W365: How to use Bulk device actions command directly on the Cloud PCs that aren't available report

Managing Cloud PCs has become more efficient with the introduction of applying Bulk Device Actions directly on the Cloud PCs that aren't available report. 

Check for the official Windows 365 What's New reference here.

This feature allows administrators to perform actions like restoring, restarting, troubleshooting, and cross-region disaster recovery options directly from the report.

For detailed guidance about the report, visit: Cloud PCs that aren't available report.

Key Considerations:

• The report reflects conditions from the past 5 to 15 minutes, meaning some Cloud PCs listed may have already recovered or new issues may not yet appear soon. 

Using Bulk Device Actions:

1. Sign in to Microsoft Intune:

• Navigate to Reports > Cloud PC Overview > Cloud PCs that aren't available.

2. Apply Filters (Optional):

Narrow down the report data to focus on specific Cloud PCs. 

3. Select Cloud PCs:

• Select the cloud pc's that need to be actioned.
• You can choose up to 100,000 devices for bulk management.

4. Perform Actions:

• Navigate to Bulk device actions and select the desired action. 

5. Complete Action Steps:

• Follow the prompts to finalize the chosen action.

6. Processing Time:

• Completion time varies based on the action type and number of devices.

7. Report:

• You can check the status of the action by checking in the Bulk batches tab in the Cloud Pc Actions report.

These enhancements make managing large-scale Cloud PC environments more effective and less time-consuming.

So why wait,  go and explore now 🔜

W365: Introducing Granular Move Enhancements for Cloud PCs

Earlier I had blogged about how to move cloud pc's here. 

Today managing Cloud PCs just got more flexible and efficient with the introduction of granular move enhancements in Windows 365. These updates empower administrators to manage Cloud PC provisioning with greater control, enhanced visibility, and streamlined processes.

 Let’s dive into the key features and steps to implement these improvements.

What’s New in Cloud PC Management?

1. Flexible Batch Moves
   Previously, administrators were required to move all Cloud PCs tied to a specific policy at once. The granular move enhancement changes this by allowing smaller, more manageable batches of up to 100 devices to be moved at a time. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for phased rollouts or targeted policy updates.

2. Enhanced Tracking and Reporting
   Admins can now track and monitor the progress of bulk Cloud PC moves in real-time. The Cloud PC actions report bulk batches tab provides insights into the progress, success or failure status, and time elapsed for each batch move operations. This enhanced visibility simplifies troubleshooting and ensures smoother transitions during policy updates.

3. Winodws 365 Move now supports front line cloud pc's too. 

How to Move a Subset of Cloud PCs

Here’s a step-by-step guide to leveraging granular moves:

1. Access Provisioning Policies

• Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center.
• Navigate to Devices > Windows 365 (under the Provisioning section) > Provisioning policies.
• Select the policy you want to modify.

2. Update Join Type Details

• Under the General tab, select Edit.
• Modify the join type settings based on the current configuration:
  • Hybrid Microsoft Entra Join: Update the Azure Network Connection (ANC).
  • Microsoft Entra Join:
    • Switch the network type between ANC and Microsoft-hosted network.
    • Adjust the Geography or Region for Microsoft-hosted networks.
    • For Azure network connections, update the ANC.
• Click Next and select Update to save changes.

3. Apply Changes to Selected Cloud PCs

• Once the new configuration is ready, click Apply this configuration.
• In the confirmation dialog, select Region or Azure network connections for select devices (preview) and then choose Apply.

4. Select Cloud PCs for Migration

• Under Select devices (preview), choose the specific devices to move.
• You can select up to 100 devices in one batch.
• Click Select, then Continue to initiate the migration.

Why These Enhancements Matter?

The granular move and tracking features bring multiple benefits:

• Efficient Resource Management: Moving smaller batches reduces downtime and ensures smoother transitions.
• Real-Time Insights: Detailed reporting allows admins to stay informed throughout the process, helping to identify and resolve issues promptly.
• Customized Deployments: Flexible migration paths make it easier to align Cloud PC provisioning with evolving organizational needs.

By empowering administrators with more control and visibility, Windows 365 continues to enhance the Cloud PC management experience. Start exploring these new features today to streamline your workflows and maximize productivity!

