What is the difference between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365?

By the end of the year 2021, you will get to hear that Microsoft will have widely accessible distinct versions of Windows, including Windows 365 Cloud PC, Windows 11, and Azure Virtual Desktop. This demand for cloud-based solutions has skyrocketed in the last year. 

In a hybrid world, businesses and institutions must swiftly adjust to remote employment and distance learning. 

Keep in mind that Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft’s Windows 365 Cloud PC enable your IT department to seamlessly support user accessibility on any device, from anywhere, by deploying remote desktops and apps through the cloud. 

But, what exactly is Windows 365 Cloud PC, and how does it differ from Azure Virtual Desktop? These three examples demonstrate why Windows 365 is a better choice than Azure. 

Virtual Desktop

  1. Less than ten desktop computers

If the IT infrastructure has a modest number of computers, Windows 365 Business is the best option. It does not have any prerequisites like AVD. For example, no Active Directory configuration or storage location is required for FSLogix containers. As a result, in terms of management, deployment, and cost-effectiveness, Windows 365 Business is a clear winner.

  1. There is no existing or planned Azure footprint

Some businesses have basic, cloud-only IT setups with Microsoft 365 and other SaaS products, with no infrastructure footprint on Azure and no plans to build any such equipment. Windows 365 Business is a fantastic solution in this circumstance since it is simple to allocate PCs to users and has minimal administrative overhead for IT administrators.

  1. No prior experience with desktop virtualization

Today, only a tiny percentage of Windows devices are virtualized using technologies such as AVD. Desktop virtualization is a sophisticated technology that needs specialist knowledge. Many firms do not have such a skill set and do not intend to develop it. 

In this case, Windows 365 Enterprise is an excellent choice. It does not need knowledge of profile encapsulation, auto-scaling, multi-session administration, or other advanced AVD ideas. Instead, it simplifies the deployment and management of Cloud PCs alongside existing physical PCs.

What is the difference between Windows 365 cloud pc and Azure virtual desktop?

Both options provide the most recent cloud technologies, including built-in security, a superior remote work experience, and flexibility—all at an affordable price. 

Azure Virtual Desktop is again a cloud-based VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) that allows you to fully configure your customer’s architecture and control the resources that support it. 

Windows 365 Cloud PC is a fully managed Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solution that provides the same wonderful desktop experience as Windows without the complexity of infrastructure management.

Storage in the cloud

Windows 365 offers fully managed storage with a fixed price while focusing on the simplicity of use and setup. The lack of admin access to the VMs can make backup difficult, but with Microsoft controlling it, the aim is that it will not be necessary. 

With OS Disks, FSLogix profiles, and the ability to simply backup storage and VMs, AVD is all about versatility.

Cloud

Windows 365 Enterprise has entirely customer-managed networking, including customizable routing, IP addresses, and security. Meanwhile, Windows 365 Business will continue to be entirely governed by Microsoft, with no freedom. Networking flexibility is required for Azure Virtual Desktop, and no Microsoft management is offered.

Clare Louise