Microsoft is making significant strides in moving Windows to the cloud, not only for commercial customers but also for consumers. In an internal presentation from June 2022, Microsoft revealed their plans to build on the success of Windows 365 and enable a full Windows operating system to be streamed from the cloud to any device.
Windows 365 is a service that allows users to stream a full version of Windows to their devices. While initially limited to commercial customers, Microsoft has been integrating it into Windows 11 and has plans to expand its availability. One upcoming update, called Windows 365 Boot, will allow Windows 11 devices to log directly into a Cloud PC instance at boot, bypassing the local version of Windows. Additionally, Windows 365 Switch is built into Windows 11 to integrate Cloud PCs into the Task View feature, enhancing the virtual desktop experience.
The idea of fully moving Windows to the cloud for consumers aligns with Microsoft’s goal of leveraging the power of the cloud and client technology to enable improved AI-powered services and a seamless digital experience across devices. The presentation highlights the long-term opportunity in Microsoft’s “Modern Life” consumer space to enable full roaming of people’s digital experiences, leveraging the cloud to provide a consistent Windows operating system regardless of the device being used.
In addition to cloud integration, Microsoft also recognizes the need to invest in custom silicon partnerships. The company has already made progress in this area with the ARM-powered Surface Pro X devices. The presentation suggests that Microsoft is exploring the possibility of designing its own ARM-based processors for servers and even Surface devices. There are also indications that Microsoft is working on its own AI chips, further emphasizing their commitment to driving innovation in hardware and software integration.
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Addressing the commercial side of the business, the presentation acknowledges the need to strengthen the commercial value of Windows and respond to the threat posed by Chromebooks. Microsoft aims to grow the usage of cloud PCs with Windows 365, providing businesses with greater flexibility and scalability in their computing infrastructure.
To enhance the user experience on Windows, Microsoft has introduced Windows Copilot, an AI-powered assistant for Windows 11. It sits alongside the operating system and provides various capabilities such as summarizing content, rewriting it, or even explaining it. Currently being tested internally, Microsoft plans to release it to testers in June and subsequently roll it out to all Windows 11 users. This is part of Microsoft’s broader push to leverage AI in Windows and collaborate with hardware partners like AMD and Intel to enable more advanced Windows features on next-generation CPUs.
Overall, Microsoft’s internal presentation reveals their ambition to transform Windows into a cloud-based operating system that leverages AI-powered services to provide a seamless and enhanced user experience. Through initiatives like Windows 365 and Windows Copilot, Microsoft aims to solidify the commercial value of Windows and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
