Announcing general availability of Windows 365 for Windows 10 and Windows 11


  • Staff
Windows365.jpg
Today I am thrilled to share the general availability of Windows 365 and the resources available to help you get started with this new cloud service!

Windows 365 introduces a new way to experience Windows 10 or Windows 11 (when it’s generally available later this calendar year) for all types of workers, from interns and contractors to software developers and industrial designers. Windows 365 takes the operating system to the Microsoft Cloud, securely streaming the full Windows experience—including all your apps, data, and settings—to your personal or corporate devices. This approach creates a fully new personal computing category, specifically for the hybrid world: the Cloud PC.

The Cloud PC draws on the power of the cloud to provide a powerful, simple, and secure full Windows 10 or Windows 11 experience that you can use to empower your workforce, regardless of location or device. Windows 365 provides an instant-on boot experience that enables users to stream all their personalized applications, tools, data, and settings from the cloud across any device including your Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, and coming soon Linux device. The Windows experience is consistent, no matter the device. You can pick up right where you left off, because the state of your Cloud PC remains the same, even when you switch devices.

Your organization can start to experience the power, simplicity, and security of a Cloud PC today through Windows 365. And we have a lot of resources to help you to get started!

First, we have a new Microsoft Mechanics video with Christiaan Brinkhoff that walks you through getting started with your Windows 365 Cloud PCs.

We also have two blogs that provide step-by-step guidance:
If you’re still just learning what Windows 365 is, check out my Mechanics video on Windows 365, your Cloud PC - What it is, how it works, and how to set it up.

Finally, we'd love for you to be a part of our community. Ask questions, start a conversation, or share feedback in the Windows 365 Tech Community. Have a suggestion for a new feature or functionality? Post your ideas and upvote your favorites in the Windows 365 feature requests board.

We’re so excited to bring this new way to experience Windows through the power of the cloud, and we can’t wait to hear how you’ll use Cloud PCs to empower your employees to achieve more.


Source: Announcing the general availability of Windows 365

See also: App Assure now supports app compatibility on Windows 365
 
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Of course it is clear that Microsoft can never start selling this service for private users with the prices now announced.
The consumer version is not out yet. However, I would expect a subscription model and prices for the consumer version of Windows 365 that is comparable to the subscription model and prices for Office 365 (now renamed Microsoft 365) I would jump and grab it with both hands :cool::cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
The consumer version is not out yet. However, I would expect a subscription model and prices for the consumer version of Windows 365 that is comparable to the subscription model and prices for Office 365 (now renamed Microsoft 365) I would jump and grab it with both hands :cool:

Same here. Give me Windows 365 cloud version for $ / € 69 a year for single license, or $ / € 99 a year for 6 licenses, I would get famous by being the first one to subscribe!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hyper-V Virtual Machine (host in System 2 specs)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Hyper-V Video
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev Channel
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP HP ProBook 470 G5
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Motherboard
    HP 837F KBC Version 02.3D.00
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620 & NVIDIA GeForce 930MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
    Hard Drives
    128 GB SSD & 1 TB HDD
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech MSX mouse
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitech MK710 keyboard
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge Chromium Dev Channel
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2 * 3 TB USB HDD
    6 TB WD Mirror NAS
What's the appeal of this over something like Shadow? They're both "cloud PCs" but shadow is focused on gaming, and cheaper.

I guess there is the business side but it's still so expensive...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    EVOO LP-6
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-9750H
    Memory
    16 GB RAM 2666
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2060
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel 660p 1TB NVMe SSD
    Sabrent Rocket 1TB NVMe SSD
    WD Black 750 GB SATA HDD 7200 RPM
    Mouse
    Logitech G703
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox Beta
In the past 20 years, my computer has been "hacked" never.
I wonder how many Cloud setups have been hacked... this month.

There's something to be said for being too small to be a target.


Lastly, please don't compare Office 365 costs to Windows 365 costs. Especially since Windows 365 includes... Office.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Lastly, please don't compare Office 365 costs to Windows 365 costs.

