Microsoft Tests Windows 365 Cloud Disaster Recovery PCs
▼ Summary
– Microsoft launched Windows 365 Reserve, a limited public preview service offering temporary cloud PCs for employees during device outages caused by cyberattacks, hardware, or software issues.
– The service provides up to 10 days of annual access per user, allowing organizations to maintain productivity without physical device replacements.
– Windows 365 Reserve is currently in a gated preview requiring approval, with broader availability planned after testing.
– The cloud PCs are pre-configured with corporate apps, security policies, and Microsoft 365 access, accessible via web browsers or the Windows App.
– The service enforces Zero Trust security principles and notifies administrators before access expires, while being subject to Azure capacity and network connection limitations.
Microsoft has unveiled a new cloud-based disaster recovery solution designed to keep businesses running when hardware failures or cyber incidents strike. The tech giant is currently testing Windows 365 Reserve, a temporary desktop service that provides employees with immediate access to preconfigured cloud PCs during outages.
This innovative offering allows organizations to maintain productivity by granting up to 10 days of annual cloud PC access per user, eliminating the need for immediate physical replacements when devices fail. Whether due to malware attacks, hardware malfunctions, or software crashes, employees can seamlessly transition to a secure virtual workspace while their primary machines undergo repairs.
Currently available through a limited public preview, Windows 365 Reserve requires approval for access, with broader rollout plans following the testing phase. Microsoft emphasizes that even isolated device failures can trigger widespread disruptions, making rapid recovery solutions essential for modern enterprises.
Administrators can deploy these pre-configured Cloud PCs via Microsoft Intune, ensuring corporate applications, security policies, and Microsoft 365 access remain intact. Users connect through web browsers or the Windows App, maintaining workflow continuity from any available device. The service automatically enforces Zero Trust security principles, safeguarding data during outages.
Flexibility is built into the system, companies can use the 10-day allocation consecutively or split it across multiple incidents. IT teams receive alerts as access nears expiration, allowing them to extend sessions or reclaim unused time for future needs.
While the solution enhances business resilience, Microsoft notes that performance depends on Azure capacity and requires an active internet connection. Earlier this year, the company strengthened Windows 365 security by disabling risky features like clipboard and USB redirection on new Cloud PCs. Additional protections, including virtualization-based security and Credential Guard, were also enabled by default to block kernel-level threats.
By integrating disaster recovery into its cloud ecosystem, Microsoft aims to minimize downtime while reinforcing enterprise security, a critical advantage as cyber risks and hardware failures continue to challenge modern workplaces.
(Source: BLEEPING COMPUTER)
