Last year, the techno-giant introduced the world to a new cloud-based virtual operating system called Windows 365.
Windows 365 is a cloud PC or a virtual private server you can access regardless of your location and device. It’s your personal computer available on the cloud on a monthly/ yearly subscription basis. Think of Windows 365 as a cloud-based full-fledged operating system running on vast, complex, dedicated and powerful Azure servers.
Essentially, you can perform every activity on Windows 365 that you can do on Windows 11 or Windows 10. You can install programs, create documents, play games, conduct meetings, browse the web or do more. So what’s the difference between Windows 11 and Windows 365? How are they fundamentally different and in which aspects? Let’s find out.
Installation & Price
Unlike Windows 11, Windows 365 doesn’t require any installation. You can fire up your web browser, sign in to your Microsoft account and get started with your Windows 365 cloud PC instantly. The catch is that it’s a subscription-based service. You must have a subscription to Windows 365 before you start using it. Windows 11, on the contrary, requires a fresh installation or upgrade from the previous operating systems, and setting up everything from scratch. As of the time we’re writing this article, Windows 11 is a free upgrade for the Windows 10 users.
Accessibility
In order to use Windows 11, you must have an eligible computer that meets the minimum hardware requirements. Microsoft has elevated these requirements and stripped out many new devices as “unsupported PCs”. Internet connectivity is required for activation, and to perform Internet-based activities (such as downloads, emails, web browsing, some program installations). To access Windows 365, you can use any device such as a computer, tablet, etc. An Internet connection is required all the time.
Hosted on Powerful Azure Servers
Windows 365 hosts your operating system and applications on cloud servers located on remote places across the world. Unlike Windows 11, the operating system and applications are not hosted locally.
BIOS/ CMOS Settings
Unlike Windows 11, you cannot enter into your BIOS/ CMOS settings or change them in the Windows 365 cloud PC. This is because your operating system runs on the cloud servers, not on a computer that you’ve got physical access to.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Windows 365 is an attempt from Microsoft to bring the entire operating system to the cloud, just like applications were brought to the cloud through the “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model. You can use the operating system as long as you pay for it- either monthly or annually. Windows 11, on the contrary, is a one-time purchase. You can purchase the license once and use it for life. If you’re upgrading from Windows 10, it’s free.
Business Friendly
Windows 365 focuses on enterprises and makes it easier for their employees to use their computers as thin, lightweight machines. The IT department of the organization can allocate the storage quota, bandwidth quota and other resource usage per device, and expand or shrink them as and when required.
Availability of Windows 11 & Windows 10
A PC powered with your Windows 365 cloud infrastructure can run Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating systems. You can switch between them as and when required, with just a few clicks.
Hardware Customizability
Unlike a physical computer, there’s no need to upgrade your hardware if you’re working on graphic-intensive tasks. You can select your desired hardware components such as
- 1 vCPU 2 GB, 64 GB
- 2 vCPU 4 GB, 128 GB
- 2 vCPU 8 GB, 256 GB
- 2 vCPU 4 GB, 64 GB
- 4 vCPU 16 GB, 128 GB
You can change the hardware requirements later.
Economic
Organizations don’t have to spend a huge amount of money upgrading the computers and IT infrastructure to meet growing needs. With a subscription to Windows 365 Business plan, they can pay a fixed sum of subscription amount equivalent to their hardware needs.
The cheapest plan starts from $20 charged per user per month. It comes with lightweight CRM software essential for businesses that provide call center and telephonic support services.
If you’re a software designer or an IT professional, you may want to choose the plan of $158 charged per user per month. This plan is powered with 32 GB of RAM, 8 vCPUs and 512 GB of storage. This plan is best suited for resource-intensive operations.
Easily Switch Devices
With Windows 365, you can easily switch devices at the same time.
Work Remotely
Windows 365 provides access to your operating system, applications and user data regardless of your location. You can work remotely from the comfort of your home, or while travelling. Unlike Windows 11 installed on a physical machine, there’s no need to switch on/ off, or maintain physical machines while working remotely.
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Raza Ali Kazmi works as an editor and technology content writer at Sorcim Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. He loves to pen down articles on a wide array of technology related topics and has also been diligently testing software solutions on Windows & Mac platforms. If you have any question about the content, you can message me or the company's support team.