Cloud configuration

Easily transform Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs¹ into streamlined, easy-to-manage cloud endpoints.

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Cloud configuration overview and setup

Learn more about cloud config, including the guided scenario now available in Microsoft Endpoint Manager, which will help you quickly apply the recommended configurations.

Download the Guide

Why cloud config

Many organizations are challenged with managing devices for frontline, remote, and other workers with more focused needs.

Cloud config provides an easy way to apply a uniform set of configurations that transforms devices into streamlined, easy-to-manage endpoints.

Simplified management

Apps, users, and security all managed from the industry-leading unified endpoint management platform².

Optimized for productivity

Access to the applications and tools that employees need to be successful.

Built-in security

Security built into Microsoft 365³ and Windows helps to protect workers, data, and company assets.

Cloud config benefits

A laptop device showing the Start menu on Windows 10.

Any Windows 10 or 11 commercial device

Pre-configure new Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices so they are ready to go for first time use, or repurpose existing Windows 10 hardware to extend its lifetime.¹

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Easy to deploy and manage

Standardized configuration reduces IT administrative overhead and helps save time in deploying and managing endpoints via Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

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Protection you can trust

Windows 10 and 11 are designed to be secure, and endpoint security settings add a layer of protection and monitoring.

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Essential apps and capabilities

Deliver a familiar Windows experience along with collaboration, browsing, and the flexibility to add other productivity and essential line of business apps.

Setting up cloud configuration

Windows 10 or 11 device

Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices are the foundation for cloud config. Designed to be the foundation of the modern workplace, Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11 Pro have the business tools your team needs to work smart.¹

Cloud-based identity

Workers are enrolled with Azure Active Directory for an easy single sign-on experience and secure access to company applications and resources.

Cloud-based management

Use Microsoft Endpoint Manager for endpoint security, device management, and intelligent cloud actions.

IT-curated applications

Configure devices with Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Teams, and data storage in Microsoft OneDrive. Optionally install Microsoft 365 apps and essential line of business apps, delivered directly or through desktop/app virtualization.

Frequently asked questions

Simply put, cloud configuration is a Microsoft-recommended device configuration for Windows 10 and Windows 11, cloud-optimized for users with specific workflow needs. IT admins use Microsoft Endpoint Manager to apply a standard, cloud-based, easy-to-manage configuration of Windows 10 or Windows 11 to a selected set of new or existing devices. The configuration works on devices running Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 11 Pro, or Windows 11 Enterprise and may be appropriate for workers who only need a limited number of IT-curated and approved applications to meet their targeted workflow needs. User accounts are registered in Azure Active Directory and devices are enrolled for cloud management in Intune so they are automatically updated with continuous product and security updates.

No. Cloud configuration is NOT a new version, edition, or mode of Windows so there is no dependency on new hardware, and there are no operating system restrictions to worry about. In short, cloud config is a standardized, easy-to-manage configuration that can be applied to devices PC running Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Education, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Enterprise, or Windows 11 Education. It is deployed using Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

Any supported semi-annual channel version of Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Education, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Enterprise, or Windows 11 Education can be used. Please see the Overview and Setup Guide for details.

Cloud config may be appropriate for anyone whose role can be performed with some combination of browser, Microsoft Teams, email, optional productivity apps, and a limited number of internal line of business applications delivered directly to the device or through desktop/app virtualization. This standardized configuration can be used for many different scenarios such as standardizing device configuration across departments, enabling remote work with virtualization and a simple device configuration, or empowering students and teachers.

Cloud configuration is ready to go today and can be deployed to any devices for which you have a valid Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Education, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Enterprise, or Windows 11 Education license. Similar to how Windows 10 devices are managed today, cloud config can be applied, removed, and changed anytime using Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

Use the guided scenario available from the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center or you can apply the configuration yourself manually using the steps recommended in the Overview and Setup Guide.

Additional resources

^{1. Windows 10 in cloud configuration can be deployed to devices running Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, or Windows 10 Education.

2. Gartner has recognized Microsoft as a Leader in the 2020 Magic Quadrant for Unified Endpoint Management based on our Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute in the Unified Endpoint Management market. Read the report.

3. Subscription sold separately.}