What a hosted desktop is
A hosted desktop is a full Windows desktop that runs in a data center instead of on the computer in front of you. Your team signs in from a PC, Mac, thin client or tablet and gets the same desktop, apps and files every time. The device becomes a window; the work stays in the cloud.
That matters most for businesses with sensitive data, older line-of-business software, seasonal or contract staff, or people working from several locations. Data never sits on a laptop that can be lost, and new users can start work as soon as their account is set up, without waiting for a configured PC.
Choosing the right platform
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Azure Virtual Desktop | Teams of 10 or more sharing a pool of desktops; flexible and cost-efficient at scale |
| Windows 365 Cloud PC | A personal cloud PC per user with simple per-user pricing |
| Private-cloud desktops | Apps that need to sit right next to a hosted server or database |
Built for apps that hate VPNs
Database-backed applications such as accounting, ERP and practice-management software often crawl over a VPN. Put the desktop in the same data center as the server and they run at local speed for every user, wherever they are.
Managed end to end
We build the images, install and update your applications, manage profiles and printing, secure sign-in with multi-factor authentication and conditional access, and right-size the environment so you don't pay for idle capacity.