Microsoft testing PC-to-Cloud-PC failover for those times your machine dies or disappears

Microsoft has announced a preview of "Windows 365 Reserve", a service that provides pre-configured cloud PCs it suggests as ideal when physical machines aren't usable.

As explained in a Wednesday post by Stefan Kinnestrand, Microsoft's Veep for "Modern Work", the service provides "instant access to a temporary, pre-configured Cloud PC when their primary device is unavailable."

"Reserve Cloud PCs" will be preloaded with Microsoft 365 apps and a user's preferred security policies and other Windows customizations.

An application form for those interested in testing the service mentions data synchronization enabled by Microsoft's OneDrive, plus pre-loaded corporate apps. The virtual machines will appear as just another PC to manage in Microsoft's Intune endpoint wrangling tool.

The form also states that Windows 365 Reserve will make a Cloud PC available for 10 days a year, usable "all at once or split up".

Kinnestrand suggests the cloud PCs are ideal if a device is lost or breaks and promises the service means "users can connect to their Reserve Cloud PC within minutes from any device using the Windows App or a browser."

Sadly the Veep's post, and the application form don't mention the cost of the service. As the service seems to involve frequent data syncing The Register imagines Microsoft will charge for it up front rather than offering this as a just-in-time option. We've asked Microsoft for pricing info and will update this story if we receive substantive info.

Kinnestrand's post also revealed that Microsoft has changed the default security settings for Cloud PCs, by "Disabling select redirections, such as USB and clipboard" and adding "virtualization-based security, to better protect against credential theft and kernel-level exploits."

The Veep also noted that Microsoft is running a private preview of Windows 365 Cloud Apps, which "let organizations deliver secure access to individual apps hosted on Cloud PCs, without requiring a dedicated Cloud PC for every user." The Veep recommended this product for seasonal or remote workers.

The post also discusses some new features of Windows 365 Link, the client device Microsoft created just to access Cloud PCs. A new "Connection Center" offers users the chance to choose between multiple Cloud PCs. Microsoft has also improved multi-monitor support and made it possible to log in with NFC cards.

Virtual PCs account for around five percent of the global PC fleet, but are not widely adopted beyond industries with unusually complex regulatory and security requirements. Microsoft appears to be trying to expand the market with these initiatives. ®