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Ignite 2023: Windows 365 Gets New AI Features and GPU Support

Key Takeaways:

Microsoft enhances Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop with AI capabilities, streamlining management and security for Cloud PCs.

Microsoft has released new security features like watermarking and Customer Lockbox to prevent unauthorized access in Windows 365.

Azure Virtual Desktop introduces Personal Desktop Autoscale for efficient VM management.

As Microsoft is kicking off its Ignite 2023 conference this morning, the company detailed several updates coming to Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. These enhancements aim to improve the productivity of IT administrators and employees in enterprise environments.

“Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop are cloud-based solutions that allow you to access your Windows desktop from any device, anywhere. They offer flexibility, security, and scalability for your personal or professional needs,” said Harjit Dhaliwal, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Windows Enterprise.

Windows 365 AI capabilities

First up, Microsoft has announced new AI capabilities that help users to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline the management and security of Windows 365 Cloud PCs. The new AI-powered features will be available in public preview soon. Microsoft has also announced the general availability of Single-sign on (SSO), passwordless authentication, and third-party IDP support for Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365.

Windows App

Microsoft has released a new Windows app that allows users to easily access applications or devices across Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Remote Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, and Remote Desktop Services. The Windows app is currently available in public preview through the Microsoft Store, the web, or TestFlight for Apple devices.

Microsoft Announces New Features for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop

Security features

Microsoft has introduced a couple of new security features for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, including watermarking, screen capture protection, and tamper protection. The new capabilities should help customers prevent unauthorized access and data manipulation. Windows 365 Customer Lockbox is currently available in public preview, which prevents Microsoft support engineers from accessing sensitive content without approval.

Windows 365 Custom Managed Keys

Microsoft plans to release a new feature that will allow organizations to encrypt Windows 365 Cloud PCs with Customer Managed Keys. The Windows 365 service will soon add GPU support to handle workloads like 3D modeling, graphic design, data processing, image and video rendering, and visualization applications.

Azure Virtual Desktop Autoscale for personal desktops and other updates

The Azure Virtual desktop Personal Desktop Autoscale solution automatically starts session host virtual machines (VMs) when needed and deallocates/hibernates them when not in use. Azure Virtual Desktop for Azure Stack HCI is getting new updates that bring an integrated cloud-native deployment experience to the Azure Portal.

Lastly, Azure Virtual Desktop has added a new MSIX app attach assignment capability that ensures uninterrupted installation of modern apps on session hosts. The service is also getting a few FSLogix improvements, such as Microsoft Intune Settings Catalog settings.