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Compare Windows 365 connection methods on Windows

This article details the current in-market capabilities of Windows-based connection methods for Windows 365. Specifically, Windows 365 Link, Windows 365 Boot, and the Windows App on Windows. It provides an evaluation guide that enables your organization to determine if they can take advantage of the advanced security and design principles of Windows 365 Link, or if they need the flexibility provided by Windows 365 Boot or Windows App.

Looking for a solution dedicated to Windows 365? Use one of the following methods:

Using a device for other tasks but still want Windows 365 access? Use the Windows App to connect.

The content of this article will be updated as new features and capabilities are released across the Windows 365 connection methods running on Windows. This article does not provide roadmap guidance.

Security

The following table compares which security features are supported with each connection method:

Feature Use Windows 365 Link Use Windows 365 Boot Use Windows App
Supports Security baselines ✅¹ ✅² NA
Prevents third-party software on the local device ✅ ❌ ❌
Purpose built OS for Cloud PC Connections ✅ ❌ ❌
Local device can be Entra joined ✅ ✅ ✅
Local device can be Entra hybrid joined ❌ ✅ ✅
Local device can be Entra registered ❌ ❌ ✅

  1. Enabled by default.

  2. Admin configurable.

Authentication

The following table compares the authentication methods supported with each connection method with Single Sign-On enabled:

Feature Use Windows 365 Link Use Windows 365 Boot Use Windows App
Passkey (FIDO2) ✅ ✅ ✅
Microsoft Authenticator ✅ ✅ ✅
Windows Hello for Business ❌¹ ✅ ✅
Smart card ❌ ✅ ✅
Password ❌ ✅ ✅
  1. Windows Hello is designed for personal, non-shared scenarios.

Management

The following table compares which management features are supported with each connection method:

Feature Use Windows 365 Link Use Windows 365 Boot Use Windows App
Minimal local device management ✅ ❌ ❌
Simplified device provisioning ✅ ✅¹ ❌
Self-deployment support with Autopilot ❌ ✅ NA
Natively cloud managed in Intune ✅ ✅ ✅
Supports Microsoft Configuration Manager or third-party management software ❌ ✅ ✅
  1. Provision Windows 365 Boot devices using the Guided Scenario for Boot in the Intune Portal.

Experience

The following table compares which experience features are supported with each connection method:

Feature Use Windows 365 Link Use Windows 365 Boot Use Windows App
Directly connect to your Cloud PC from the sign-in screen ✅ ✅ ❌
Supports multi-user, shared device scenarios ✅ ✅ ❌¹
Recommended for single-user, dedicated device scenarios ❌² ✅ ✅
Reuse or repurpose any existing Windows 11 devices ❌ ✅ ✅
Laptop form factor ❌ ✅ ✅
Option to access local apps and browser ❌ ✅³ ✅
Multi-language support ✅⁴ ✅ ✅
Access to local Bluetooth, Display, Audio and Battery settings ✅ ✅ ✅
Access additional local OS settings ❌ ✅ ✅
Support custom image on sign-in and lock screen ❌ ✅ NA
Support for more than two display monitors ❌ ✅ ✅

  1. Can be enabled with the Windows App using a combination of kiosk mode and auto logoff feature.

  2. Can be used for dedicated scenarios but optimal for shared scenarios.

  3. Admin configurable.

  4. Available in a subset of languages for select regions.

Multimedia

The following table shows which multimedia features are available with each connection method:

Feature Use Windows 365 Link Use Windows 365 Boot Use Windows App
Support for Microsoft Teams media optimizations ✅ ✅ ✅
Support for Zoom/Webex third-party plugins ❌ ✅ ✅

Redirections

The following sections detail the device redirection support available with each connection method:

Feature Use Windows 365 Link Use Windows 365 Boot Use Windows App
Support for Universal Print ✅ ✅ ✅
Support for printer/scanner redirection ❌ ✅ ✅
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