Linux Ubuntu: Microsoft Teams screen sharing issue in Edge browser

Recently after a Microsoft Edge browser update from 130.0.2849.80-1, users were facing issues when trying to share screen/window during their meetings in Microsoft Teams. However they were only able to share a tab from Edge.If they select screen/windows then they get this error message.

Your video isnt working

We couldnt access your camera.

It turns off their camera and nothing is shared.

This is also reported here - https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msteams/forum/all/mycrosoft-teams-stop-sharing-screen-in-new-version/53307f01-50fa-4827-97b3-9a188b3e2f5f

The simple solution was to revert to older version.

sudo apt install microsoft-edge-stable=130.0.2849.80-1

Update: This issue is fixed in latest version 131.0.2903.86-1. Users are able to  share their entire screen without Teams turning off webcam.

W365: How to disable the shutdown button in user logon screen

Earlier, I had detailed the steps required to disable the shutdown button in the start menu option here. Similarly you can also disable the shutdown button at user logon screen if it’s visible. 

Note: By default, shutdown button is disabled in user logon screen and start menu screen.

How to Disable the Shutdown Option

The shutdown option can be hidden by modifying a specific registry entry to prevent users from unintentionally turning off the Cloud PC. This involves setting the `Hideshutdown` value in the registry.

Registry Key Details

- Registry Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\

- Value Name: `shutdownwithoutlogon`

- Type: DWORD

- Setting: `1` to hide the shutdown option (default is `0`)

Powershell script can be found in my GitHub repository 

https://github.com/app2pack/Windows365-Scripts/blob/main/W365-Hide-Shutdown-at-Logon.ps1

W365: Cloud PC Actions Report - How to check status of Bulk troubleshooting steps action results

Following previous article as how to perform bulk troubleshooting for cloud pc's,  below is an article about how to get report or status of those bulk actions. 

Introducing the Cloud PC Action Report: Simplifying Bulk Device Management

Managing multiple Cloud PCs can be a complex task, but the Cloud PC Actions Report in Microsoft Intune makes it much easier. This feature allows administrators to monitor the status and progress of bulk actions taken on Cloud PCs across multiple devices, helping ensure efficient management.  

Key Highlights:  

- Accessing the Report:  

  Navigate to Microsoft Intune admin center, go to Devices > Monitor > Cloud PC actions (preview). The report tracks action statuses for up to 90 days.  

- Bulk Actions Made Simple:  

  When you perform actions on multiple Cloud PCs at once, they’re grouped into batches for better tracking.  This can be selected by clicking on bulk batches tab option.

- What’s in the Report?  

  The report provides the following information:  

  - Batch Name: A unique name automatically assigned to each group of devices for easier identification.  

  - Action: Lists actions taken, including:  

    - Snapshot creation  

    - Region movement  

    - Review placement  

    - Power On/Off (Frontline Cloud PCs only)  

    - Reprovisioning  

    - Resizing  

    - Restarting  

    - Restoring  

    - Troubleshooting  

  - Status: Tracks the progress of each action:  

    - Succeeded: Completed successfully.  

    - Failed: Didn't complete; retry options may be available.  

    - Pending: Action is in progress; avoid making changes like removing licenses.  

    - Review Required: Additional admin input is needed (e.g., assigning a license for resizing).  

  - Date Initiated: When the action started.  

With this report, managing bulk actions is no longer a guessing game. It provides visibility into the success, pending tasks, or potential issues with your Cloud PCs, saving time and improving productivity.  

Start using the Cloud PC Action Report today to get status of your bulk cloud pc device management easily!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to Our Subscribers and Well-Wishers!

This Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you—our readers, subscribers, and supporters. Your engagement, feedback, and encouragement drive us to share valuable insights about Windows 365 and Intune management.

As we gather to celebrate, let’s remember to appreciate the connections we’ve built and the progress we’ve made together. Wishing you a joyous holiday filled with warmth, gratitude, and success.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Happy Thanksgiving!

Warm regards,
Vigneshwaran

W365: Remoting connections report deprecation

Remoting connection report in Endpoint analytics will be deprecated as of December 31, 2024. It is advised to transition to the Cloud PC connection quality report to get the Cloud PC performance report.

Earlier the Remoting connection report, was used to monitor performance metrics such as Round-Trip Time (ms) and Sign-In Time (sec), which will not be available after the deprecation date.Instead you can use the Cloud PC connection quality report which shows the similar performance insights, with enhanced data points and flexibility which allows to monitor and manage Cloud PC connection quality more effectively.
 
