Microsoft releases Windows 365 Frontline: Cloud PCs for shift and part-time employees

We were recently discussing Microsoft's plans to bring Windows 11 to the cloud for all users, and today the company has announced the general availability of Windows 365 Frontline, an iteration of the Windows 365 Cloud PCs designed to allow users to stream Windows 10 and Windows 11 from the cloud to any device. This Frontline version is specifically targeted towards shift and part-time employees who only require access to a Cloud PC for a limited amount of time during their working day, canceling out the need to share physical devices.

Unlike Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs, which are always powered on, Windows 365 Frontline Cloud PCs are powered off by default when not in use. This requires employees to save their work and disconnect or sign out. Companies are not obligated to purchase a Cloud PC for every employee; instead, they only need enough Cloud PCs for the maximum number of active users at any given time.

In a blog post, Microsoft explained that extending Cloud PCs through Windows 365 Frontline can lead to cost reductions and increased productivity for companies, since unlike the Windows 365 Enterprise arrangement where the organization had to obtain a dedicated Cloud PC license for each employee, Windows 365 Frontline allows for sharing the license among multiple users. IT admins can also efficiently manage Frontline Cloud PCs in Microsoft Intune, along with other Cloud PCs and physical devices.

During the preview phase, Windows 365 Frontline was utilized across various industries and scenarios, including healthcare clinicians, consultants, and customer service representatives. More information about Windows 365 Frontline, as well as guidance on how to get started with the service, can be found on the Microsoft Tech Community blog post.