Why not? Office subscription prices are a good comparison. I bet that if Windows 365 Cloud will ever be available for consumers, the price will follow quite closely the Office subscription price.

Especially since Windows 365 includes... Office.

Please check the facts before spreading false information. Windows 365 does not include Office.

Kari
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hyper-V Virtual Machine (host in System 2 specs)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Hyper-V Video
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev Channel
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP HP ProBook 470 G5
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Motherboard
    HP 837F KBC Version 02.3D.00
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620 & NVIDIA GeForce 930MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
    Hard Drives
    128 GB SSD & 1 TB HDD
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech MSX mouse
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitech MK710 keyboard
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge Chromium Dev Channel
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2 * 3 TB USB HDD
    6 TB WD Mirror NAS
I was wanting to avoid a double post(I already posted this in 10 Forums), but it seems only Kari seems to get the idea, about the advantage of CloudPC.
This is the way large businesses can get around that Win11 needs new hardware, all they need is a Microsoft 365 approved browser on ANY operating system, and scale the virtual PCs to the actual size their users need, and in the end, the company can save money, and just use older PCs, or get new, lower end ones.

Also their CloudPC will run fast enough; depending on the company's ISP, probably better with 3rd party updating and uploads/downloads, because Microsoft has ungodly internet speeds on their end.
You need to remember that the user is only streaming/remoting the pc like RDP, so himself doesn't need so much speed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win10 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ۞ΞЖ†ԘΜΞ۞
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 9900K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
    Memory
    32 GB Quad Kit, G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series schwarz, DDR4-3866, 18-19-19-39-2T
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 ROG Strix O24G, 24576 MB GDDR6X
    Sound Card
    (1) HD Webcam C270 (2) NVIDIA High Definition Audio (3) Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ BL2711U(4K) and a hp 27vx(1080p)
    Hard Drives
    C: Samsung 960 EVO NVMe M.2 SSD
    E: & O: Libraries & OneDrive-> Samsung 850 EVO 1TB
    D: Hyper-V VM's -> Samsung PM951 Client M.2 512Gb SSD
    G: System Images -> Samsung 860 Pro 2TB
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000i High Performance ATX Power Supply 80+ Platinum
    Case
    Phanteks Enthoo Pro TG
    Cooling
    Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB TT Premium-Edition 360mm and 2x120 Phantek& Halo front, and 1x140 Phanteks
    Keyboard
    Trust GTX THURA
    Mouse
    Trust GTX 148
    Internet Speed
    25+/5+ (+usually faster)
    Browser
    Edge; Chrome;
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender of course & Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit as an added layer between browser & OS
    Other Info
    Router: FRITZ!Box 7590 AX V2
    Sound system: SHARP HT-SBW460 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
    Webcam: Logitech BRIO ULTRA HD PRO WEBCAM 4K webcam with HDR

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win10 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ۞ΞЖ†ԘΜΞ۞
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 9900K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
    Memory
    32 GB Quad Kit, G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series schwarz, DDR4-3866, 18-19-19-39-2T
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 ROG Strix O24G, 24576 MB GDDR6X
    Sound Card
    (1) HD Webcam C270 (2) NVIDIA High Definition Audio (3) Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ BL2711U(4K) and a hp 27vx(1080p)
    Hard Drives
    C: Samsung 960 EVO NVMe M.2 SSD
    E: & O: Libraries & OneDrive-> Samsung 850 EVO 1TB
    D: Hyper-V VM's -> Samsung PM951 Client M.2 512Gb SSD
    G: System Images -> Samsung 860 Pro 2TB
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000i High Performance ATX Power Supply 80+ Platinum
    Case
    Phanteks Enthoo Pro TG
    Cooling
    Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB TT Premium-Edition 360mm and 2x120 Phantek& Halo front, and 1x140 Phanteks
    Keyboard
    Trust GTX THURA
    Mouse
    Trust GTX 148
    Internet Speed
    25+/5+ (+usually faster)
    Browser
    Edge; Chrome;
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender of course & Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit as an added layer between browser & OS
    Other Info
    Router: FRITZ!Box 7590 AX V2
    Sound system: SHARP HT-SBW460 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
    Webcam: Logitech BRIO ULTRA HD PRO WEBCAM 4K webcam with HDR
Windows 365 is now live - here’s how much it will cost you






At those prices, you could buy a brand new PC in 12 months.