Cloud PC connection quality report can be accessed by logging into Intune portal and selecting Devices > Overview > Cloud PC performance > View report (under Connection quality) or

Reports > Cloud Pc Overview > Connection Quality.

 

This report offers detailed information about:
• Round Trip Time (RTT) for the most recent or specified date range
• Available Bandwidth for the most recent or specified date range
• Remoting Sign-in Time (P50)
• Connection Gateway
• Client IP Address
• Protocol and UDP Utilization etc..

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-365/enterprise/report-cloud-pc-connection-quality

W365: Bulk Troubleshooting option in cloud pc’s

Earlier we had to select single cloud pc and then perform the troubleshooting steps. Recently the bulk troubleshooting option for windows 365 cloud pc’s have moved from private preview to General release.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-365/enterprise/whats-new#week-of-october-28-2024-service-release-2410

This bulk option will be more helpful to troubleshoot multiple cloud pc’s at a single time thus avoiding manual labour and work time.

Steps to perform Bulk Troubleshooting in cloud pc’s:

1. Login to Intune portal 

2. Select Devices - Windows Devices - Bulk Device Actions.

3. Choose Windows in OS and Cloud Pc’s in device type and click next.

4. In the Device Actions choose the desired action that needs to be performed in bulk cloud pc’s and click next.

5. In the devices page, select the cloud pc’s that needs to be added. The bulk actions supports up to 5000 cloud pc’s at a time. After selection, on the Review and create page, click on Create.

Below is the list of Bulk troubleshooting options that windows 365 cloud pc supports.

Remote action	Bulk action support?
Collect diagnostics	Yes
Create Cloud PC manual restore point	Yes
Full Scan	No
Place Cloud PC Under Review	Yes
Power Off (Windows 365 Frontline) (preview)	Yes
Power On (Windows 365 Frontline) (preview)	Yes
Quick Scan	No
Remove Cloud PCs from review	Yes
Rename	No
Reprovisioning	Yes
Resize	Yes
Restart	Yes
Restore	Yes
Share Cloud PC restore point to storage	Yes
Sync	Yes
Troubleshoot	Yes
Update Windows Defender	No

Reference:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-365/enterprise/remotely-manage-cloud-pc

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-365/enterprise/resize-cloud-pc#bulk-resizing-cloud-pcs

W365: How to Disable the Shutdown Option on Windows 365 Cloud PCs Start Menu

Recently my windows 365 cloud pc started to show the shutdown option in the start menu. By default the shutdown option is hidden and not visible to the end user.

This is explained in the post provisioning steps in the article - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-365/enterprise/automated-provisioning-steps#post-provisioning-configuration

But what if suppose the shutdown button is shown in the start menu? 

In a Windows 365 Cloud PC environment, limiting certain system options can be crucial to maintaining a productive and seamless virtual workspace. One such option is the Shutdown button, which, if accessible to end users, may lead to unintentional interruptions in service and productivity. In this article, we’ll cover why disabling the shutdown option can be beneficial and walk through a quick PowerShell script to make this change via the registry.

Disadvantages of Having the Shutdown Option Visible

- Reduced Accessibility: Unlike physical PCs, Cloud PCs are hosted in a cloud environment, so when a user selects the shutdown option, the Cloud PC has to be powered back on through the management portal. This requires IT support and increases downtime.

- Increased Support Requests: Accidental shutdowns lead to additional support requests, impacting the help desk workload and creating delays for users needing to regain access.

By removing the shutdown option from the Windows 365 Cloud PC, you reduce the chances of service interruptions and support requirements, resulting in a more stable virtual environment.

How to Disable the Shutdown Option

The shutdown option can be hidden by modifying a specific registry entry to prevent users from unintentionally turning off the Cloud PC. This involves setting the `Hideshutdown` value in the registry.

Registry Key Details

- Registry Path: HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\Start

- Value Name: `HideShutDown`

- Type: DWORD

- Setting: `1` to hide the shutdown option (default is `0`)

Powershell script can be found in my GitHub repo - 

https://github.com/app2pack/Windows365-Scripts/blob/main/W365-Hide-Shutdown.ps1

W365: Move - How to Change Regions for Windows 365 Cloud PCs with Intune

As your business evolves, you may find it necessary to relocate your Windows 365 Cloud PCs to a different region. Whether it’s to improve performance, meet new data compliance needs, or align with changing organisational structures, moving Cloud PCs can provide significant benefits. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps in Microsoft Intune to adjust provisioning settings, move existing Cloud PCs to a new region, and discuss the benefits, timing considerations, and impact on users.

