How to select the best Cloud PC instance with Windows 365

February 14, 2025

Transitioning from an on-prem VDI solution to Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365 Cloud PCs can be a significant step towards modernizing your IT infrastructure. This move can offer benefits in terms of flexibility, scalability, and ease of management. Maintaining an ‘as-good’ or better user experience can be critical to the project’s success. 

Beyond these benefits, ensuring that productivity and line-of-business applications function correctly on the chosen Windows Client OS, such as Windows 11 24H2, is among the most important factors in the project’s success.

Key Considerations for Transition

Performance Expectations and Testing

I’ve used Cloud PCs as my definitive productivity unit for the last couple of years. However, when using Microsoft Office, Teams, and Edge, I’ve noticed that I need to be selective about the compute specs for my desktop to keep my machine running responsively and, at times, without freezing up. 

In our experience, lower-spec instances like 2×4 struggled with basic tasks such as running Edge and Teams. Meanwhile, upgrading to higher-spec cases, such as 4×16, can provide a smoother experience. Conducting single-user and continuous load tests helps gauge the performance of business-critical applications. 

Figure 1 – Microsoft Recommends doing performance testing

Figure 2 – Login Enterprise Knowledge Worker tests against Cloud PCs

Compatibility with Applications, Including Windows 11

A critical aspect of transitioning to Windows 365 Cloud PCs is ensuring that applications are fully compatible with Windows 11. This involves thoroughly testing each application to identify any potential issues that may arise due to operating system architecture or functionality differences. 

It is important to collaborate with software vendors to obtain the latest versions and patches that support Windows 11. 

Additionally, for large organizations with hundreds of applications, application test automation tools like Login Enterprise can streamline the testing process and ensure that applications work seamlessly on Windows 11. This will contribute to a smooth migration and a positive user experience.

Pricing Considerations

Cost is often a key factor in choosing the right Cloud PC. Price analysis should consider the upfront and operational costs, balancing them with the performance benefits. Comparing different instances and assessing their cost-effectiveness is essential. 

While larger instance sizes will cost much more than the basic 2×4 instance, it is important to understand and even test the desktop for the users’ needs. Aligning the best Cloud PC for the appropriate use case will help manage and minimize the monthly recurring cost of the solution.

Figure 3 – Enterprise Cloud PC Pricing

Conclusion

Transitioning to Windows 365 Cloud PCs from an on-prem VDI solution requires careful planning and consideration of performance, pricing, and application compatibility. By understanding your organization’s specific needs and testing thoroughly, you can ensure a successful migration. Embrace the benefits of Windows 365 Cloud PCs for a flexible, scalable, and modern desktop experience.

Stay tuned! This is just the beginning. Our following blogs in the Windows 365 series will dive deeper into key features, best practices, and expert insights.