Imagine AI agents autonomously navigating websites, processing data, and automating tasks – all within a secure, policy-controlled environment. That’s the promise of Windows 365 for Agents, now in public preview. This offering allows AI agents to run on Cloud PCs streamed directly from the Microsoft Cloud.
According to Microsoft, “Windows 365 for Agents will extend agentic capabilities to the Microsoft Cloud. Agent makers will have a trusted platform with modular UI controls, enterprise-grade security and flexibility to run on Windows or Linux.” The possibilities are vast, and Microsoft is already working with early adopters like Manus AI, Fellou, and Genspark to explore them.
The first Microsoft solution to leverage this technology is Microsoft Copilot Studio computer use, which runs on Linux-based Cloud PCs.
It’s not just about agents; Microsoft is also bringing AI directly to the user experience with new AI-enabled Cloud PCs. These PCs offer Copilot+ PC-like features within the cloud, including enhanced Windows Search and “Click to Do” actions. This allows users to interact directly with on-screen content – images, videos, text – and trigger actions without switching apps.
For IT administrators, Microsoft Security Copilot in Intune provides performance and license optimization tools. The goal is a seamless AI experience across all Windows 365 environments.
Beyond the AI focus, Microsoft is rolling out a suite of features designed to enhance the overall Windows 365 experience.
- Windows 365 Reserve: Now generally available, this service offers temporary Cloud PCs for business continuity, perfect for situations involving device loss or failure.
- Windows 365 Cloud Apps: IT admins can now grant users access to specific applications (like Outlook or Word) running on Cloud PCs, rather than providing access to the entire desktop.
- User Experience Sync for Frontline Workers: Application settings and configurations now persist for each user across sessions in shared mode deployments.
- Migration API: Simplifies the transition from Azure Virtual Desktop or Azure VMs to Windows 365 Cloud PCs.
Microsoft’s dedicated Cloud PC hardware device, Windows 365 Link, is expanding its availability to Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Singapore, and Spain in early 2026.
New features are also on the horizon, including Bluetooth pairing during setup, tenant branding support, and bare metal recovery options.
Microsoft is bolstering security with external identities support for BYOD scenarios and contractor access. The Windows Cloud I/O protection feature, now in public preview, adds keyboard input and output protection against keylogging and keystroke injection attacks.
And if all that wasn’t enough, a recent study suggests that Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional desktop setups.
With AI-powered features, enhanced security, and a growing ecosystem of tools and services, Microsoft’s vision for the Cloud PC is rapidly becoming a reality. The implications for enterprise productivity, security, and even sustainability are potentially transformative, signaling a shift towards a future where the desktop is truly everywhere.