Why Change the Region of Your Windows 365 Cloud PCs?

Changing the region of your Cloud PCs offers several advantages:

- Enhanced Performance: Placing Cloud PCs closer to your users helps reduce latency, leading to faster load times and better responsiveness.

- Compliance and Security: Many organizations must store data within specific geographic regions to meet local compliance requirements, making regional adjustments essential.

- Cost and Management Efficiency: Selecting a region that aligns with your company’s resources can also lead to better management practices and potentially lower costs over time.

Steps to Update the Region for Windows 365 Cloud PCs in Intune

Before you start, ensure you have the necessary access to the Intune admin center and permissions to modify provisioning policies.

Step 1: Access the Provisioning Policies

1. Log in to the Microsoft Intune admin center.

2. From the main dashboard, go to Devices and select Windows 365 under the Provisioning section.

3. Choose Provisioning policies and pick the policy that applies to the Cloud PCs you plan to move

Step 2: Modify General Settings

1. Inside the policy settings, locate the General section.

2. Click on Edit to make changes.

Step 3: Update Join Type Details

Next, adjust the Join type details based on the current configuration of the Cloud PCs.

- For Hybrid Microsoft Entra Join:

  - Modify the Azure Network Connection (ANC) settings.

- For Microsoft Entra Join:

  - You have a few options to consider:

    - Switch Network Type: Change between ANC and Microsoft hosted network if necessary.

    - Adjust Region and Geography: If using a Microsoft hosted network, update the Region and Geography fields to reflect the new location.

    - Update ANC Settings: If an Azure network connection is in use, update the ANC configuration to match the new region.

Step 4: Confirm and Save Changes

1. After making the necessary adjustments, select Next to review.

2. Once you’ve confirmed everything, click Update to apply the changes to the provisioning policy.

Step 5: Apply Region Changes to Existing Cloud PCs

When you’re ready to move existing Cloud PCs to the new region, select the Apply region change to existing Cloud PCs option. This action will initiate the process of transferring Cloud PCs to the updated location.

Move Process Overview

Once you initiate the move to a new region, Microsoft manages the migration in several steps, helping to minimize disruption for end-users:

1. Backup of Cloud PCs: All selected Cloud PCs are backed up automatically. This backup phase can begin while users are actively using their Cloud PCs, ensuring minimal disruption at the start.

2. Shutdown of Cloud PCs: After backup is complete, each Cloud PC will automatically shut down, preparing for the region change.

3. Cloud PC Transfer: During the transfer, which may take several hours, the Cloud PCs will be inaccessible. 

4. Monitoring Progress: You can monitor the migration progress from the All Cloud PCs list in the Intune admin center. The process is complete when the status updates to Provisioned.

5. User Access: Once the transfer finishes, users can sign back in and continue working as usual, with all data and settings preserved.

6. Error Handling: If any issues occur during the migration, administrators can retry the move to complete the transfer successfully.

Timing and User Impact During the Move

When to Apply Region Changes

To minimize disruption, consider scheduling the region update during off-hours or other times of low activity, such as weekends. This reduces the likelihood of downtime impacting productivity.

User Experience During the Change

1. Temporary Downtime: Users will experience brief access interruptions while the move is in progress.

2. Network Adjustments: Changes in region may impact network settings or VPN configurations. Confirm any necessary network updates post-move.

3. Preserved Data and Settings: Data and settings remain intact, though users should save any ongoing work before the move begins.

W365: Exploring the "Show Notification" Feature Discrepancy in iOS Devices: A Case of Cloud PC Notifications in Windows Apps in iOS

As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based solutions and cross-platform apps, seamless integration across devices is essential for a smooth user experience. One notable example is the use of Windows apps on iOS devices, where users expect consistent functionality regardless of the platform. However, a recent issue has surfaced where the "Show Notification" feature used for displaying Cloud PC-related notifications functions differently depending on how the app is installed or upgraded on iOS devices.

