Windows 365 delivers Cloud PCs, a complete and secure Windows experience hosted in the Microsoft Cloud that are accessible on any device. Employees, whether full-time, contractors, shift workers, or seasonal staff, can access their personalized Windows apps, settings, desktop, and data from anywhere. This kind of flexibility is part of the beauty of Windows 365 — but with multiple connection options, you might wonder: Which one should I use?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re powering up secure shared workstations, re-purposing older devices, or working in a hybrid environment, there’s a way to access Windows 365 that fits your employees’ needs. Users don’t need any special expertise to get started; connecting to a Cloud PC is simple, secure, and delivers the same familiar, local Windows experience they already know and trust.
Let’s take a closer look at each option:
Windows 365 Link — Simple. Secure. Purpose-built.
Ideal for: Desk-based or frontline workers in shared workspaces
Experience: Purpose-built to securely connect to Windows 365 in seconds
Windows 365 Link is the first Cloud PC device for Windows 365, securely connecting users to Windows in the cloud. This cloud-native solution is secure by design, simple to manage, and performant. Data, identity, and experiences are removed from the endpoint, and security features are on by default and cannot be turned off, significantly increasing its security posture. It’s managed with Microsoft Intune, and its small Windows-based OS minimizes IT admin decision points through a limited set of configuration policies, making management simple and familiar. Employees simply power it on, sign in, and are securely connected in seconds.
Windows 365 Boot — Reuse hardware. Maximize flexibility. Connect seamlessly.
Ideal for: Repurposed PCs of any form-factor, frontline workers, shared and dedicated devices
Experience: Boot directly to your Cloud PC from any Windows 11 device
With Windows 365 Boot, users can sign in and go straight to their Cloud PC with a familiar Windows 11 sign-in experience — skipping the local desktop entirely. It’s ideal for shared environments as well as dedicated workstations, where simplicity and a like-local feel are key. Windows 365 Boot is a great choice if you want to reuse existing Windows 11 hardware, deploy mobile laptops, or need maximum flexibility in how devices are configured and managed.
Windows 365 Switch — Great at supporting bring-your-own-device (BYOD) programs
Ideal for: BYOD, hybrid workers
Experience: Seamlessly switch between your local desktop and Cloud PC
Windows 365 Switch allows users to move effortlessly between their local Windows desktop and Cloud PC — just like switching apps. There’s no rebooting required, enabling a fast and fluid workflow. It is designed for hybrid users who want to keep their personal and work environment separate, while enabling quick access to both. Fast, familiar, and integrated through the Windows App, this will allow users to seamlessly move between different environments.
The Windows App — Access from anywhere
Ideal for: Anyone who needs cross-platform access to their Cloud PC
Experience: Connect through the Windows App on Windows, macOS, web, or mobile
The Windows App provides a single, consistent experience for employees to connect to their Cloud PCs from virtually any device. They can connect in windowed view or full screen mode with support for multiple monitors. Windows App also enables users to connect to other Windows virtualization services, such as Azure Virtual Desktop or Remote Desktop Services, and create PC-to-PC connections. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, tablet, or phone, you can securely access Windows remotely anytime, anywhere.
Which experience is right for your users?
Your priority Recommended
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Deploy a secure and simple-to-manage Cloud PC device | |
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Reuse existing hardware, additional flexibility | |
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Support hybrid or BYOD users | |
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Access from anywhere, on any device via an app |
If you’re looking for strong security and simple, centralized management, Windows 365 Link is the recommended choice. For organizations that need more flexibility in their feature set, such as reusing existing hardware, Windows 365 Boot offers enhanced flexibility and a wider range of features. To explore these options in more detail, visit Compare Windows 365 connection methods on Windows.
Windows 365 helps organizations empower every user, on any device, with a secure, high-performance Cloud PC. No matter how you connect, each option offers the same fast, reliable, and familiar Windows experience.
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