Today, Microsoft announced Windows 10 in cloud configuration, a set of settings that should make it easier to deploy devices to workers, and it should make it simpler for workers to use a variety of devices. The idea is to turn a Windows 10 PC into a "streamlined, easy-to-manage cloud endpoint". But this isn"t a new operating system or the Cloud PC that was rumored last year.
Windows 10 in cloud configuration includes Windows 10 (Pro, Enterprise, or Education), Teams, OneDrive for Business Known Folder Move, Intune, and Azure AD, although it can also include Office apps. As Microsoft notes, you can get all of these under the Microsoft 365 umbrella, or you can get them separately.
Workers using these devices shouldn"t have any dependency on on-prem resources, and should be OK with basic productivity apps like Teams and Edge. The whole idea behind the solution is that there"s a "uniform, simplified configuration", so it could make it easier for firstline workers to switch between Windows 10 PCs that they might use for a work shift.
Microsoft is clearly not recommending enrolling all of your business"s PCs. The firm was very clear that if you need access to all apps settings, drivers, and more, than you"re probably better off sticking with a regular old Windows 10 deployment. Cloud configuration is really for frontline workers, remote workers, operations managers, and employees whose devices need to be managed remotely.
For more information on Windows 10 in cloud configuration, you can find the website here.