Windows 365 provides cloud PCs via two editions: Business and Enterprise. Each edition is designed to meet different organizational needs, with varying levels of administrative control, user management, and security.
| Feature | Business Edition | Enterprise Edition | Business Value |
|---|
| Target Audience | Small to mid-sized organizations (≤300 users) | Large organizations with no seat cap | Scalable for any organization size |
| Purchase Channels | Web direct, self-service, CSP | Web direct, EA, CSP | Flexible procurement options |
| License Management | Microsoft 365 Admin Center | Microsoft 365 Admin Center or Entra ID | Streamlined administration |
| Seat Limit | 300 seats maximum | No seat cap | Growth without limitations |
| Pre-licensing Required | No | Yes (Windows Enterprise, Intune, Entra ID P1) | Simplified vs. comprehensive setup |
Ideal for: Small to mid-sized organizations (up to 300 users)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Purchase Channels | Web direct, self-service, Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) |
| License Assignment | Managed via Microsoft 365 Admin Center |
| Licensing Requirements | No pre-licensing required |
| Device Management | Optional Microsoft Intune for licensed users |
| Configuration | vCPU | RAM | Storage | Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Standard | 2 | 8 GB | 128 GB | ~$31 per user |
| Enhanced | 4 | 16 GB | 256 GB | ~$66 per user |
| Feature | Capability | Business Value |
|---|
| Provisioning | Simplified with default configurations | Quick deployment |
| Policy Management | Not supported | Basic administration |
| Application Deployment | Intune license required | Controlled software distribution |
| Windows Updates | Default Update for Business settings | Automated maintenance |
| Device Management | License assignment only | Simple user management |
| RAM Size | Outbound Data Allowance |
|---|
| 2 GB | 12 GB per month |
| 4 GB or 8 GB | 20 GB per month |
| 16 GB | 40 GB per month |
| 32 GB | 70 GB per month |
Ideal for: Large organizations requiring advanced administrative control
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Purchase Channels | Web direct, Enterprise Agreements (EA), CSP |
| License Assignment | Microsoft 365 Admin Center or Microsoft Entra ID |
| Required Licenses | Windows 10/11 Enterprise, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Entra ID P1 |
| Seat Limit | No restrictions |
| Configuration | vCPU | RAM | Storage | Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Standard | 2 | 8 GB | 128 GB | ~$33 per user |
| High-Performance | 8 | 32 GB | 512 GB | ~$158 per user |
| Feature | Capability | Business Value |
|---|
| Provisioning | Configurable via Azure Active Directory | Custom deployment |
| Policy Management | GPO and Intune MDM support | Comprehensive control |
| Application Deployment | Fully supported | Complete software management |
| Windows Updates | Managed through Intune | Centralized update control |
| Device Management | Full Intune control (images, policies, resizing) | Complete endpoint management |
| Networking | Azure VNet integration | Enterprise networking |
| Security Feature | Business | Enterprise | Business Impact |
|---|
| Microsoft Intune | Optional | Required | Device management capabilities |
| Microsoft Defender | Supported | Supported | Endpoint protection |
| Microsoft Entra ID | Basic integration | Full P1 integration | Identity and access management |
| Endpoint Analytics | Limited | Full monitoring | Performance insights |
- Organizations with ≤300 users
- Simplified management requirements
- Basic security and policy needs
- Cost-conscious implementations
- Large organizations with unlimited users
- Advanced administrative control requirements
- Complex policy and device management needs
- Integration with existing Azure infrastructure
Key Takeaway: Windows 365 Business provides simplicity and essential management for small organizations, while Windows 365 Enterprise delivers advanced administrative control, comprehensive policy management through Intune and Azure, and enhanced security monitoring via Endpoint Analytics.
Both editions support Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft Entra ID for secure cloud PC management, ensuring your organization can maintain robust security regardless of the chosen edition.
Select the edition that aligns with your organization’s size, management complexity, and security requirements to optimize your cloud PC investment.
