Considering Microsoft’s ever-increasing push into the cloud, the latest reports of a virtualized version of Windows 10 make sense. According to a report from ZDNet, Microsoft plans for an Azure-powered version of Windows is underway and is known as Cloud PC. In fact, it could be debuted by spring 2021.
Of course, these days Microsoft’s core businesses are backed by the cloud. From the Azure cloud services platform to productivity through Office 365. Even Microsoft’s Xbox division is moving into the cloud with Project xCloud.
While Windows taps into the cloud (Windows Virtual Desktop), there has never been a true virtualized version of the platform. With Cloud PC, that will change. However, it is worth noting Microsoft won’t be replacing the traditional locally installed version of Windows 10. There is perhaps a future where that does happen, but it’s not here yet.
Instead, Windows Cloud PC will be an option. The development of the service was discovered by ZDNet through a Microsoft job description. Posted on June 5, the company is seeking a program manager for Microsoft’s Cloud PC team.
“Microsoft Cloud PC is a strategic, new offering that is built on top of Windows Virtual Desktop to delivering Desktop as a Service. At its core, Cloud PC provides business customers a modern, elastic, cloud-based Windows experience and will allow organizations to stay current in a more simplistic and scalable manner,” the job description says.
Details
Cloud PC will be linked to Microsoft’s cloud-based Microsoft 365 service. While the job listing does not point to a potential launch timeframe, the ZDNet report suggests next spring is a likely candidate.
A launch then would coincide with Microsoft rolling out Windows 10 21H1. It will also match up with the company’s Build 2021 conference, allowing Redmond to talk about the new platform in-depth. Again, it is worth noting Microsoft is offering nothing official about Cloud PC or any potential launch.