For example... System Builder <----- and this is at scalper prices, and won't include internet latency.
Holy crap!!!
A bit pricey, don't ya think!?!?!?

View attachment 4646

Update: I see lots of people comparing the price of Windows 365 to the cost of buying a new PC with comparable specs and laughing about the cost of Windows 365. Actually, a more apt comparison may be Azure Virtual Desktop (where users pay for Azure services consumed) and Windows 365/Cloud PC, as suggested in this post by Microsoft partner Nerdio. In that comparison, Windows 365 could save some customers money.

But, yes, these Windows 365 prices are rather shocking. Two things to remember: Microsoft is likely offering substantial discounts off these estimated retail prices for those interested in buying in volume. And secondly: Virtualized desktops are definitely NOT for everyone, though they make sense for some specific use cases.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win10 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ۞ΞЖ†ԘΜΞ۞
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 9900K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
    Memory
    32 GB Quad Kit, G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series schwarz, DDR4-3866, 18-19-19-39-2T
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 ROG Strix O24G, 24576 MB GDDR6X
    Sound Card
    (1) HD Webcam C270 (2) NVIDIA High Definition Audio (3) Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ BL2711U(4K) and a hp 27vx(1080p)
    Hard Drives
    C: Samsung 960 EVO NVMe M.2 SSD
    E: & O: Libraries & OneDrive-> Samsung 850 EVO 1TB
    D: Hyper-V VM's -> Samsung PM951 Client M.2 512Gb SSD
    G: System Images -> Samsung 860 Pro 2TB
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000i High Performance ATX Power Supply 80+ Platinum
    Case
    Phanteks Enthoo Pro TG
    Cooling
    Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB TT Premium-Edition 360mm and 2x120 Phantek& Halo front, and 1x140 Phanteks
    Keyboard
    Trust GTX THURA
    Mouse
    Trust GTX 148
    Internet Speed
    25+/5+ (+usually faster)
    Browser
    Edge; Chrome;
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender of course & Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit as an added layer between browser & OS
    Other Info
    Router: FRITZ!Box 7590 AX V2
    Sound system: SHARP HT-SBW460 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
    Webcam: Logitech BRIO ULTRA HD PRO WEBCAM 4K webcam with HDR
@Kari I really don't see why you are opposed to my post. Not everyone wants or needs cloud computing. I just happen to be one of them. Having the OS installed on my computer does everything I need. I also don't need a another bill to pay. Cloud computing may fit your needs but it doesn't fit my needs.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
@Kari I really don't see why you are opposed to my post. Not everyone wants or needs cloud computing. I just happen to be one of them. Having the OS installed on my computer does everything I need. I also don't need a another bill to pay. Cloud computing may fit your needs but it doesn't fit my needs.

As I mentioned in my post, I quoted posts I completely or partially opposed. In your case, it was just a minor thing: somehow reading your post, it was clear to me, that you were thinking that Windows 365 Cloud PC was something for us private users, something to consider. It's not.

Nothing else. In hindsight, it was wrong for me to include your post in that list of quotes.

Kari
 
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My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hyper-V Virtual Machine (host in System 2 specs)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Hyper-V Video
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev Channel
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP HP ProBook 470 G5
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Motherboard
    HP 837F KBC Version 02.3D.00
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620 & NVIDIA GeForce 930MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
    Hard Drives
    128 GB SSD & 1 TB HDD
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech MSX mouse
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitech MK710 keyboard
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge Chromium Dev Channel
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2 * 3 TB USB HDD
    6 TB WD Mirror NAS
As I mentioned in my post, I quoyed posts I completely or partially opposed. In your case, it was just a minor thing: somehow reading your post, it was clear to me, that you were thinking that Windows 365 Cloud PC was something for us private users, something to consider. It's not.

Nothing else. In hindsight, it was wrong for me to include your post in that list of quotes.

