Explore the Windows 365 endpoint experience

  • 8 minutes

By the end of this unit, you will be able to describe the Windows 365 endpoint experience options available to administrators and users, including Windows 365 Boot, Windows 365 Switch, and traditional Cloud PC access methods.

Why endpoint experiences matter

One of the key advantages of Windows 365 is its flexibility in how users access their Cloud PCs. Different user groups have different requirements, ranging from dedicated cloud-only workstations to hybrid users who need to move seamlessly between local and cloud environments.

Microsoft provides multiple endpoint experiences that allow organizations to tailor how users connect to their Cloud PCs while maintaining centralized management through Microsoft Intune.

Selecting the appropriate endpoint experience can improve usability, simplify administration, enhance security, and support specific business scenarios.

Common considerations include:

  • User mobility requirements
  • Device ownership models
  • Shared versus dedicated devices
  • Security and compliance requirements
  • Local application dependencies
  • Operational complexity
  • End-user experience expectations

Understanding the available endpoint experiences helps administrators align Windows 365 deployments with organizational requirements.

Standard Windows 365 remote access

The traditional Windows 365 experience allows users to connect to their Cloud PCs through a remote desktop session.

Users can access their Cloud PCs through:

  • The Windows App
  • Supported web browsers
  • Mobile devices using supported Windows App clients
  • macOS devices
  • Thin clients and compatible endpoints

This model provides the greatest flexibility because users can access their Cloud PC from virtually any supported device and location.

How standard remote access works

After authentication through Microsoft Entra ID, users connect to their assigned Cloud PC using the Windows App or web portal.

The Cloud PC remains persistent, meaning:

  • Applications remain installed
  • User settings are retained
  • Files remain available
  • User sessions can be reconnected

Because processing occurs within Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, the local device primarily acts as an access endpoint.

Benefits of standard remote access

Benefits include:

  • Broad device compatibility
  • Cross-platform support
  • Minimal endpoint requirements
  • Flexible remote work support
  • Simplified access from unmanaged or personal devices

This access model is often preferred for remote workers, contractors, consultants, and users who frequently work from multiple devices.

Windows 365 Boot

Windows 365 Boot allows users to sign in directly to their Cloud PC from a physical Windows device.

Instead of signing into the local Windows environment, users authenticate and are automatically connected to their assigned Cloud PC.

The physical device effectively functions as a secure access endpoint for the Cloud PC experience.

How Windows 365 Boot works

With Windows 365 Boot configured:

  1. The user powers on the device.
  2. The user authenticates using organizational credentials.
  3. Windows automatically establishes a connection to the assigned Cloud PC.
  4. The user works primarily within the Cloud PC environment.

The local operating system remains present and managed but is largely transparent to the user.

Typical use cases

Windows 365 Boot is particularly beneficial for:

  • Frontline workers
  • Shared devices
  • Call centers
  • Healthcare environments
  • Hot-desking scenarios
  • Temporary workspaces
  • Organizations adopting cloud-first endpoint strategies

Because users work directly within their Cloud PC, organizations can centralize applications, security controls, and user data.

Administrative requirements

Administrators must configure Windows 365 Boot through Microsoft Intune.

Requirements typically include:

  • Windows 11 physical devices
  • Supported Windows 365 licensing
  • Microsoft Intune management
  • Microsoft Entra ID integration
  • Supported Windows 11 version and servicing level

Administrators can deploy Boot configurations through Intune policies and manage the experience centrally.

Benefits of Windows 365 Boot

Advantages include:

  • Simplified sign-in experience
  • Consistent user workspace
  • Reduced local device dependency
  • Centralized management
  • Improved supportability
  • Cloud-first user experience

Windows 365 Switch

Windows 365 Switch integrates Cloud PCs directly into the Windows 11 desktop experience.

Instead of launching a separate application or browser session, users can switch between their local desktop and Cloud PC using native Windows 11 functionality.

How Windows 365 Switch works

Windows 365 Switch integrates Cloud PCs into the Windows Task View experience.

Users can:

  • Move between local and cloud environments
  • Access both environments simultaneously
  • Switch using familiar Windows desktop controls
  • Maintain separate workloads across local and cloud desktops

The experience feels similar to moving between multiple virtual desktops within Windows 11.

Typical use cases

Windows 365 Switch is well suited for:

  • Knowledge workers
  • Developers
  • IT administrators
  • Hybrid workers
  • Users requiring local hardware access
  • Users who frequently move between cloud and local workloads

For example, a user may perform corporate work within a managed Cloud PC while accessing local applications or peripherals through the physical device.

Administrative requirements

Windows 365 Switch requires:

  • Windows 11 version 22H2 or later
  • Microsoft Intune management
  • Windows 365 licensing
  • Microsoft Entra ID integration
  • Supported Cloud PC configuration

Administrators configure the experience through Microsoft Intune.

Benefits of Windows 365 Switch

Advantages include:

  • Smooth transitions between environments
  • Native Windows integration
  • Improved productivity
  • Reduced context switching
  • Flexible workload separation
  • Familiar user experience

Comparing Windows 365 endpoint experiences

The three primary Windows 365 endpoint experiences address different organizational requirements.

Experience User interaction model Typical users
Windows App or web browser Launch a Cloud PC session through an application or browser Remote workers, contractors, cross-platform users
Windows 365 Boot Sign directly into a Cloud PC at device startup Frontline workers, shared device users, cloud-first deployments
Windows 365 Switch Switch between local and Cloud PC environments using Windows Task View Knowledge workers, hybrid users, developers, administrators

Organizations may deploy multiple experience models simultaneously based on business requirements.

Choosing the right endpoint experience

When selecting a Windows 365 endpoint experience, organizations should evaluate both technical and operational requirements.

Consider standard remote access when:

  • Users access multiple devices
  • Cross-platform support is required
  • BYOD scenarios are supported
  • Flexible remote access is a priority

Consider Windows 365 Boot when:

  • Users primarily work within a Cloud PC
  • Shared devices are common
  • Local device functionality is less important
  • A simplified cloud-first experience is desired

Consider Windows 365 Switch when:

  • Users require both local and cloud resources
  • Local applications remain necessary
  • Users frequently move between environments
  • Productivity and workflow continuity are priorities

The most effective deployment strategy often combines multiple endpoint experiences to support different user personas across the organization.

Management considerations

Although each endpoint experience provides a different user experience, they share common management principles.

Administrators should ensure:

  • Microsoft Intune management is implemented
  • Cloud PCs are properly licensed
  • Microsoft Entra ID integration is configured
  • Compliance policies are applied consistently
  • Endpoint security controls are enforced
  • User access is governed through Conditional Access policies

Monitoring and reporting remain centralized through Microsoft Intune and Windows 365 administration tools regardless of the selected endpoint experience.

Summary

Windows 365 provides multiple endpoint experiences that allow organizations to tailor how users access Cloud PCs.

Administrators can support:

  • Standard remote access through the Windows App or web browser
  • Windows 365 Boot for direct Cloud PC sign-in experiences
  • Windows 365 Switch for smooth movement between local and cloud environments

By understanding the capabilities, requirements, and use cases of each option, organizations can deliver the most appropriate Windows 365 experience for different user groups while maintaining centralized management, security, and compliance through Microsoft Intune.