Azure Virtual Desktop Archives

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Secure your organization against changing conditions with a special offer from Windows 365

82% of business leaders view 2023 as critical for reevaluating strategic and operational frameworks. Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, prompting organizations to consider strategies for transitioning to Windows 11 or Windows 365. Microsoft is offering a 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans for new customers from May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025. Windows 365 provides a secure Windows 11 experience via a Cloud PC and is designed with Zero Trust principles for enhanced security. Transitioning to Windows 365 can lower carbon footprints and align with sustainability goals. Crocs reported annual cost savings of 0,000 after switching to Windows 365. Dnata Travel Group chose Windows 365 for secure access for their mobile workforce. Hamburg Commercial Bank plans to expand its use of Windows 365 for sustainability improvements. The promotional offer is available for new customers and has specific terms and conditions, including a deadline for processing transactions.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 365 Link Cloud PC now available for $349.99

Microsoft has launched the Windows 365 Link, its first cloud PC, available for purchase in the U.S. at a price of .99. The device features an Intel N250 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 64GB of UFS storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-A 3.2 Gen1, USB-A 3.2 Gen2, USB-C 3.2, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4. It measures 120 x 120 x 30mm. The device requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance, and its hardware specifications may not meet the demands of intensive tasks. In comparison, Apple's Mac Mini, priced at 9, features an M2 chip, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of SSD storage. Microsoft claims that Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop can save employees 6 to 12 minutes daily and organizations between .1M and .2M over three years through BYOPC programs. The Windows 365 Link is aimed at businesses integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a cost-effective solution for cloud-managed workstations.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft’s Remote Desktop app is going away

Microsoft is transitioning from the Remote Desktop app to a new solution called the Windows App, starting in September 2024, to streamline remote connectivity. Support for the Remote Desktop app will end on May 27, 2025, and users are encouraged to migrate to the Windows App to maintain access to services like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. Users will need to continue using Remote Desktop Connection until its features are integrated into the Windows App and should utilize RemoteApp and Desktop Connection for Remote Desktop Services until those capabilities are available in the new application.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft takes Remote Desktop app out back

Support for Microsoft's Remote Desktop application will cease on May 27, 2024, transitioning users to the newly introduced Windows App. The Windows App offers unified access to various Windows services but has received mixed reactions from users. The Remote Desktop app will be removed from the Microsoft Store, requiring users to adapt to the Windows App for services like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. Users must have a school or work account to use the Windows App, which includes features like customizable home screens and multi-monitor support, but lacks certain functionalities such as Private Link support and local Start Menu integration. After May 27, connections via the Remote Desktop app will be blocked.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Say goodbye to Microsoft’s Remote Desktop app and get ready to move to the Windows App

On May 27, 2025, Microsoft will discontinue support for its Remote Desktop app, which will no longer be available for download or use. Users will need to transition to the Windows App, available since September 2024, which provides unified access to Windows services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Remote PCs. The Windows App features customizable home screens, support for multiple monitors, dynamic display resolutions, device redirection, and is optimized for Microsoft Teams. After the discontinuation date, the Windows App will be the only first-party option from Microsoft for accessing these services. Microsoft also offers the Remote Desktop Connection app, which will continue to receive support and allows connections to PCs remotely, supporting both school/work and personal accounts.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft phases out remote Desktop App—Windows App takes over: How to download it

As of May 27, 2025, Microsoft will no longer support or allow downloads of the Remote Desktop app for Windows. Users are advised to transition to the new Windows App to access services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. The Windows App features a unified interface, support for multiple monitors, dynamic display resolutions, customizable home screens, device redirection, optimized performance for Microsoft Teams, and simplified account switching. After the cut-off date, connections via the Remote Desktop app will be blocked, and support will cease. The Windows App can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or the official Microsoft website. Microsoft recommends interim solutions like Remote Desktop Connection if needed services are not yet supported by the Windows App. Users should check for known issues and limitations, and IT administrators are encouraged to prepare for the transition.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft will soon phase out this popular Windows app, and here is what it means for you

Microsoft is phasing out its Remote Desktop app for Windows, which will no longer be available for download from the Microsoft Store after May 27, 2025. Users can still install the app until that date, but key features, such as connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box, will be disabled afterward. Microsoft encourages users to switch to the Windows app, which provides unified access to multiple Windows services and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. However, the Windows app currently lacks the ability to connect to remote desktops and Remote Desktop Services, features expected to be added in future updates. Users can still use Remote Desktop Connection and RemoteApp and Desktop Connection during this transition.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft reveals more on just how much it’ll cost you to keep using Windows 10

Microsoft will launch the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program in November 2025, offering three additional years of support for a fee that will double annually. Currently, 60% of Windows installations are on Windows 10, while Windows 11 has a 37% market share. Users of Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop will receive the Extended Security Updates at no additional cost.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Remember it’ll cost ya to keep the lights on for Windows 10

Microsoft has updated its support documentation for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, detailing the pricing structure for commercial customers starting in 2024. The costs are set at per device for the first year, doubling in the second year, and reaching four times the initial cost in the third year. Organizations that join in Year Two must still pay for Year One, as the ESUs are cumulative. Free support for most versions of Windows 10 will end in November 2025. Organizations with a Windows 10 endpoint connected to a Windows 365 Cloud PC may qualify for free ESUs, and Windows 10 virtual machines in Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop can access ESUs for up to three years with an active Windows 365 subscription license.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Immersive productivity with Windows and Meta Quest

The full capabilities of Windows 11 are now accessible on mixed reality headsets, starting with the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, through a collaboration between Microsoft and Meta. Users can engage in a public preview that allows seamless access to local Windows PCs or Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Connecting a Quest headset to a local PC is straightforward; users can press “Windows + Y” to generate a QR code for scanning. The Windows App on Meta Quest devices provides secure access to Windows 365 Cloud PCs, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. The Meta Quest headset allows users to utilize multiple high-resolution virtual monitors, enhancing productivity while maintaining awareness of their physical environment through the Passthrough feature. This experience is part of an experimental feature rolling out with the v72 software update for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, which will be deployed gradually.