When Devices Fail, Windows 365 Reserve Cloud PCs Provide Continuity
Windows 365 Reserve ensures seamless productivity during device loss, delays, or downtime with instant Cloud PC access.
Key Takeaways:
- Windows 365 Reserve offers instant access to temporary Cloud PCs during device disruptions.
- New security defaults enhance protection against exploits and data theft.
- Microsoft introduces Cloud Apps and multi-PC management features to improve flexibility and control.
Microsoft has announced Windows 365 Reserve, now in public preview for commercial customers. This new offering gives employees immediate access to a temporary Cloud PC when their primary device is lost, stolen, delayed, or down.
A recent survey of 1,000 IT decision-makers revealed that over three-quarters experienced device theft in the past two years. These incidents often led to serious consequences, including legal or regulatory issues for 33 percent of respondents and significant productivity disruptions for 32 percent of employees.
“With Windows 365 Reserve, a new offering from Microsoft, employees can have instant access to a temporary, pre-configured Cloud PC when their primary device is unavailable. Windows 365 Reserve provides a secure, cloud-hosted Windows desktop that looks and feels like a physical PC, and is accessible from any device, anywhere, so employees can continue being productive,” Microsoft explained.
What are the key features of Windows 365 Reserve?
Windows 365 Reserve is designed to help organizations maintain smooth operations during unexpected device-related disruptions. It also supports temporary needs like onboarding new staff, accommodating remote work delays, or testing new operating system/app configurations.
According to Microsoft, Reserve Cloud PC is preloaded with Microsoft 365 apps, corporate settings, as well as security policies. Administrators can manage these new Reserve Cloud PCs through Microsoft Intune. Users can access the Reserve Cloud PCs from any device via the Windows App or a web browser.
Microsoft notes that organizations that are interested in testing the service will need to register on this form or contact the Microsoft account team. Each user is entitled to use a Windows 365 Cloud PC for 10 days per year.
New security settings for Windows 365 Cloud PCs
Microsoft has also changed the default security settings for Windows 365 Cloud PCs. The company has disabled select redirections (such as USB and clipboard) and enabled additional security controls to protect customers against kernel-level exploits and credential theft.
Windows 365 Cloud Apps
Additionally, Microsoft has announced a public preview of Windows 365 Cloud Apps. This feature enables organizations to provide users with secure access to specific applications hosted on Cloud PCs, without requiring the assignment of a dedicated Cloud PC to each user. This service is ideal for frontline, seasonal, or remote workers.
Windows 365 Link updates
Microsoft has also announced several new capabilities coming to Windows 365 Link. The new Connection Center allows users to easily access and manage multiple Cloud PCs from a single interface. This feature is now generally available for commercial customers. Microsoft has also enhanced multi-monitor support and made it possible to sign in with NFC cards.
Last but not least, Microsoft has introduced App-V support for App attach in Azure Virtual Desktop. The company is expanding its partnership with HP Anywhere to add support for GPU-enabled Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs. This feature allows users to run graphics-intensive applications on their Cloud PCs.
Rabia has a master's degree in Software Engineering and she has years of experience writing professionally about Microsoft products and other technologies. Rabia has also written for OnMSFT.com as well as Windows Report. She is always up to date on t...