Microsoft Windows Entirely From The Cloud: Is Company Planning OS Subscription From Remotely-Hosted Servers?

Microsoft Windows has had a long journey and continues to remain the most popular operating system for desktop PCs and laptops. Microsoft seems to actively developing a commercial version of the operating system for the masses, which can be run from remote servers.

Microsoft appears to have a strategy involving moving the entire computer and the operating system powering it, into the cloud. The operating system and the infrastructure would be available to the common consumer and not just businesses or large organizations.

Microsoft Windows 365 For The Masses Via Windows 11?

Microsoft intends to move Windows OS entirely to the cloud, granting individual users access to a full-fledged operating system, which will be "streamed" from the cloud to any compatible or even low-powered device.

Microsoft has been making progress in this direction but it has been limited to its commercial customers. The company intends to do the same for regular users as well, some reports suggest.

An internal Microsoft presentation has just been disclosed as part of the ongoing FTC Vs Microsoft trial. During the presentation, intended for select Microsoft employees only, the company indicated it wants to introduce "new OS innovations" to increase the popularity of Windows.

Microsoft already offers full-fledged virtual instances of the Windows operating system via cloud infrastructure. Called Windows 365, the platform essentially allows businesses to configure virtual PCs with the amount of RAM, GPU, and CPU power.

The Windows 365 service is currently limited to enterprise customers. However, Microsoft has been actively integrating its features into Windows 11.

A future update for the Windows 11 OS will reportedly include Windows 365 Boot. Needless to mention, this feature could give users the option to boot into a cloud-based Windows instance instead of the local one.

Microsoft Designing Hardware For Better, Cheaper, And More Efficient Windows OS Streaming?

With Windows 365, Microsoft already has an operating system streaming service that can be reliably offered to multiple users simultaneously. However, the company has also emphasized the importance of investing in custom silicon partnerships in one of the slides.

Microsoft is reportedly exploring the possibility of designing its own ARM-based processors for servers. These chips would not only run more efficiently, but they would also help Microsoft cut down on cloud computing bills.

There are millions of desktop PCs and laptops that are currently running Windows 10, and a large number of these computers aren't compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft could be seriously considering offering Windows 11 OS through the cloud to these old computers. Additionally, Windows 11 users could gain access to configurable virtual PCs.