Microsoft's Windows 365 Cloud Apps Available in Public Preview

Microsoft has announced that its Windows 365 Cloud Apps are now available in public preview. This allows IT administrators to stream individual Windows applications from the cloud, removing the need to assign Cloud PCs to every user.

Helping organizations simplify operational resources in an efficient way is the main aim. Serena Zheng from Microsoft mentioned in a blog post, "Windows 365 Cloud Apps allow administrators to give users access to specific apps delivered from the cloud instead of a full Cloud PC," ideal for organizations that want to modernize virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI) environments, streamline app delivery and reduce overhead.

A single Cloud PC license will allow multiple users to access apps individually, with Cloud Apps running on Windows 365 Frontline in shared mode. This replaces the need to provide a full desktop environment for each user. With this model, Microsoft aims to improve how workforces with different or fluctuating access needs operate, such as industries like government, retail, or healthcare, while ensuring that they're not over-provisioned.

In terms of user experience, improvements since the private preview include the automatic launch of OneDrive and a new filter in the Windows App interface to help users more easily find cloud-delivered apps. On the administrative side, there are still limitations: custom line-of-business apps currently require custom images to be created in order to be delivered as Cloud Apps. Microsoft has said it plans to streamline this through Intune, allowing IT to publish custom apps as Cloud Apps more directly, with tighter integration into Intune and Autopilot workflows. For IT, management tasks are handled through Microsoft Intune, and identity and access are governed by Microsoft Entra ID.

The Cloud Apps preview introduces a streamlined option for delivering applications without the overhead of full virtual desktop environments. For IT teams, this model could simplify app distribution, lower infrastructure demands, and reduce the operational complexity of managing traditional desktops. That said, the current requirement for custom images when deploying business applications remains a barrier for some, especially in the absence of broader image management support. The shared mode configuration also limits simultaneous usage, which may not align with every organizations needs.

Organizations interested in trying the public preview will need Windows 365 Frontline licenses, with Cloud Apps configured to run in shared mode. For more info on getting started, go to the Microsoft site here.

About the Author

Chris Paoli (@ChrisPaoli5) is the associate editor for Converge360.

Featured

  • AI symbol racing a padlock symbol on a red running track

    AI Surpasses Cybersecurity in State Education Leader Priority List

    For the first time, artificial intelligence has moved to the top of the priority list for state education leaders — knocking cybersecurity from the number one spot, according to the 2025 State EdTech Trends report from SETDA.

  • stack of gold coins disintegrates into digital particles against a dark circuit-board background with glowing AI imagery

    Report: Most Organizations See No Business Return on Gen AI Investments

    Despite $30-40 billion in enterprise spending on generative AI, 95% of organizations are seeing no business return, according to a recent report out of the MIT Media Lab.

  • robot brain with various technology and business icons

    Google Cloud Study: Early Agentic AI Adopters See Better ROI

    Google Cloud has released its second annual ROI of AI study, finding that 52% of enterprise organizations now deploy AI agents in production environments. The comprehensive survey of 3,466 senior leaders across 24 countries highlights the emergence of a distinct group of "agentic AI early adopters" who are achieving measurably higher returns on their AI investments.

  • student reading a book with a brain, a protective hand, a computer monitor showing education icons, gears, and leaves

    4 Steps to Responsible AI Implementation in Education

    Researchers at the University of Kansas Center for Innovation, Design & Digital Learning (CIDDL) have published a new framework for the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence at all levels of education, from preschool through higher education.