Kari
I wouldn't say it was wrong. I just didn't understand why my post was included.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
IT departments will do anything they can to avoid upgrades. I remember my High School was using a version of Windows Multipoint Server 2012 (With Classic Shell and Chrome Pre-installed) to make 2 "computers" from each tower. It was kinda a crazy idea but it somehow worked.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    EVOO LP-6
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-9750H
    Memory
    16 GB RAM 2666
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2060
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel 660p 1TB NVMe SSD
    Sabrent Rocket 1TB NVMe SSD
    WD Black 750 GB SATA HDD 7200 RPM
    Mouse
    Logitech G703
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox Beta
I generally follow the 1-2-3 rule for backup, 1 master, 2 copies, on 3 different media. Windows 365 has only a meager 128 GB storage, but Office 365 gives me another 1 TB. So far, I have not used the 1 TB at all, because I have that on 'earth' with easier and faster access. Having it all in the cloud could change the game though, i.e. Windows 365 + Office 365 could be 1 of the 3 media with that 1 medium having it all.

Just exploring how I could re-arrange my rig if one of my computers was in the cloud. How about you?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win10 Pro, Win10 Pro N, Win10 Home, Windows 8.1 Pro, Ubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ۞ΞЖ†ԘΜΞ۞
    CPU
    Intel Core i9 9900K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
    Memory
    32 GB Quad Kit, G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series schwarz, DDR4-3866, 18-19-19-39-2T
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 ROG Strix O24G, 24576 MB GDDR6X
    Sound Card
    (1) HD Webcam C270 (2) NVIDIA High Definition Audio (3) Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ BL2711U(4K) and a hp 27vx(1080p)
    Hard Drives
    C: Samsung 960 EVO NVMe M.2 SSD
    E: & O: Libraries & OneDrive-> Samsung 850 EVO 1TB
    D: Hyper-V VM's -> Samsung PM951 Client M.2 512Gb SSD
    G: System Images -> Samsung 860 Pro 2TB
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000i High Performance ATX Power Supply 80+ Platinum
    Case
    Phanteks Enthoo Pro TG
    Cooling
    Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB TT Premium-Edition 360mm and 2x120 Phantek& Halo front, and 1x140 Phanteks
    Keyboard
    Trust GTX THURA
    Mouse
    Trust GTX 148
    Internet Speed
    25+/5+ (+usually faster)
    Browser
    Edge; Chrome;
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender of course & Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit as an added layer between browser & OS
    Other Info
    Router: FRITZ!Box 7590 AX V2
    Sound system: SHARP HT-SBW460 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
    Webcam: Logitech BRIO ULTRA HD PRO WEBCAM 4K webcam with HDR
Looks like Windows 365 is much more popular than Microsoft anticipated :D

BTW, interesting factoids from the Windows 365 FAQ
  • Good news: Windows 365 is available to a small business of one. It should not be too difficult (only hassle) to get yourself a business license.
  • Bad news: The cheapest (below 'Basic') Windows 365 edition at $20/user/month is undermuscled. 1 vCPU / 2 GB RAM / 64 GB Storage: includes 12 GB of outbound data (like saving a file from your Cloud PC to your 'earth' PC) per user per month. Of course, you can get the 'Basic' edition and up, but $$. I think I'll wait for the consumer edition(s) of Windows 365, I need double the muscles but I don't need all the other stuff, I am sure I am not alone in this regard.

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
Hi there
For businesses this is quirte a reasonable service currently at the prices offered - especially if it doesn't have to buy a whole load of PC's - since employees can use their own equipment and with Hybrid home working (part office, part remote) likely to be permanent in the post COVID economy - apart from some Dinosaur Presenteeism bosses in USA - notiably some big banks, but for HOME users the idea of around 140 EUR a month for any sort of decently powerful configuration IMO is quite frankly much too high. You could buy yourself a decent small server with about 6 months subscription and just over 1 year would buy you a reasonable top of the line PC as well.

The other area where this would be of great value would be to Schools but for a lot of schools 140 EUR a month per "Seat" would be beyond any of even a generous Govt's School budget while the minimum offering wouldn't be man enough for the job.

