Windows 365: Fix error code 0x3

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: 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.

📲 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.

W365: Enable Dark mode in the new Windows App

 You can change between light mode and dark mode by following the below steps.

1 Open the new Windows App.

2 Click your user account picture to open the settings pane.

3 Tap General, then tap Appearance.

4 Tap Light, Dark, or System. The change takes effect immediately.

If you choose System, then the Windows App Appearance will match that of the iOS device appearance.

Demo:

 Note:

Only Light mode is supported in the Windows App preview for Android.

For more details check the below article.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-app/compare-platforms-features?pivots=windows-365#experience

W365: Last connected not shown in the new Windows App for iOS

Are you wondering why the Last connected state is not showing in your new Windows App for iOS like shown below?

Solution:

Simple, You can now make it visible by going to settings by clicking on your user account and selecting General > View Options > Choose Cloud pc’s > Last time connected

Now you should be able to see the last connected time displayed in your cloud pc in the Windows App for iOS.

Demo:

W365: Display Settings available in the Windows App for iOS

Below options are available when you select the display settings in the windows app for iOS.

You can choose the resolution that best fits your iOS mobile from the below options.

When you enable the “Use Home Indicator Area” option, when you click on the home option in the windows app, the remote session is shown at the bottom right side in a small minimised size.

When you click on the orientation option, it shows three options.

• Auto Adjust
• Lock to Landscape 
• Lock to portrait

Auto Adjust:

You can change the orientation to auto adjust when you turn the mobile/tilt if you have the portrait orientation lock off. The display will turn to portrait mode if the mobile device is in portrait position. The display will turn to Landscape mode if the mobile is tilted to landscape position.

Also you can set to lock in either Landscape or Portrait mode even if the default portrait orientation lock is set to off. The screen will be as it is without changing.

Landscape Mode: This is ideal for most tasks, as it mimics the typical desktop monitor layout.

Portrait Mode: This may be useful if you're working with documents or vertical layouts.

Light mode and dark mode:

You can change between light mode and dark mode by following the below steps.

1 Open Windows App.

2 Click your user account picture to open the settings pane.

3 Tap General, then tap Appearance.

4 Tap Light, Dark, or System. The change takes effect immediately.

Demo:

Windows App: Comparison between the WindowsApp for iOS and Windows App Preview for Android

Below is a table of what’s missing and what’s available between the iOS and Android WindowsApp.