Report: Microsoft Wants to Bring Windows 365 Cloud PCs to Consumers

Microsoft is reportedly working on a consumer version of Windows 365, the streaming service that currently lets enterprise customers access a Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC on any device. Microsoft detailed the new offering in an internal presentation that was revealed as part of the Microsoft v. FTC hearing that’s still ongoing (via Windows Central).

The presentation from June 2022 has many redacted parts, but the section about the “Modern Life strategy and priorities” details what Microsoft sees as a long-term opportunity to reach more Windows users via the cloud.

“Move Windows 11 increasingly to the cloud: Build on Windows 365 to enable a full Windows operating system streamed from the cloud to any device. Use the power of the cloud and client to enable improved AI-powered services and full roaming of people’s digital experience,” the document reads.

On Windows 11, Microsoft is already working to improve the Windows 365 experience for commercial customers. The upcoming Windows 365 Boot feature, which is currently available in public preview, will make it possible for enterprise users to automatically boot into their cloud PC and pick up where they left off.

According to internal documents seen by Windows Central’s Zac Bowden, Microsoft already imagined a Windows 365 Family subscription that would “include the ability for parents to drop in on their kids Cloud PCs to help with homework or join in playing a video game.”

Windows 365 Cloud PCs are currently available on any device via a web browser, though they’re not exactly cheap. For enterprise users, pricing starts at $31.00 per user per month for a Cloud PC with 2 virtual CPUs, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. A new consumer subscription would likely need to be much more affordable to find an audience.

Would you be interested in a new consumer version of Windows 365? Sound off in the comments below.