Windows 365 Archives

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 now ‘broadly available’ – with a new problem

Microsoft has released Windows 11 24H2, but users are facing a known issue with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) applications, specifically related to the "App attach" feature. This feature allows applications to be dynamically attached to user sessions within AVD, operating within containers rather than being installed locally. Users may encounter an error message stating, "Element not found" when launching App attach applications. Microsoft recommends using VHDX images instead of CimFS images for packaging files, as the issue has not been reported in earlier versions of the operating system. A fix for the current version is expected by June 2025. The update for Windows 11 24H2 will be automatically received by devices running Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, with users able to select the restart time or postpone the update.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft has a great deal on Windows 365 – which runs out just in time for Windows 10 end of life

Microsoft is offering a 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans for new users to encourage Windows 10 users to transition before the operating system's end of life in October 2025. This discount applies for the duration of the Enterprise Agreement contract or the first year of the Windows 365 subscription, whichever is shorter. The end of life for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive free product or security updates. Approximately 20% of laptops running Windows 10 have hardware incompatible with Windows 11, which could lead to increased electronic waste if not addressed.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft : Special Windows 365 offer helps secure organizations against changing conditions

In 2025, 82% of leaders consider the year crucial for reevaluating fundamental strategies and operational frameworks due to economic volatility and supply chain disruptions. Organizations are encouraged to embrace artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and decision-making, reassess existing strategies for alignment with market realities, and foster a culture of innovation to create new opportunities. The ability to pivot and innovate is identified as a key determinant of success in the evolving business landscape.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

20% off Windows 365 expires as Windows 10 support ends

Microsoft has reduced the price of Windows 365 and is encouraging Windows 10 users to consider this option as support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows users to receive security patches for a fee, starting at £35.60 per device per month in the UK, with costs doubling in subsequent years. Windows 365 provides access to a Windows 11 Cloud PC and offers a 20 percent discount for first-time users. Windows 365 currently costs £35.60 per user per month in the UK, €41.40 in the EU, and a similar amount in the US. Recent data shows Windows 10 holds 52.94 percent of the market share, while Windows 11 is at 43.72 percent. The offer for Windows 365 concludes on October 31, 2025.

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 30, 2025

Microsoft: Windows Server hotpatching to require subscription

Microsoft will transition hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 to a paid subscription model starting July 1, 2025, with a cost of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Microsoft has made a significant announcement regarding the future of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, a feature that allows administrators to apply security updates without the need for system restarts. As the company prepares for the general availability of this service, it will transition to a paid subscription model starting July 1, 2025. Subscription Details and Preview Phase In a proactive move, Microsoft is encouraging administrators to take advantage of the free preview of hotpatching before it becomes a subscription-based service. This opportunity will remain available until June 30, after which those currently testing the service will be automatically subscribed unless they opt out. “Hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, made available in preview in 2024, will become generally available as a subscription service on July 1st, 2025. With hotpatching, we are taking what was previously an Azure-only capability and now making it available to Windows Server machines outside of Azure through Azure Arc,” Microsoft stated. Upon the subscription launch, hotpatching will be priced at .50 USD per CPU core per month. To utilize this feature in multi-cloud environments or on-premises, users will need both a Hotpatch service subscription and an Azure Arc-connected server running Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter. How to Enable Hotpatching Enabling hotpatching on your server is a straightforward process. First, connect your server to Azure Arc by following the specified steps. Next, navigate to Azure Update Manager within the Azure Portal, select your Azure Arc-enabled server, and check the hotpatching option as outlined in the provided documentation. A Brief History of Hotpatching Hotpatching has been a part of Microsoft's offerings since February 2022, initially available for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition. This feature allows for the deployment of security updates by patching the in-memory code of running processes, eliminating the need for reboots after each installation. However, it is important to note that servers still require reboots for updates delivered through the standard Windows update channel, which are not included in the Hotpatch program. This includes non-Windows updates, such as .NET patches, and Windows non-security updates. Microsoft began public testing of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 in September 2024, with further expansions to Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 365 following in November 2024. By April 2025, hotpatch updates will be generally available for business customers using Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 on x64 (AMD/Intel) systems." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].50 per CPU core per month. A free preview of the service is available until June 30, 2025, after which users testing the service will be automatically subscribed unless they opt out. Hotpatching allows administrators to apply security updates without system restarts and will be available for Windows Server machines outside of Azure through Azure Arc. To enable hotpatching, servers must be connected to Azure Arc and configured via the Azure Update Manager. Hotpatching was initially introduced in February 2022 for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition and allows for in-memory code updates, but standard Windows updates still require reboots. Public testing for Windows Server 2025 began in September 2024, with general availability for Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 expected by April 2025.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded? You have 5 options and 6 months to take action

The official end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, after which all editions will cease to receive technical support and security updates. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10 without updates, buy a new PC or rent a virtual PC, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, pay Microsoft for Extended Security Updates (ESUs), or upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 through specific methods. Microsoft will offer ESUs for Windows 10 at a cost, with reduced rates for educational institutions and higher prices for business customers. Users can bypass compatibility restrictions to upgrade to Windows 11 by making registry edits and using tools like Rufus for clean installations.

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

April 4, 2025

Windows 11 Enterprise machines can now get updates while you work—no reboot required

Microsoft has introduced a hotpatch update system for Windows 11 Enterprise builds, specifically for version 24H2, which allows updates to be applied without requiring a system restart. This feature is beneficial for corporate environments, as it helps maintain productivity and reduces CPU usage during updates. While quarterly updates will still necessitate a reboot, the hotpatching system represents a shift from the previous monthly reboot requirements. To enable hotpatching, organizations must meet specific requirements: a subscription to Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise (E3, E5, or F3), a client running Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 (build 26100.2033 or higher), activation of Visualization-based Security (VBS), and an AMD or Intel x64 processor. For Arm64 devices, the hotpatch system is in public preview and requires a registry key modification. Hotpatch updates will follow the standard update schedule applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 23H2 devices, with each release assigned a distinct KB number. This feature is only available for Windows 11 Enterprise clients and does not extend to Windows 11 Home or Pro machines.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Vole punts pricey plastic brick for cloudy PCs

Microsoft has introduced the Windows 365 Link, a compact device priced at £349, designed to connect users to Windows Cloud PCs hosted on Azure. Weighing 418 grams, it features HDMI, USB-C, three USB-A ports, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The device is only compatible with organizations using Windows 365 (Enterprise, Frontline, or Business), Intune, and Microsoft Entra ID, excluding government users. It promises high-performance video playback and conferencing, particularly with Teams, but functions primarily as a cloud dongle aimed at simplifying IT administration and enhancing security. The Link connects to Windows 365 in seconds and is available through select resellers like Ricoh UK and Insight Enterprises in the U.S.