Microsoft 365 Windows Cloud PC
I had not heard about this before today and will have to do some experimenting.
Some of us have used virtual desktops, often called VDI, in the cloud before and while they are not as fast desktop PCs, they have some very interesting features such as infinite scaling and great desktop management.
They are not cheap (maybe) but they are very convenient and Microsoft is improving the default security configuration (more later).
The problem with Azure virtual desktop, which is the typical way VDI is deployed, is that you cannot just deploy one. You have to set up a virtual desktop server and configure it and manage it. With Windows Cloud PC, Microsoft does all of that and you just have to drive, so to speak.
The very lowest cost plan (without any volume discounts) is $31 a month and it comes with 2 vCPUs, 4 gigs of RAM and 128 gig of storage. Definitely low end, but may be usable for certain things.
The high end costs $66 a month and comes with 4 vCPUs, 16 gig of RAM and also 128 gig of storage. The assumption is that you are going to use your One Drive account with your Office license, so the storage is really for the apps and operating system.
If it comes with some version of Office 365, well, then the cost is very reasonable.
Okay, so what did they do to improve the security today?
Starting in 2H25, new and reconfigured cloud PCs disable the clipboard, drive, USB and printer REDIRECTION by default. This is to isolate the cloud from the physical device. USB devices like keyboards and mice will still be redirected.
Microsoft enabled virtualization based security, Credential Guard and hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI) last month.
Administrators can override the defaults if they want.
For companies that need to create a fully managed, controlled and more secure environment, this could interesting.
I have a particular use case in mind, so I am going to try the trial. Stay tuned for my update.
Credit: Bleeping Computer
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