The Issue: Missing "Show Notification" Option in iOS After Upgrade

When users install the Windows app from the iOS App Store for the first time, they will typically find the "Show Notification" option within the app interface. This feature allows users to view important notifications related to their Cloud PC environments, such as system alerts, connection updates, and troubleshooting notifications, directly on their iOS devices.

However, for users who perform an in-place upgrade from a previous remote app version to the latest Windows app version on iOS, the "Show Notification" icon often goes missing. While the app upgrade itself may be successful, this key feature that provides crucial real-time Cloud PC notifications does not appear.

Understanding the Impact:

The absence of the "Show Notification" icon on upgraded apps can have a significant impact on both user experience and Cloud PC management. Users who rely on these notifications to monitor their virtual desktop environment may miss critical alerts, leading to delays in addressing potential issues or taking necessary actions.

For example, if a Cloud PC encounters performance issues or disconnection errors, these notifications serve as the first point of awareness for users and administrators. Without them, the delay in detecting and resolving problems can hinder productivity and affect the overall efficiency of cloud desktop operations.

Potential Causes

The discrepancy in the "Show Notification" feature between new installs and in-place upgrades on iOS could arise from several factors:

1. App Settings Migration: During an in-place upgrade, certain app configurations, such as notification preferences or settings files, may not transfer correctly from the older remote app version to the new Windows app.

2. iOS System Behavior: iOS devices manage app permissions and notifications differently than other platforms, which could lead to inconsistencies when upgrading apps without a fresh installation.

3. App Compatibility: As developers continue to update and improve cross-platform apps, older versions might not fully support new features, such as the "Show Notification" icon, even after upgrading.

Recommendations for Users and IT Administrators

To resolve the missing notification feature, consider the following approaches:

1. Reinstall the App: A fresh installation of the app from the iOS App Store, instead of an in-place upgrade, is the simplest way to ensure that all features including the "Show Notification" option are fully enabled. Reinstalling from scratch ensures that the app configures itself as intended for the latest version.

🚨⚠️ Windows 365 Cloud PC Connection Error in iOS Windows App

When using the new Windows app on iOS to connect to a Cloud PC, users may encounter an issue if they attempt to connect the same Cloud PC using the updated Windows app—previously the Remote Desktop app—on a iOS device. In this scenario, while the Cloud PC connects successfully through the Windows app, attempting to reconnect via the inplace updated windows app from remote app in iOS device displays a vague error message.

This error lacks clarity and does not inform users of the underlying issue: the Cloud PC is already connected through another device or method. Ideally, the iOS app should provide a more informative message, similar to what users see when connecting via a browser or the Windows app on a Windows device. The message should clearly state that the Cloud PC is in use elsewhere and has been disconnected due to the active session on another platform.

Suggested Improvement:

To enhance the user experience, the error message in the iOS windows app should mirror the informative notifications seen in other connection methods like the below screen. This would eliminate confusion and provide users with a clear understanding of why the connection attempt failed, guiding them to either disconnect the session on the other device or reconnect through the active platform.

W365: Install Windows app as MSIX

Following previous post, let’s explore how to install the windows app as MSIX format.

First download the windows app msix file and open the location of the downloaded file and double click it to install. 

You can also install it through Powershell command 

Add-AppxPackage -path “path to downloaded msix file”

After installation, you can open the windows app shortcut to access the windows 365 cloud pc’s.

You can also confirm the installation by opening Powershell and running the below command.

Get-AppxPackage 

You can uninstall the windows app by running the below command in Powershell.

Remove-AppxPackage -Package MicrosoftCorporationII.Windows365_2.0.294.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

Note: MSIX version will not auto update if Microsoft store is blocked and update needs be done by downloading the MSIX again from the URL.

You can make the auto update to happen if you push the Windows App as Microsoft store app (new) from Intune to  the device and the Intune will take over management and upgrade the windows app. 

You need to make sure “Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates” policy isn't enabled, only then Microsoft Store will automatically update the UWP/MSIX apps.

Reference - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/apps/store-apps-microsoft#common-store-policy-settings-and-their-impact-on-microsoft-store-apps

Maximizing Efficiency with Windows 365 Cloud PCs: Streamlining Device Issues and Hardware Refresh

In today's fast-paced business environment, minimizing downtime and ensuring employee productivity are key priorities for IT teams. 

