Microsoft Launches Windows 365 Reserve: Instant Cloud PCs for Device Issues
Microsoft has unveiled a new service called Windows 365 Reserve, designed to provide businesses with temporary, pre-configured Cloud PCs. This service aims to ensure business continuity when an employee’s primary physical device is unavailable due to loss, breakage, or delivery delays.
Windows 365 Reserve offers users immediate access to a Cloud PC from virtually any device, accessible via the Windows App or a web browser. These Cloud PCs come ready-to-use, pre-loaded with Microsoft 365 apps, corporate settings, and relevant security policies.
Managed through Microsoft Intune (similar to physical PCs), Windows 365 Reserve is intended for temporary use. Each user is allocated a 10-day annual usage allowance, which can be utilized all at once or split across multiple incidents throughout the year.
Microsoft states that the new service is specifically designed to maintain productivity during disruptive events such as device theft, loss, new device delivery periods, or system outages. This temporary access enables employees to continue their work seamlessly, and administrators can also use it to test new configurations without affecting primary devices.
The company characterizes Windows 365 Reserve as a “modern, secured and scalable offering designed for any type of worker across the entire organization to stay uninterrupted and productive, without the hassle or cost of managing cumbersome loaner PCs, temporary backup PC solutions or legacy VDI access.”
Stefan Kinnestrand, Microsoft Modern Work VP, highlighted the need for such a service, citing third-party research indicating that 76% of customers have reported being impacted by device theft incidents in the last two years.
While no specific pricing details have been confirmed yet, it remains unclear whether the service will operate on a subscription model. Windows 365 Reserve is slated to become available in preview “soon,” with an online application process for customers seeking early access.
In related news, Kinnestrand also announced other minor improvements to the broader Windows 365 service, alongside a 20% discount for first-time customers.