Windows 365 — How does it look like?

Background
This article was written on 06-Jul-22
There are various reasons why we need virtual desktop
In my particular need, we need to access huge sized archive emails while local storage is limited.
So I am combining OneDrive (as archive storage) and Windows 365.
As they both resides on the cloud, then OneDrive “on demand” synchronization takes “cloud speed” of approximately 1 GB/s. This is excellent.

Prerequisite(s)
Microsoft 365 subscription

Comparison
Performance wise, since virtual desktop is at the cloud, then it will depend on your internet speed.
So, the determining factor is the cost.

I have not fully calculated the cost, but since Windows 365 is “always on”, always available infrastructure, then resources are dedicated for its presence, hence justifying its higher cost (theoretically).

Earlier “virtual desktop” are charged based on usage, so theoretically they are cheaper than Windows 365. But then you need to add the O/S license cost and think about the complicated multi tenancy licensing theory.

How to purchase
Windows 365 trial license is no longer available publicly, but if you have an existing MS Partner, then you can ask for trial. I can tell you that I got it.

Purchase option is available through admin.microsoft.com

MS 365 purchase services

Click on view products

Choose Windows 365

Three options are available

Enterprise: this is for > 300 licenses
Business: for ≤ 300 licenses
Hybrid: if you have some Windows 11 or certain MS 365 licenses
So, your best bet is the business edition.

The License
Once you license is obtained, you need to assign it to your user

Available license(s)

Assigning license

Great, now you have access to a Windows 365.
But … how to access it?

Accessing Windows 365
Go to windows365.microsoft.com and sign in.

Opening Windows 365 (it will take a while for first time)

In my case it takes more than 30 minutes I think.

Once ready, click to open in browser

How does it looks like

First time run screen

Then MS Teams will kick in automatically

winver reveals that this is a Windows 11

Windows 11 21H2

IP are DHCP, including v4

Firewall are on

OneDrive is in sync

98.2 GB free out of 128 GB

Access is also available using remote desktop application.
But this is not your regular Microsoft remote desktop. You can install from Microsoft Store.

MS remote desktop

Subscribe

Pick your account

Your Windows 365 will appear on selection

If you are using remote desktop, then your local drive will be mapped.

Enjoy!!