As Windows 10 approaches its end of life, your company may be looking for a transition plan to keep your systems updated and secure. With the introduction of Windows 11, organizations must determine the best route for upgrading and maintaining their IT infrastructure. Among the available options, Windows 365 stands out as a flexible and scalable solution, offering cloud-based desktops that integrate seamlessly with your current environment. Let’s explore the different subscription services available through Windows 365, and how they can fit your business needs.

Windows 365

Windows 365 is a cloud PC solution designed to provide businesses with a flexible, cost-effective way to offer a consistent Windows experience across various devices. Whether your users need access to Windows 11 or Windows 10, Windows 365 can be tailored to meet specific needs.

This subscription service falls into two categories: Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise. Windows 365 Business is geared toward smaller organizations with fewer than 300 users, while Windows 365 Enterprise is designed for larger businesses with more complex IT needs.

For businesses with legacy devices that can’t upgrade to Windows 11, Windows 365 provides an extended security update for Windows 10 devices, giving you a bridge to ensure those devices remain secure and functional until they can be fully transitioned to Windows 11. This makes Windows 365 an appealing choice for organizations still working with older hardware.

Key Features of Windows 365 Business

For smaller organizations, Windows 365 Business offers an easy-to-use solution. It requires minimal setup, and your users simply log into their M365 portal to access their cloud desktop. While the setup is relatively straightforward, it does have some limitations. You won’t be able to customize the environment extensively, as it offers basic provisioning with fixed desktop configurations.

Windows 365 Business is ideal for businesses needing Windows 11 and essential applications, such as Microsoft Office 365. One important consideration, however, is that these desktops are hosted on Microsoft’s Azure network. Without additional configuration or a VPN, they cannot integrate directly with your on-premise or Azure Virtual Desktop environment.

Control and Flexibility

Windows 365 Enterprise offers a more advanced solution for larger organizations. Unlike the business version, this option provides complete control over provisioning and customization. Through Microsoft Intune, you can configure desktops to meet your specific needs and integrate them with your existing Azure environment.

The enterprise version also supports GPU acceleration, allowing you to run more resource-intensive applications. This makes it a good fit for teams who need more power from their cloud desktops. Additionally, Windows 365 Enterprise gives you the flexibility to assign admin rights to users, unlike Windows 365 Business, which restricts users to basic configurations.

For companies using Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) or planning to integrate their virtual desktops into the Azure ecosystem, Windows 365 Enterprise offers seamless connectivity. It integrates directly into your Azure tenant, allowing your IT team to manage devices and users within the same environment. This integration can be a game-changer if you’re already leveraging Azure to manage your infrastructure.

Windows 365 Subscription Costs

When considering Windows 365, it’s essential to understand the differences in cost and infrastructure between the Business and Enterprise versions. Windows 365 Business is more affordable but comes with limitations in terms of customization and management. Microsoft handles much of the administrative setup, which reduces the burden on your IT team but can limit flexibility.

On the other hand, Windows 365 Enterprise requires more hands-on management through Intune and additional configuration, which can increase costs. However, it offers more granular control over your virtual desktops, especially if you need to customize the setup for specific use cases or manage a large number of devices.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Organization

Deciding between Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise depends on your organization’s size and IT needs. If you’re a small to mid-sized business with limited IT resources, Windows 365 Business may be the right choice for a simple, scalable solution. However, if your organization is larger or has more complex IT requirements, Windows 365 Enterprise offers a greater level of customization and integration with your existing Azure infrastructure.

As Windows 10 reaches its end of life, transitioning to Windows 11 or upgrading your current setup with Windows 365 should be a priority for your business. Whether you choose Windows 365 Business or Enterprise, this cloud-based solution gives you the flexibility to scale, customize, and secure your IT infrastructure as needed. By considering your company’s unique requirements, you can choose the right subscription service to power your organization through the next generation of Windows technology. Contact us today with any questions, or to schedule a consultation.