Azure Virtual Desktop vs. Windows 365: Which is Right for your Business?

As businesses continue to embrace remote and hybrid work models, finding the right virtual desktop solution is more important than ever. These cloud-based tools allow users to access their Windows desktops from anywhere in the world.

Microsoft offers two powerful options: Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365, with each designed to support different business needs. But how do you decide which one is the best fit for your organisation?

In this article, we’ll break down the key features, benefits, and differences between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Whether you prioritise scalability, cost, or ease of management, this guide will help you choose the best virtual desktop solution for your IT needs and business goals.

What is Azure Virtual Desktop?

Azure Virtual Desktop ?is a flexible desktop and app virtualisation service that runs on the Microsoft Azure cloud. Think of it as a way to provide your employees with a full Windows desktop experience, accessible from virtually any device, anywhere with an internet connection.

Instead of relying on physical computers in the office, AVD allows you to create and manage virtual desktops that reside in the cloud. The key benefit to AVD is that you can scale your computing resources up or down as needed, paying only for what you use.

Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop?

Here are some crucial benefits of using Azure Virtual Desktop:?

• AVD allows you to tailor your virtual desktop environment to your specific needs. You have complete control over the operating system, applications, and security settings. This is great if you have very specific software requirements or strict compliance regulations.
• With AVD, you can easily scale your virtual desktop deployment up or down based on your demands. You only pay for the resources you use, potentially leading to some cost savings over Windows 365.
• AVD uses the robust security infrastructure of Microsoft Azure, providing advanced security features to protect your data and applications. This includes features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and threat protection.
• AVD supports multi-session capabilities, allowing multiple users to share a single virtual machine, thereby reducing costs if shared devices work for you users.?

What is Windows 365??

Windows 365 is another cloud-based service from Microsoft that provides users with a personalised Windows desktop experience. It offers employees their own cloud PC that, like AVD, can be accessible from any device with an internet connection.?

Users get a consistent, familiar Windows experience, just like they would on a physical PC, but instead, its resources are delivered from the cloud.?

The key benefit of Windows 365 over AVD is that it offers a more streamlined, pre-configured experience. It sacrifices the customisability and configuration settings of AVD for a better out-of-the-box experience.?

Benefits of Windows 365

Let's explore the key benefits that make Windows 365 an attractive option:

• Windows 365 is designed for simplicity. With its intuitive interface and straightforward setup, you can quickly deploy Cloud PCs for your employees without any IT expertise.
• It offers a predictable per-user monthly pricing model. This makes budgeting straightforward - you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay.?
• Each user gets their own dedicated Cloud PC that persists between sessions. This means they can personalise their desktop, save their work, and pick up right where they left off, regardless of their device.
• Windows 365 integrates seamlessly with the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem.?
• Microsoft takes care of the underlying infrastructure management, reducing the burden on your IT team.?

Key Differences between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365

While both Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 offer cloud-based virtual desktops, they differ significantly in their approach and capabilities.?

The easiest way to summarise these differences is that they are solutions for different target audiences. That is, Windows 365 is designed for simplicity, offering a cloud PC environment with little to no configuration required. On the other hand, for those who need more granularity in configuring their virtual environments, Azure Virtual Desktop is a better fit.?

In this section, we’ll discuss these key differences in more detail.?

Customisation and Control vs. Simplicity

As mentioned above, AVD offers granular control over the virtual desktop environment. You manage the infrastructure, operating system, applications, and security settings. This flexibility is ideal for businesses with specific requirements or complex IT environments.

On the other hand, Windows 365 provides a simpler, more streamlined experience. Microsoft handles the underlying infrastructure, offering pre-configured Cloud PCs. This simplicity makes it a good option for businesses seeking a quick and easy deployment - especially those without the IT team to handle virtual environments.?

Scalability and Cost

Azure Virtual Desktop offers flexible scalability, allowing you to adjust resources as needed. You pay for the resources you consume, which can be cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating demands.

Windows 365 instead uses a fixed, per-user monthly pricing model. This predictable pricing makes budgeting easier, but it may not be as cost-effective for businesses with highly variable needs.

Persistence and User Experience

Windows 365 offers persistent desktops, meaning each user has their own dedicated Cloud PC that remains consistent between sessions. This provides a more personalised and familiar user experience but does not offer non-persisent desktops.?

If you want desktop environments to reset every time, you’ll need to use Azure VD, which can support both persistent and non-persistent desktops.?

Use Cases

AVD is best for businesses with complex IT environments, security or compliance requirements, or fluctuating workforce demands. Windows 365 is ideal for businesses seeking a simple, easy-to-manage cloud PC solution for their employees.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Two

Deciding between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 hinges on your specific needs and priorities. Ask yourself these key questions:

• How much control do you need over your virtual desktop environment? If you require deep customisation and granular control, AVD is likely a better fit. If you prefer a simpler, pre-configured solution, Windows 365 is more suitable.
• What is your budget and how predictable do you need it to be? AVD offers flexible, consumption-based pricing, while Windows 365 provides fixed, per-user monthly costs.
• What are your scalability requirements? AVD allows for dynamic scaling, while Windows 365 is more suited for consistent, predictable user numbers.
• How much IT expertise do you have in-house? AVD requires more IT involvement, while Windows 365 is designed for ease of management.
• What are your security and compliance requirements? Both offer robust security, but AVD allows for more granular control to meet specific compliance needs.

How We Can Help

Ready to embark on your cloud PC journey? Whether you need the customisation and scalability of Azure Virtual Desktop, or the simplicity of Windows 365, working with a managed service provider (MSP) helps ensure you successfully and efficiently deploy your cloud virtual environments.?

?We can help you assess your needs, compare AVD and Windows 365, and deploy the solution that best fits your organisation. We'll ensure a seamless transition to the cloud and optimise your virtual desktop environment for peak performance. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!