What if an user is struck up with an issue in his Laptop and want an immediate assistance with resolving his device issue that can take time? Provide a loaner laptop and that too with same configuration? Whether he can start working on his left over task immediately?

No, as it will take time to provide the user a loaner laptop with same configuration, Microsoft 365 apps, Microsoft Teams and what about their existing files? 

Yes, you guessed it right. Windows 365 to the rescue like JamesBond 007 /̵͇̿̿/'̿'̿ ̿ ̿̿ ̿̿ ̿̿💥 rescues the world when in an emergency need!!! 

Windows 365 Cloud PC offers a flexible, cloud-based solution that allows organizations to quickly address issues like device failure or end-of-life hardware, without relying on physical replacements. Employees can seamlessly access their work environment using their own devices, thanks to Windows 365 Cloud PCs that can be provisioned in few minutes.

In this article, we'll explore two common scenarios where Windows 365 Cloud PCs can replace physical devices and provide an efficient, scalable alternative:

1. Requesting a Loaner Device with a Windows 365 Cloud PC

2. Replacing End-of-Life Devices with Windows 365 Cloud PCs for Greater Performance

We'll also look at how to automate this process to ensure quick and efficient provisioning, helping organizations reduce delays and improve operational efficiency.

Scenario 1: Requesting a Loaner Device Using Windows 365 Cloud PC

When employees encounter device issues, whether it's due to hardware failure, system crashes, or performance degradation they often request a loaner device to continue their work while repairs or replacements are made. Traditionally, this involved shipping physical loaner devices to employees, which not only incurs shipping costs but can also take several days to reach the end user if end user is home based employee.

With Windows 365 Cloud PC, organizations can eliminate the need to send physical loaner devices. Instead, employees can use their own laptops, desktops, or even tablets or Iphone/iPad/Android to connect to a cloud-based virtual machine that replicates the functionality of their work PC.

Example Workflow: Device Issue and Loaner Cloud PC Request

1. Employee Reports Device Issue: 

   - The employee submits a helpdesk request through the company's IT helpdesk portal.

2. Approval Process: 

   - The request triggers an automated approval workflow, which notifies IT and management about the issue. Depending on the policy, this step could involve gathering approvals from the direct manager or IT admin.

3. Cloud PC Provisioning: 

   - Upon approval, a License based on user requirement is provided and the IT team  provisions a Windows 365 Cloud PC for the employee. This Cloud PC is connected to their Microsoft 365 apps, synced with OneDrive for automatic access to stored data.

4. Employee Receives Access: 

   - In less than an hour, the employee receives access credentials to the Cloud PC. They can now connect from any compatible device, accessing all necessary applications and data to continue working without disruption.

5. User Experience: 

   - The Cloud PC provides the same familiar Windows interface, synced with all necessary work files and apps via OneDrive and Microsoft 365. The user continues working seamlessly as though they were on their own device, without feeling disconnected from their workflow.

Scenario 2: Replacing End-of-Life Devices with Windows 365 Cloud PC

When a device is approaching the end of its lifecycle, IT teams typically refresh the hardware by deploying new physical devices to users. However, this process can take days or weeks, especially when coordinating bulk device purchases and shipments.

 Additionally, hardware refreshes often leave advanced users needing even more processing power, such as GPU-accelerated devices for design, analytics, or development work.

Windows 365 Cloud PCs offer a scalable and high-performance alternative to this traditional refresh cycle. Instead of receiving a physical device, employees can transition to Cloud PCs that provide enhanced processing power, GPU capabilities, and storage—all from their current or personal devices.

To know more about the GPU enabled Windows 365, check here - 

Windows 365 GPU enabled cloud pc's

Example Workflow: Device Refresh and Cloud PC Upgrade

1. End-of-Life Device Notification: 

   - Employees receive an automated notification from IT, informing them that their device is nearing its end of life and offering the option to upgrade to a Windows 365 Cloud PC.

2. Cloud PC Configuration Selection: 

   - employees can review the available Cloud PC configurations and choose a plan that fits their needs. High-performance options with GPU capabilities are available for users with intensive tasks such as product design or data analysis. 

3. Approval Workflow: 

   - The employee's selection is pushed into an approval workflow, which notifies management and IT for sign-off. The IT team can also automate the decision-making process based on predefined criteria, speeding up the approval process.

