Streamline Your Workflow with Windows 365 Boot: Direct Cloud PC Access on Startup

Imagine starting your day by powering on your device and immediately being logged into your Cloud PC. No more lengthy logins or waiting for everything to sync. Windows 365 Boot makes this a reality by allowing users to skip the local machine login and access their Windows 365 Cloud PC directly, making hybrid and remote work simpler and more efficient.

This feature allows businesses to provide a seamless, secure experience for employees working across different devices. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to configure Windows 365 Boot, outlining the key steps, prerequisites, and the tangible benefits it brings to modern workplaces.

Why Windows 365 Boot is a Game-Changer for Hybrid Work

Hybrid workers often move between different devices throughout the day. Whether working on a laptop at home, a desktop at the office, or a tablet on the go, logging in multiple times can be frustrating and time-consuming. Windows 365 Boot solves this problem by allowing users to boot directly into their Cloud PC.

With this feature, your applications, settings, and files are always ready for you—no matter where you log in from. You’ll experience seamless transitions between devices, enhancing both productivity and security, as no sensitive data is stored on local devices.

Prerequisites for Windows 365 Boot

Before configuring Windows 365 Boot, ensure your devices and environment meet the following requirements:

• Devices: Both physical devices and Cloud PCs must run Windows 11 Enterprise or Professional (version 22621.3374 or later).
• Intune Administrator Role: You must have the Intune Service Administrator role to configure the setup.
• Device Readiness: Make sure your physical devices meet Windows 365 Boot requirements and are connected to the internet. Once devices are added to the group, they’ll automatically receive the Boot settings defined in the guided scenario.

Step-by-Step Configuration of Windows 365 Boot

To set up Windows 365 Boot, follow these steps:

1. Sign In and Access the Configuration

Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center as an Intune Service Administrator. Navigate to Devices > Windows 365 > Windows 365 Boot. If you’re using the public preview version, select Windows 365 Boot – Public Preview. Proceed by selecting Next: Basics.

2. Configure the Basics

In this section, configure the device naming pattern and set the prefix for all resources created during deployment.

On the Introduction screen click “Next”.

• Device Name Template: You can assign a name template to enrolled devices, ensuring they follow a standard format. For instance, you could set a template like NERD-%RAND:4%, which will name each device with “NERD” followed by seven random characters.
• Resource Name Prefix: Choose a prefix to distinguish all resources created during this deployment. For example, using “Windows 365 Boot” will ensure every related resource is easily identifiable.
• Boot Device Mode: Select between Shared PC mode (for multiple users on a single device) or Dedicated mode (for a device used by one person). For the purpose of this blog, we will use dedicated mode.

3. Configure Endpoint Updates

This page lets you manage how Windows Updates will be handled on your physical devices. Ensure your update preferences align with your organization’s security requirements. If you want to automate patch management, Windows Autopatch is supported for Windows 365 Boot devices, allowing automatic updates.

4. Additional Settings

This section offers several optional settings:

• Wi-Fi and VPN Profiles: Assign existing profiles to your physical devices, ensuring they connect securely and seamlessly to the corporate network.
• Language Settings: Set the operating system’s language if needed.
• Security Baseline Profile: Apply a predefined security baseline to enforce your organization’s security policies on devices.
• Maximum Connection Timeout: Configure how long the system waits for a connection before timing out. The default is 5 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on your needs.
• Branding: Personalize the user experience by adding your company name, logo, and lock screen image for the sign-in screen.

5. Assign the Policy

Next, select the groups that will receive the Windows 365 Boot configuration:

• Create a New Group: If no existing group fits, you can create a new one for the policy. Devices added to this group will receive the configuration automatically.
• Choose an Existing Group: If a group is already available, you can select it to apply the policies.

6. Review and Deploy

Review your configurations and settings. Once you’re satisfied with the setup, click Create. Devices that are part of the group will now receive the Windows 365 Boot settings once connected to the internet.

Wait for the deployment to complete.

Real-World Application: How Windows 365 Boot Simplifies Work

For professionals who frequently switch between different devices, Windows 365 Boot is a time-saver. Imagine Mark, an IT manager who splits his time between home, the office, and client meetings. Thanks to Windows 365 Boot, Mark’s day is free from the hassle of logging into different devices and managing local system updates. He powers on any device, instantly logs into his Cloud PC, and continues his work right where he left off.

For businesses, this reduces IT management complexity and enhances security by keeping sensitive data in the cloud rather than on local devices.

Why You Should Enable Windows 365 Boot Today

The benefits of Windows 365 Boot are clear:

• Productivity Gains: Start working immediately after powering on your device—no more waiting through multiple logins.
• Security: All work is done in the Cloud PC, with no data stored locally, reducing security risks.
• Consistency: Your work environment remains the same across all devices, providing a unified experience wherever you are.
• Simplified IT Management: IT administrators can centrally manage all devices, reducing the need for hands-on support.

Step-by-Step Testing of Windows 365 Boot:

1. Power on your physical device:

• Start by powering on your physical device that has been added to the Windows 365 Boot configuration group. Ensure it’s connected to the internet.

2. Observe the boot process:

• Your physical device should automatically bypass the local Windows login screen and directly prompt you to log into your Windows 365 Cloud PC.
• You should see the Windows 365 sign-in screen where you enter your credentials.

3. Log into your Cloud PC:

• Once logged in, you’ll be taken directly to your Windows 365 Cloud PC desktop. You can verify that all your apps, settings, and files are synced as expected.

4. Testing shared or dedicated mode:

• If your device is configured in Shared PC mode, log off from the Cloud PC, and test how another user can log in and access their Cloud PC from the same device.
• If it’s in Dedicated mode, confirm that only your Cloud PC is accessible when powering on the device.

5. Verify policy application:

• Confirm that any additional policies (such as Wi-Fi profiles, security baselines, or branding) you configured are applied correctly. For instance, check that the Wi-Fi connects automatically, or that your company logo appears on the login screen if you set this up.

6. Connection Timeout Check:

• You can also test the Maximum connection timeout by powering on the device but not signing in to see how long it waits for a connection before timing out, based on the policy configuration.

Troubleshooting:

• If the Windows 365 Boot process doesn’t initiate or behaves unexpectedly, check the Intune admin center for policy deployment logs to ensure the configuration has been applied successfully to the device.
• Ensure the device is part of the correct Azure AD group that has the Windows 365 Boot configuration.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively test Windows 365 Boot on your Cloud PC and verify that it delivers the seamless login experience as expected.

Conclusion: Start Using Windows 365 Boot Today

Windows 365 Boot brings immense value to organizations and individuals alike. It eliminates the friction of managing multiple devices, enhances security, and provides a seamless experience, making hybrid work easier than ever. If you’re ready to boost productivity and streamline device management, contact us today to learn more about setting up Windows 365 Boot for your team.

About the Author

Shaun Hardneck is a seasoned Microsoft 365 & Azure Security Specialist and Enterprise Cloud Architect with a passion for helping businesses harness the full potential of Microsoft cloud technologies. As the driving force behind ThatLazyAdmin, Shaun specializes in hybrid work solutions, cloud security, and modern IT architecture, empowering organizations to enhance their productivity and security. With years of experience in Microsoft technologies, Shaun is a trusted advisor for companies looking to implement secure, innovative, and efficient cloud infrastructures.

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