Microsoft launches Windows 365 Reserve: Cloud PCs for emergencies
With Windows 365 Reserve, Microsoft is introducing cloud PCs that are available if a client fails. The sticking point: users need another client.
(Image: iX)
Microsoft introduces Windows 365 Reserve. The cloud service allows users to work with virtual machines if their regular Windows 11 client fails. The VMs are not intended as a complete replacement: Users are supposed to use it for up to ten days until a laptop or desktop PC is available to them again. The expiry of a cloud instance is displayed to users from the last three days; optionally, they can return their emergency VM even before this with just a few clicks.
Comparable with regular Windows 365
Windows 365 Reserve is comparable to the Windows 365 cloud systems but is a separate service. Administrators can also configure it via Intune so that the VMs are quickly available as required by their users in an emergency. Settings and applications are therefore specified by the customer and not Microsoft. The usual cloud management options are also available, such as the geographical location of the cloud PC, images for the operating system, and which user groups have access from Entra ID.
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However, the concept obviously has a weak point: users need a system to access the cloud PCs. This is done via a web application or the Windows app; Microsoft states that any client is suitable for this. Whether this refers to private end devices or whether companies should provide additional emergency PCs for security reasons remains open. In the latter case, however, regular preconfigured Windows systems would be just as suitable.
Windows 365 Reserve is currently in a closed beta phase. Interested companies must apply and give Microsoft feedback on the deployment. It is not yet known when the service will be generally available. Further information on the administration of cloud PCs can be found in Microsoft's announcement.
(fo)
