Windows 365 is a cloud-based service that allows you to stream your personalized Windows experience, including your desktop, apps, settings, and content, from the Microsoft cloud to any device. Whether you are a small business owner, a remote worker, a student, or a gamer, you can benefit from having a secure, fast, and flexible Windows 365 Cloud PC that you can access anytime, anywhere.
In this article, we will show you how to get started with Windows 365 Cloud PC, how to secure it from cyberattacks, and how to manage it using familiar tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Microsoft Intune. By following these steps, you will be able to enjoy the productivity, security, and collaboration benefits of Windows 365.
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How to get started with Windows 365 Cloud PC
To use Windows 365 Cloud PC, you need a few things:
- A Microsoft account or an Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) account.
- A device that meets the minimum system requirements for running the Remote Desktop app or web client.
- A subscription plan that suits your needs and budget.
There are two types of subscription plans for Windows 365: Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise.
- Windows 365 Business is designed for small and medium businesses that do not have central IT management solutions or IT staff. It allows users to have local admin rights on their Cloud PCs and simplifies the setup, deployment, and management of Cloud PCs with easy, direct purchasing.
- Windows 365 Enterprise is designed for larger organizations that have dedicated IT teams and use Microsoft Endpoint Manager for device management. It allows IT admins to centrally manage and configure Cloud PCs using Microsoft Intune and Azure AD.
You can choose from different sizes of Cloud PCs depending on your computing needs. Each size has a fixed monthly price that includes the license for Windows Hybrid Benefit, Microsoft 365 apps (for enterprise plans only), and OneDrive for Business (for enterprise plans only). You can also change the size of your Cloud PC at any time according to your usage.
To sign up for Windows 365, you need to go to the Windows 365 website and select the plan that suits you best. You will then be guided through the steps to create your account, choose your payment method, assign licenses to users, and provision your Cloud PCs.
How to secure your Windows 365 Cloud PC
One of the main advantages of using Windows 365 Cloud PC is that it provides a secure and compliant Windows experience that protects your data and devices from cyberthreats. Here are some of the ways you can secure your Windows 365 Cloud PC:
Use Microsoft Defender and other security tools to protect your Cloud PC from Threats
All Cloud PCs come with Microsoft Defender, which is a comprehensive security solution that includes antivirus, firewall, device control, application control, exploit protection, network protection, web protection, and more. Microsoft Defender automatically scans your Cloud PC for malware and other threats and blocks or removes them. It also updates itself regularly with the latest security intelligence from the Microsoft cloud.
You can also use other security tools that are integrated with Windows 365, such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Identity, Microsoft Cloud App Security, and Azure Sentinel. These tools provide advanced threat detection and response capabilities, such as behavioral analytics, threat intelligence, anomaly detection, incident investigation, and remediation.
To use these tools, you need to have the appropriate licenses and subscriptions. You also need to onboard your Cloud PCs to these tools using Microsoft Endpoint Manager or other methods. For more information on how to do this, see Security Overview for Windows 365.
Enable multi-factor authentication and passwordless sign-in for your Cloud PC
Another way to secure your Windows 365 Cloud PC is to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) and passwordless sign-in for your account. MFA requires you to provide two or more pieces of evidence to verify your identity when you sign in to your Cloud PC, such as a password and a code sent to your phone or email. Passwordless sign-in allows you to use biometric methods to sign in to your Cloud PC without entering a password, such as using Windows Hello or the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Both MFA and passwordless sign-in help prevent unauthorized access to your Cloud PC by making it harder for hackers to steal or guess your credentials. They also improve your user experience by making it easier and faster for you to sign in to your Cloud PC.
To enable MFA and passwordless sign-in for your Windows 365 account, you need to use Azure AD as your identity provider. You also need to configure the appropriate settings and policies in Azure AD and Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
For detailed instructions on activating Microsoft Copilot within your Microsoft 365 applications, refer to the article titled “How to Activate Microsoft Copilot in Your Microsoft 365 Apps?.” This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step insights, helping you make the most of Microsoft Copilot’s capabilities in your productivity tools.
Manage the local administrator’s group and user permissions on your Cloud PC
Depending on the type of subscription plan you have, you may have different levels of control over the local administrator’s group and user permissions on your Cloud PC.
- If you have a Windows 365 Business plan, you and your users will have local admin rights on your Cloud PCs by default. This means that you can install apps, change settings, and perform other tasks that require elevated privileges on your Cloud PCs. However, this also means that you may expose your Cloud PCs to potential risks if you or your users make changes that compromise the security or performance of your Cloud PCs.
- If you have a Windows 365 Enterprise plan, you and your users will not have local admin rights on your Cloud PCs by default. This means that you will need to use Microsoft Endpoint Manager or other tools to manage the local administrator’s group and user permissions on your Cloud PCs. This gives you more control and visibility over what users can do on their Cloud PCs and helps prevent unauthorized or harmful changes.
To manage the local administrator’s group and user permissions on your Windows 365 Cloud PC, you need to use the appropriate methods and tools depending on your subscription plan.
Encrypt your Data and Network Traffic on your Windows 365 Cloud PC
Another way to secure your Windows 365 Cloud PC is to encrypt your data and network traffic on your Cloud PC. Encryption is a process that scrambles the data or network traffic into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted by authorized parties. Encryption helps protect your data and network traffic from being intercepted, modified, or stolen by hackers or malicious actors.
You can also use additional encryption methods or tools to enhance the security of your data and network traffic on your Windows 365 Cloud PC. For example, you can use Azure Disk Encryption (ADE) to encrypt the operating system disk of your Cloud PC with a customer-managed key. You can also use Azure VPN Gateway or Azure ExpressRoute to create secure connections between your Cloud PC and your on-premises network or other cloud services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise?
Windows 365 Business suits small to medium businesses without IT staff, offering easy Cloud PC management. Windows 365 Enterprise is for larger organizations with IT teams, allowing centralized management via Microsoft tools.
What are the system requirements and pricing plans for Windows 365 Cloud PC?
To use Windows 365 Cloud PC, you need a Microsoft or Azure AD account, a compatible device, and a suitable subscription. The device should meet specific requirements, including a minimum 2 GB of RAM, 300 MB of free storage, 1024×768 screen resolution, and a 10 Mbps internet connection.
How can I access my Cloud PC from different Devices and Browsers?
To access your Cloud PC from any device, sign in with your Microsoft or Azure AD account, use the Remote Desktop app or web client, enter your email and password, select your Cloud PC, and enjoy the experience.
How can I customize my Cloud PC with my own Apps, settings, and content?
Customize your Cloud PC with apps, settings, and files. Install apps, change settings, and sync content with ease.
How can I troubleshoot common issues with my Cloud PC?
If you face Cloud PC issues, check status and logs, restart, update, or contact support via Windows 365 admin center.
Conclusion
Windows 365 Cloud PC is a new service that lets you access your personalized Windows experience from any device. It offers many benefits, such as security, flexibility, and productivity. To use Windows 365 Cloud PC, you need to sign up for a subscription plan, choose a Cloud PC size, and connect to it using the Remote Desktop app or web client.
You can also secure your Cloud PC using Microsoft Defender and other tools, enable multi-factor authentication and passwordless sign-in, manage the local administrator’s group and user permissions, and encrypt your data and network traffic. You can also manage your Cloud PC using Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Microsoft Intune, which allow you to deploy, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot your Cloud PCs from a single console. Windows 365 Cloud PC is a cloud-based service that can help you work smarter and faster from anywhere.