Idea is fine in principle for a lot of uses and users but I think the pricing seriously needs looking at.

You would though seriously need as a minimum config 2 vCPU's, 12 GB RAM, 256GB Disk storage and maybe 50 GB of outbound data storage - and of course you should be allowed also the use of Local storage attached to your own PC / network .

OK at the start - Servers might well (or have ) crashed - probably due to initial take up as people test the service -- I'd expect Ms to fix that issue very quickly of course.

I'm sure many of you demoing stuff or giving sales or other pitches have found inevitably even after perfect rehearsals something always goes wrong on the actual day you do the demo or the pitch. !!! (Or even showing something to kids).

Remember also for some users - simply a decent HOSTING service might be sufficient for all their needs rather than a full blown Windows client and these are generally cheaper by orders of magnitude -- some decent domain servers offerring good service including e-commerce can be had for as little as 60 EUR a year - far cheaper than even the cheapest Windows/365 service. True not comparing exactly like for like but one should look at all the options available if deciding to use Cloud Servers.

I'm sure Ms will come out with a deal for "Education" and small domestic users -- the education market in the USA alone must be gigantic - how could Ms miss that marketing opportunity.


Cheers
jimbo
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
I should have said in my previous post that for plumbers, electricians, and the like, the cheapest edition of Windows 365 may NOT be undermuscled and they may very well be able to pay for that. But for a web designer, 10 x the muscles may still be undermuscled and he may not be able to pay for that. There are many types of businesses/users with very different needs.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
I truly don't understand how cloud computing would benefit as in your example, plumbers, electricians and the like. What would they benefit from cloud computing that they couldn't do with a laptop, tablet or even a smart phone?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I truly don't understand how cloud computing would benefit as in your example, plumbers, electricians and the like. What would they benefit from cloud computing that they couldn't do with a laptop, tablet or even a smart phone?

I'll do my best and try to explain this to you.

The most important factor, and I believe which will be most deciding factor for quite a number of small entrepeneurs, is that your device does not have to be anything special. Having your Windows 365 PC in cloud, you can just grab your cheap $99 Android tablet or a second hand iPad Mini when going to a gig. With that tablet, or an iPhone or a Samsung Android phone, you have full access to a full, complete Windows 10 / 11 as soon as you open a browser.

The specs of your device are not important, because all bit crunching is done in the cloud, on Windows 365 Cloud PC. You can access and use it from any device, just using a browser. After a day's work, the plumber or electrician or whatnot returns home, and opens Windows 365 Cloud PC in Chrome in his 15 year old "ready to retire" old Pentium PC, and checks today's notes, writes bills, orders parts for customers, and so on. It's compeletely, profoundly irrelevant, that the PC he's using cannot be upgraded beyond Windows Vista.

Notable here is, that it will be as fast and easy to him, than to a colleague using a physical installation of Windows on a last generation monster PC. Any device, any time, never needing to shut down. Just open a browser and sign in to Windows 365 Cloud PC, it's there as you left it after your last visit.

In my opinion, Windows 365 Cloud PC will be a game changer, best thing happening in Windows world since launch of Windows 10. Thinking about private web designers, architects, IT consults, plumbers, electricians, real estate agents, and so on, people often on the road meeting customers, it just makes life and work much easier.

Of course I understand, that especially coming from me, you will have counter arguments. That's OK. Let's just agree about the fact, that although Windows 365 Cloud PC is a good thing, you do not like it.

Kari
 
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My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hyper-V Virtual Machine (host in System 2 specs)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Hyper-V Video
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 PRO x64 Dev Channel
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP HP ProBook 470 G5
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8550U
    Motherboard
    HP 837F KBC Version 02.3D.00
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620 & NVIDIA GeForce 930MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop display (17.1") & Samsung U28E590 (27.7")
    Hard Drives
    128 GB SSD & 1 TB HDD
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitech MSX mouse
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitech MK710 keyboard
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge Chromium Dev Channel
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    2 * 3 TB USB HDD
    6 TB WD Mirror NAS

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