4. Provisioning: 

   - After approval, the Windows 365 Cloud PC is provisioned and made available to the employee in under an hour. The Cloud PC includes all necessary Microsoft 365 apps and is synced with OneDrive for seamless data access.

5. Increased Productivity with GPU: 

   - Advanced users needing more computing power can leverage GPU-accelerated Cloud PCs to boost productivity, with enhanced processing performance that exceeds typical physical device capabilities.

Ensuring Seamless User Experience with Windows 365

Regardless of the scenario whether for loaners or device refresh, employees will continue to enjoy a seamless user experience with Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Microsoft 365 apps come pre-installed on Cloud PCs, ensuring that employees can access essential applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook. Additionally, OneDrive integration ensures that employees' files are always synced and accessible from the Cloud PC, providing a smooth transition between their old device and the Cloud PC.

Windows 365 also comes with pre installed MS teams that is now based on slimcore media engine that acts similar to local desktop performance.

More Details -  https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams-blog/new-vdi-solution-for-teams-on-avd-windows-365-environments-now/ba-p/4238620

Also check Neil McLoughlin’s YouTube video regarding this new Teams Slimcore Optimization for Windows 365.

With Cloud PCs, employees won’t miss a beat. They’ll still have access to all their settings, apps, and data, providing a consistent experience across devices.

Automating the Cloud PC Request Workflow:

To further enhance the speed and efficiency of this process, organizations can automate the workflow for requesting and provisioning Cloud PCs. Here's how a fully automated workflow might look:

1. Helpdesk Request Submission:

   - The employee submits a help desk request for a loaner or hardware refresh through the company’s service portal.

2. Automated Approval Workflow:

   - The system gathers the necessary approvals automatically, routing the request to managers and IT admins for swift action.

3. Cloud PC Licensing and Provisioning:

   - After approval, a suitable License is allocated to the user and the provisioning of a Windows 365 Cloud PC is initiated. The system automatically selects an appropriate Cloud PC configuration based on predefined policies or user needs.

4. Notification and Access:

   - Within an hour, the employee receives a mail notification with login credentials for their new Cloud PC.

5. User Setup:

   - The user can now connect to the Cloud PC from any device. Setup is very simple by downloading and installing the windows app or accessing through browser.

Windows app is available for most operating system like windows/macOS/iOS/Andrioid ppreview or use a web browser of their choice to access the cloud pc. 

Data stored in OneDrive is automatically synced to the new Cloud PC, ensuring continuity.

Automated Workflow Diagram

Below is a flowchart representing the simple automated workflow for loaner and device refresher scenarios:

Final Impression: Good or Bad? 

The best of the best in town!!! 

Reason is simple. By replacing physical loaner devices and outdated hardware with Windows 365 Cloud PCs, organizations can streamline their operations, boost user productivity, and significantly reduce the costs associated with traditional device replacements. Cloud PCs not only offer a quicker and more flexible alternative, but they also ensure that employees always have access to the tools and data they need, regardless of the device they're using.

So why wait, utilize the best option for your loaner or replacement with the Windows 365 in town!!!

W365: Addressing Grace Period Notifications in the new Windows App

With the rapid evolution of cloud technology, Windows 365 has become an essential tool for organizations, allowing seamless access to Cloud PCs. However, as with any technology, updates and changes can occasionally introduce user experience challenges. One such issue that has surfaced with recent updates to the Windows App version 2.0.294.0 is the handling of Grace Period notifications for the windows 365 cloud pc's. 

Old vs. New: How Grace Period Notifications Have Changed?

In earlier versions of the Windows App, users were informed about the Grace Period directly within their connected Cloud PC session. The notification was clearly displayed inside the Cloud PC environment, making it easy for users to recognise that their access to the Cloud PC was nearing its expiration or needed License renewal.

In the latest version of the app, however, this behavior has changed. Now, the Grace Period notification is shown as a pop-up message (Your admin had removed access to this cloud pc. Backup your files immediately) rather than within the Cloud PC interface itself. While this may seem like a minor adjustment, it has led to some unintended consequences.

The Problem with Pop-Up Notifications:

Pop-up notifications, by their nature, are transient. Users often overlook or dismiss these messages, especially if they are engaged in other tasks. In many cases, the Grace Period notification may go unnoticed. When this happens, users might find themselves suddenly unable to access their Cloud PC, leading them to believe that their Cloud PC has “disappeared” or is no longer available.

