Guide to Windows 10 in Cloud Configuration
Microsoft recently unveiled a set of configuration settings recommended for IT professionals who wish to leverage the cloud-first capability of Windows 10 devices. Windows 10 in cloud configuration applies to a subset of Windows apps, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and Windows 10 OS. The tech giant made the details available via a blog post on February 2.
What Is Cloud PC?
Cloud PC is an advanced strategic service founded on Windows Virtual desktop, an Azure-based system that companies use to virtualize applications and Windows in the cloud. According to experts, the “strategic offering” uses the current Azure and Windows Virtual features to offer Desktop as a Service. It also delivers a cloud-based, elastic, modern experience to users.
According to the tech giant, Cloud PC will keep your organization up to date in a scalable and simplistic manner.
The configuration is only applicable if devices don’t require complex settings or custom agents, as described in Microsoft’s overview document. The publication also notes that the scheme applies to devices that don’t depend on your organization’s in-house IT infrastructure to triumph. However, the post didn’t clarify the scope of in-house infrastructure dependency.
According to the tech giant, this isn’t a new feature or product. Instead, it’s a more standardized approach to managing and configuring PCs that use Windows 10.
Cookie-Cutter Approach
Cloud PC configuration is compatible with provisioning devices comprising of application basics like Microsoft Teams and email. It also comes with a Microsoft Edge browser. All your user data and storage are handled on OneDrive.
The new approach also lets you add several vital line of business (LOB) applications, but the specific number wasn’t mentioned. What’s more, the overview document didn’t specify any limit. Another vital upgrade in the new development is the flexibility to use it with the apps accessible using virtual desktop services.
The main idea behind Windows 10 in cloud configuration seems to be that companies can only use it if more end users require the same applications. The overview document also notes that there’ll be a standard configuration for every PC.
Microsoft doesn’t recommend using Cloud PC configuration on devices on which different users will frequently sign in and out.
Overview of Windows 10 in Cloud Configuration Features
Cloud PC configuration capabilities go two ways: the end-user gets to enjoy familiar apps and interface, while administrators enjoy an everyday management experience. You can easily apply Windows 10 cloud configuration settings and apps if you have an enterprise PC or Windows 10 and Endpoint Manager. In addition to OneDrive for Business, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Teams, it also lets you deploy vital LOB applications and Win32 via virtualization or directly to the devices.
The main capabilities of Windows 10 in cloud configuration include:
- Easy deployment and management – Thanks to standardized configuration, IT administrative overhead will reduce, and you’ll save time required for endpoints deployment and management using Microsoft Endpoint manager.
- Reliable protection – Windows 10’s design is security-focused. Cloud PC’s additional endpoint security settings serve as an extra monitoring and protection layer.
- All Windows 10 commercial devices – Cloud PC lets you pre-configure any Windows 10 device in the organization for immediate use. You can also repurpose your current hardware to lengthen its lifetime.
- Vital capabilities and apps – Windows 10 in cloud configuration lets you deliver a uniform Windows experience along with browsing, collaboration, and the freedom to add more productivity and business apps.
Notably, you can use different supported channel versions of Windows 10 Education, Windows 10 Pro, or Windows 10 Enterprise for Windows 10 cloud configuration.
Which Products Are Used With Cloud Configuration?
Cloud configuration leverages Azure Active Directory for identification and access to management support. It also pre-provision devices using Windows Autopilot. The overview document notes that Windows Update for Business mechanism helps patch these PCs.
When it comes to enrollment and management of PCs, Cloud configuration uses Microsoft Intune. The mobile device management element is usually a component of Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Your company’s IT professionals will still handle all the management and configuration activities, so no such assistance comes from Microsoft’s end.
Whenever a user wishes to access Office 365 applications, the organization’s IT professionals will acquire the necessary licensing and implement the appropriate configuration changes in that respect. The experts’ responsibility also entails configuring LOB applications.
Your organization’s IT team doesn’t get breaks with vital resources like VPN connections, certificates, WiFi profiles, and printer drivers that simplify users’ workflows. Whenever the need arises, they’ll be required to configure these elements.
Requirements
Before you fully implement Windows 10 in cloud configuration, you must subscribe to Microsoft Endpoint Manager. You also need Windows 10 licensing for the Education, Enterprise, or Pro editions. As highlighted in Microsoft’s document, here are the minimum requirements that you must meet to fully utilize Cloud configuration for Windows 10.
- Windows 10 Pro
- Microsoft Teams
- OneDrive for Business
- Microsoft Intune
- Azure Active Directory Premium P1
You’ll need to pay extra for security. Typically, Microsoft minimally vouches for the use of a Security E3 plan and Enterprise Mobility. Furthermore, organizations that want to incorporate Office 365 apps within the could configuration must have the Office 365 E3 plan.
Windows 10 in cloud configuration isn’t a new service or product. The new capability generally promotes the use of Microsoft Intune in simple compositions by leveraging Microsoft products. Microsoft’s document, however, doesn’t clarify the need for simple configurations.
Microsoft had previously revealed that it had improved its Microsoft 365 Office Customization tool in 2019. This allowed IT professionals to keep their organizations’ configuration in the tech giant’s data centers. It’s more likely that Windows 10 in cloud configuration includes this feature. However, the overview document doesn’t explain much about this.
The Bottom Line
Businesses in Miami and Fort Lauderdale have a lot to gain from Windows 10 in cloud configuration. But to optimally use the advanced features and capabilities, you need a more comprehensive understanding of all aspects of Cloud PC. This may not be easy, considering you have other core businesses to take care of.
Fortunately, the award-winning 4IT team is here to help you conquer the complexity associated with this revolutionary capability. Our vast experience as a top IT support firm enables us to empower organizations in the region through cybersecurity, cloud, and Microsoft support.
Contact us and overcome the complexity that comes with advanced technology.
