Windows 10 and Windows 11 in cloud configuration

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

Learn more about Windows 11 Enterprise

Simplified device configuration for hybrid work

Simplified endpoint management

Manage apps, users, and security with a recognized unified endpoint management platform.¹

Optimized for productivity

Provide access to the applications and tools that employees need to be successful.

Built-in security

Help protect workers, data, and company assets with security built into Microsoft 365², Windows 10, and Windows 11.

Cloud configuration scenarios

Configure Windows 10 and 11 devices using recommended configurations for users with focused workflow needs.

A worker and a customer wearing PPE while interacting in a shop.

Frontline worker

Drive productivity and help frontline workers deliver their best work with essential apps using a locked-down configuration.

A person wearing PPE sitting at a desk on a call using a desktop monitor.

Office worker

Help office workers streamline communication with Microsoft Teams and email, and manage key documents with Microsoft 365 apps.

A desk with a laptop connected to a desktop monitor.

Remote worker

Enable remote work on lower cost devices and centrally manage remote apps using app virtualization.

Two people wearing PPE working on a tablet and a laptop.

Classroom

Empower students and teachers with a custom configuration including essential apps, such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Edge.

Download the cloud configuration guide

How it works

Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices become secure, productive, and easily managed endpoints with Windows in cloud configuration using Microsoft-recommended device configurations.

1. Cloud-based identity

Provide workers with an easy single sign-on experience and secure access to company apps and resources with Azure Active Directory.

2. Cloud-based management

Get endpoint security, device management, and intelligent cloud actions with Microsoft Intune.

3. 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 or app virtualization.

Resources

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 Intune to apply a standard, cloud-based, easy-to-manage configuration of Windows 10 and Windows 11 to a selected set of new or existing devices. The configuration works on devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise and may be appropriate for workers who only need a limited number of IT-curated and approved apps 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’re automatically updated with continuous product and security updates.

No. Cloud configuration is not a new version, edition, or mode of Windows, so it does not depend on new hardware, and there are no operating system restrictions. In short, cloud configuration is a standardized, easy-to-manage configuration that can be applied to PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise, or Windows 10 or Windows 11 Education. It is deployed using Microsoft Intune.

Any supported semi-annual channel version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise, or Windows 10 or Windows 11 Education can be used. See the overview and setup guide for details.

Cloud configuration may be appropriate for anyone who can perform their role with some combination of browser, Microsoft Teams, email, optional productivity apps, and a limited number of internal line-of-business apps delivered directly to the device or through desktop or 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 or Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise, or Windows 10 or Windows 11 Education license. Cloud configuration can be applied, removed, and changed anytime using Microsoft Intune, similar to how Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices are managed today.

Use the guided scenario available from the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center or apply the configuration yourself manually using the steps recommended in the overview and setup guide.

Use Windows in cloud configuration as part of a complete productivity, mobility, and security solution

Learn about Windows 11 Enterprise

Learn about Microsoft 365

^{1. Gartner® has recognized Microsoft as a Leader in the 2022 Magic Quadrant™ for Unified Endpoint Management based on our Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute in the Unified Endpoint Management market.

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Unified Endpoint Management Tools, Tom Cipolla, Dan Wilson, Chris Silva, Craig Fisler, 1 August 2022.

Gartner is a registered trademark and service mark and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

2. Subscription sold separately.}