Windows App: Microsoft’s Cloud-Driven Vision for Operating Systems

The preview version of the Windows App is currently available for iPadOS, iOS, Windows, and web browsers, with Android compatibility likely in the pipeline. This app allows users to remotely access a Windows instance through the cloud. To use the app, one needs Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, or a personal Remote Desktop PC. While the sign-in page suggests compatibility with a personal Microsoft account, the functionality is not currently operational in testing, necessitating the use of a business account for the time being.

Although the app claims support for connecting iPad or iPhone to Remote Desktop Services on a personal Remote Desktop PC, it lacks official endorsement for these connections. Nevertheless, this is a marked improvement compared to the Windows App’s limited connectivity on Windows or through a browser, where neither option is supported. As a preview version, users should expect certain features to be either non-functional or not working as intended.

This venture into remote desktop apps is not Microsoft’s first, but it represents a more comprehensive iteration, incorporating services for both business and personal use under a unified Windows brand. The app already boasts support for accessories like keyboards and mice, along with features such as resolution scaling and multiple monitor setups. Microsoft seems to be positioning the app as a potential replacement for traditional home PCs by offering a Windows instance in the cloud.

This approach could prove beneficial for individuals who don’t require a PC at home but have access to one at their workplace. In such cases, the app allows users to log into their workplace PC remotely, accessing files and programs as needed. Additionally, for users on the go, the app offers a means of accessing their personal PC from afar, bridging the geographical gap between the user and their home Windows machine. The success of this concept, however, heavily depends on internet speed, both at the user’s location and where the Windows machine resides.

Looking ahead, Microsoft hints at the possibility of offering “personal cloud computers” for rent, potentially eliminating the need for users to invest in hardware. Given Microsoft’s foray into cloud-based gaming with Xbox and previous experiments with streaming stick devices, the company’s direction appears to be increasingly oriented toward cloud-centric solutions for Windows as well.