If you use Microsoft operating systems, you have a few different options. Many people have Windows 10, and you can choose either Windows 11 or Windows 365. The one that is best for you depends on what you are trying to do with your software. Windows 10 was released in 2015, and it is the oldest running operating system. It will be supported until 2025, so you have time to decide. However, if you need some of the new features, you may want to upgrade sooner.
What Is Windows 11?
As long as you have hardware that is compatible, you can run Windows 11 on your system locally. It was released in October 2021, and it will be supported by Microsoft until 2031 or later. It offers good security and high performance. Your hardware must have at least a TPM 2.0 module as well as Intel chips that are 8th generation or later.
Windows 11 is the default choice for most people who already have Windows 10, but businesses are considering Windows 365 as an alternative.
New Features in Windows 11
Windows 11 has the following new features:
- The start menu opens in the center
- It has widgets in place of Live tiles for news, calendar events, and weather
- You can connect with contacts using Microsoft Teams
- Desktops allow you to create different desktops for work, gaming, personal, school, and more
- Snap Layouts let you open multiple windows in each layout
- Snap Groups remembers app collections so you can pull them up again
- Vertical tabs make it easier to see what you have pulled up
- Updates occur in the background, and they are smaller. They won’t interrupt your work.
Can Windows 11 Run on Any Device?
If you want to upgrade to Windows 11, you need a modern CPU and a 2.0 TPM. This means that it won’t run on older PCs, so be sure to find out if your PC is compatible before you make a decision. Microsoft publishes a list of the minimum system requirements on its website, so be sure to check this out.
What Is Windows 365?
Windows 365 works whether you have Windows 10 or Windows 11, but the main difference is that it operates in the cloud. You can access Windows 365 with any device that has a web browser, including a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet, and it works on Apple products as well as PCs.
Another difference is that Windows 365 is a subscription service that doesn’t function as a locally installed operating system. You pay a monthly fee, and you get access as long as you are connected to the Internet. This is not a great option for people who don’t have consistent Internet access.
Windows 365 is a managed environment, and it is updated automatically. Your data is stored securely, and Microsoft calls it a “Cloud PC.” You can use it to have a Windows PC run on Microsoft servers, and then you can run it from any device you want, including your smartphone. Essentially, it is a remote desktop connection where you don’t need a desktop PC or the computing power, storage, and RAM that would be required if it were installed locally.
Understanding a Cloud PC
The term Microsoft uses for Windows 365 is “Cloud PC.” It works the same as the Windows operating systems you are accustomed to using, but you access it and manage it through your Internet browser. In other words, your desktop is not stored on your device; it is stored in the cloud. This means that you can access it from any device with an Internet connection.
Windows 365 functions similar to a streaming service, where you sign in and use it. Instead of streaming movies or games, you are essentially streaming your PC desktop and applications.
Why Use Windows 365?
Windows 365 is ideal for businesses where employees need flexibility and mobility. It works for hybrid work situations as well as remote work. IT managers can set up and scale Windows 365 to what the company needs, depending on how many people will use it, the amount of work done, and the amount of storage needed.
Windows 365 makes it easy for employees to access their desktops anywhere and on any device. Employees can log out from the office one day and log in from home the next without any inconvenience.
How to Choose the One That Is Best for You
When you are deciding which to choose, you should consider your needs. In general, Windows 365 is a subscription-based service for businesses. It is designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, and it comes in two editions: Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise. The Business edition is for smaller businesses with less than 300 users. Enterprise is for large organizations.
If you are going to buy a PC, you won’t have a choice. You will get Windows 11, and you aren’t able to sign up for Windows 365 as an individual user.
For businesses, the best choice depends on your company. If you need mobility or have people working remotely, it makes sense to go with Windows 365. However, if you have PCs in the office and people don’t work outside of the office, Windows 11 should be fine. Windows 365 is a good option when you need flexibility and mobility.
Final Words
Whenever you are faced with new choices in technology, it is important to understand what they are and who they are designed for. If you are an individual user or you are a business with employees who only access their desktops at work, Windows 11 is a locally stored operating system that will be perfectly adequate for your needs.
Windows 365 is a great option for businesses that want flexibility for their employees. It remotely stores desktops in the cloud so that anyone with access can sign in from any location on any device. This allows people to work on the go or to alternate between working from home and coming into the office. It does require an Internet connection, but it offers convenience to those who need it.
