Windows 365 vs Traditional Alternatives Comparison
When it comes to delivering secure, scalable desktop access, traditional setups can’t match the flexibility of Windows 365 Cloud PC. Here’s how it compares to local computers and legacy remote desktop systems.
| Feature | Local PC | RDS/Citrix | Windows 365 Cloud PC |
| Access from anywhere | ❌ | ✅ (via VPN/client) | ✅ Native, any device |
| Dedicated performance per user | ✅ | ❌ Shared (unless costly | ✅ Always your own Cloud PC |
| Requires infrastructure | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ Fully cloud-hosted |
| Setup complexity | ❌ | ⚠️ Advanced | ✅ Instant provisioning |
| Security & isolation | ⚠️ Depends | ✅ Partial | ✅ Full isolation (BitLocker) |
| Updates & patching | Manual | Admin-driven | ✅ Microsoft-managed |
| Antivirus included | ❌ | ⚠️ Custom | ✅ Microsoft Defender |
| Device management (Intune) | ❌ | ✅ (AD-based) | ✅ With M365 Premium |
| Backup | ❌ | ⚠️ Optional | ✅ 100 GB incl. (Premium+) |
| Ideal for | Offices | IT-heavy enterprises | SMBs, remote teams, startups |
Microsoft 365 License Comparison
Choosing the right Microsoft 365 license helps you balance cost, productivity, and security. Here’s how the plans differ.
| Feature | Basic | Standard | Premium |
| Office apps (web) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Office apps (installable) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Email (Exchange 50 GB) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Defender Antivirus | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Intune (Device Management) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Identity & Access Control | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Copilot Add-on available | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ideal for | Basic users | Office teams | Security-driven orgs |