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Microsoft wants to move Windows fully onto the cloud

Microsoft is embarking on an ambitious and transformative journey by envisioning Windows as a comprehensive cloud-based service, marking a pivotal shift in its strategy. The company has already made significant strides in this direction with the introduction of Windows 365, initially targeted at commercial users. The ultimate goal is to extend this cloud-based experience to consumers as well, underscoring their belief in the cloud’s potential to revolutionize the future of computing. This is a game-changer for many individuals and new business opportunities.

You can get the same work done on a laptop in a hotel room, a tablet from your car between appointments, or your desktop while you’re in the office.

Windows 365 currently operates as a cutting-edge service that streams a complete Windows operating system to various devices. While its deployment has been focused on catering to the needs of commercial clients, Microsoft has been hard at work incorporating this revolutionary technology into its latest offering, Windows 11. As they make strides towards this cloud-first future, they plan to introduce an upcoming update known as “Windows 365 Boot,” which promises to revolutionize the way Windows 11 devices log in.

With the advent of Windows 365 Boot, users will have the opportunity to bypass their local version of Windows entirely, instead opting to directly log into a Cloud PC instance at the very start of the boot process. This seamless integration ensures that users can access their personalized Cloud PC environment almost instantaneously, transcending the limitations of traditional local installations.

Moreover, Microsoft’s innovation extends to further integrating Cloud PCs into the core functionality of Windows 11. A notable example of this is the introduction of “Windows 365 Switch,” a novel feature integrated into Task View, which manages virtual desktops. This enhancement enables users to seamlessly switch between their Cloud PCs and local environments within the Task View interface, promoting a more fluid and versatile computing experience.

By transforming Windows into a comprehensive cloud service, Microsoft aims to provide users with unparalleled flexibility, mobility, and accessibility. Gone are the days when users were tethered to a specific device or operating system version; instead, they can embrace a dynamic computing ecosystem that follows them across devices, locations, and circumstances.

Microsoft’s vision of Windows as a full-fledged cloud service signifies a radical shift towards a future where the boundaries between local and cloud computing are blurred. Through initiatives like Windows 365 and its integration into Windows 11, the software giant strives to empower both commercial and consumer users with a revolutionary computing experience that adapts seamlessly to their diverse needs and lifestyles. As we venture into this cloud-driven era, the possibilities for innovation and productivity are truly boundless.