest-priced model has just 4 GB of memory which is not usually enough for a smooth experience unless someone rarely multi-tasks and doesn’t use any graphics-heavy applications or websites. 

Relies on a Strong Internet Connection

Most workflows require an internet connection these days. However, on a traditional PC you can still work offline if you need to. Not so with Windows 365. You need to have an internet connection to log into the computer.

If you have users with spotty or slow connections, having a cloud PC could be less convenient and slow them down. 

Not As Many Configuration Options

When you purchase a physical computer, you have many options for processing power, memory, storage, SSD vs HD and more. Your options are limited with Windows 365. There are three main configurations offered which limits what you can offer your team. 

Get Help Determining If Windows 365 is Right for Your Company

Sound Computers can help you review the technology options for your Connecticut business to see if Windows 365 is right for you.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call 860-577-8060 or reach us online.

September 21, 2021
Sound Computers Admin