Deliver virtual desktops
Give users secure Windows desktops from the cloud: Windows 365 for per-user Cloud PCs at a fixed monthly price, or Azure Virtual Desktop when multi-session, RemoteApp or on-premises hosting on Azure Local matter.
The problem
Contractors, call centers, remote staff and regulated teams need a managed Windows desktop without shipping and securing a laptop for every case. Traditional Remote Desktop Services farms need gateways, brokers and servers that someone must patch.
Microsoft offers two cloud desktop services that overlap, and Azure Virtual Desktop classic was retired on 30 September 2026, so older deployments may also need attention.1
The approach
Choose by how much you want to manage.
- Windows 365 provides Cloud PCs as a service. Editions: Business (up to 300 seats), Enterprise (unlimited seats, managed with Intune), Government, and Flex (one license for up to three Cloud PCs used at different times). Cloud PCs for people are billed per user per month; Windows 365 for Agents, a Cloud PC platform for computer-using AI agents, is in preview and billed pay-as-you-go. Windows 365 is not available to individuals.
- Azure Virtual Desktop runs in your Azure subscription: you manage images and session host VMs, not the gateway or broker. Windows 11 and Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session is exclusive to Azure Virtual Desktop. It delivers full desktops or RemoteApp, can replace Remote Desktop Services, and can host desktops on premises with Azure Virtual Desktop for Azure Local.
For both, Intune manages devices and Microsoft Entra Conditional Access controls sign-in.
When a simpler route is enough: a small business with a few remote workers can use Windows 365 Business without designing host pools or images.123
Conceptual architecture
Diagram as a list
Copilot & business apps
- Users on Windows App or Windows 365 LinkConnect to cloud desktops
Security, identity & governance
- Microsoft IntunePolicies, apps and compliance
- Microsoft Entra ID and Conditional AccessSign-in and access policiesConnects to Users on Windows App or Windows 365 Link
Cloud & hybrid infrastructure
- Windows 365 Cloud PCsPersonal Cloud PC per user, managed as a service
- Azure Virtual Desktop host poolsMulti-session desktops and RemoteApp in your subscriptionConnects to Images and apps
- Azure Virtual Desktop for Azure LocalSession hosts on premisesConnects to Images and apps
- Images and appsGolden images maintained by IT
Technologies and their roles
Windows 3652
Cloud PC as a service
Per-user Cloud PCs with fixed monthly licensing; Business edition up to 300 seats.
Azure Virtual Desktop1
Flexible virtual desktops
Multi-session Windows and RemoteApp, with images and VMs in your Azure subscription.
Microsoft Intune3
Endpoint management
Windows 365 Enterprise uses Intune; Intune manages policies and apps across devices.
Azure Local1
On-premises hosting
Azure Virtual Desktop can run session hosts on Azure Local.
What you need first3
- User groups mapped to desktop types (personal, shared, app-only)
- Microsoft Entra ID for sign-in, with Conditional Access policies
- For Azure Virtual Desktop: an Azure subscription, virtual network and image management process
- Intune licenses for managed Cloud PCs and endpoints
- Migration plan for any remaining Azure Virtual Desktop classic resources
Risks and how to reduce them
- Connections to old classic resources fail1
- Azure Virtual Desktop classic retired on 30 September 2026; move remaining resources to the current service.
- Over-provisioned personal desktops raise costs2
- Use Azure Virtual Desktop multi-session or Windows 365 Flex for shift workers who do not need a desktop at the same time.
- Choosing Business edition beyond its limit2
- Windows 365 Business is for up to 300 seats; use Enterprise above that.
- Preview agent desktops used in production2
- Windows 365 for Agents is listed as preview on its overview page.
Related
Sources
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