This often results in unnecessary confusion and a surge in support requests, as users seek help to reconnect to their Cloud PCs, unaware that they had missed the critical Grace Period notification.

The Case for Reintroducing In-App Grace Period Notifications:

To address this issue and improve user experience, it would be beneficial to reintroduce the Grace Period notification inside the Cloud PC environment, as was done in previous versions of the Windows App. By restoring this feature, users will have a clear and consistent reminder that their Cloud PC session is approaching its grace period limit, helping them take appropriate action before their access expires.

Bringing back the old notification format would significantly reduce the number of support tickets raised due to missed notifications and provide users with a more intuitive experience.

Upvote for the submitted Feedback in the Microsoft Feedback Portal2.0.294.0

📲 Difference Between Newly Installed Windows App and In-Place Updated Remote App for Windows 365 Cloud PC on iOS

 📲 Difference between the Windows App vs Remote app in place update to Windows App in iOS.

What I noticed is both the newly downloaded windows app and already installed remote app in place updated to windows app, both are present in the mobile and both the app can be launched at the same time without any conflict.

The new Windows App displays the cloud pc name correctly as what we have assigned from Intune xxx-windows365-region whereas the in place update in remote app just displays the default cloud pc name like below and not the right one. Seems to be difference between the two apps.

When the cloud pc is launched, it launches fine. Just the cloud pc name differs among the two apps.

50th Blog Post and Windows 11 24H2 images available in Windows 365 CPC in Intune

Hola! Celebrating My 50th Blog of the Year 💥🎉🥂

Hola, everyone! I’m thrilled to announce that this is my 50th blog post of the year, and it’s been an amazing journey contributing to the Windows 365 community. Your support and engagement have made this milestone possible, and I’m excited to keep delivering insights and updates to help you navigate the world of Windows 365 and Microsoft Intune. This year, I have achieved the below awards for my contributions towards the community and the Microsoft Management Customer Connection Program MCCP🥇🥈🥉 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into today’s topic!

The Latest Windows 11 24H2 version that has been announced recently are available in the Windows 365 offerings in the Windows 365 Intune blade.

Optimized images missing?

Microsoft has recently retired the optimized images that we had delved in our earlier post. If you don't require M365 apps as pre-installed, then you can make use of the available Windows 11 Enterprise images that are shown in above picture.

🚧 ⛐ Windows App preview Crashes in Android

Windows App Preview installs fine in Android OS for older models like Vivo S1.

After opening, you can add your account and login with your credentials. After that you will be able to see your cloud pc. 

When you open the cloud pc,  you will now be prompted with the redirection options similar to that shown during browser session.  You can enable or disable them. 

When clicking on Connect, the cloud pc tries to connect and crashes immediately with below.

The cloud pc doesn’t seem to connect and always the Windows App preview crashes in my older vivo s1 model. 

How about your experience with Windows App preview for Android in older models?

📥⬇️ Windows App available for download as MSIX

Now you can simply download the MSIX version of the Windows App and install if you have the Microsoft Store App disabled in your environment.

• Windows 64-bit
• Windows 32-bit
• Windows Arm64

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-app/whats-new?tabs=windows#latest-release

Note:

If you have blocked the MS store app, then the manually installed MSIX version will not auto update. You need to download the latest version again and update.

Tip: 

Install the MSIX version manually first and later push out the update from Intune as Microsoft store App (New). This will check the installed method in the end user device and take over the management and auto update even though Microsoft Store is disabled for the end user.

W365: OS Optimizations Images will be removed

If you have the OS Optimisation images in your provisioning policy, then it’s time to transition to other new images for provisioning windows 365 cloud pc’s going forward.

Rudy Ooms had mentioned about this and what is the issue and why Microsoft is removing these Optimisation Images from the gallery in his blog earlier.

If you check in Intune in the windows 365 blade and in the provisioning policy now, then you can see a warning symbol ⚠️ in the Image status next to them. 

But when clicking on the warning ⚠️ symbol, it says another information which doesn’t seem to be relevant to the message that Microsoft had said in the message center earlier as shown in the first two pictures.

MC800490 - New Windows 365 gallery images now available! | cloudscout.one

Anyways, it’s time to transition to other images if you are using the optimised image for provisioning your cloud pc’s.