The Tool Desk
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How Windows 365 fits a hybrid-work setup
A Windows 365 Cloud PC is a Windows desktop hosted as a service. An employee connects to it from a physical computer or another supported device, so they can return to the same work environment while changing locations. The endpoint still needs a supported way to connect to the service and suitable network access.
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“Hybrid work” describes where a person works. It does not mean their Cloud PC must use Microsoft Entra hybrid join. Many organizations can use Microsoft Entra-joined Cloud PCs without connecting them to an on-premises Active Directory domain.
Which network model should you choose?
Microsoft offers two network deployment options. Its guidance states: “Microsoft Hosted Network is the recommended deployment option for most scenarios.” The choice depends on whether Microsoft-managed networking meets your access and identity needs, or whether the Cloud PC needs to join or reach resources on your organization’s network.
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| Deployment model | Best fit | Network ownership and requirements | Identity and on-premises access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Hosted Network | Most scenarios where Microsoft Entra join and service access meet requirements | Microsoft manages the underlying network, reducing customer network setup | Supports Microsoft Entra-joined Cloud PCs; does not provide direct connectivity to on-premises Active Directory Domain Services |
| Azure Network Connection (ANC) | Requirements for hybrid join, direct domain-controller or legacy-service access, private connectivity, or control of the virtual network | Customer provides and operates Azure networking and needs the associated expertise | Can support hybrid-joined Cloud PCs when the required domain and network conditions are met |
Organizations can use Hosted Network and ANC side by side for different user groups or scenarios. If Cloud PCs on Hosted Network need access to on-premises applications, plan a VPN or private-access approach from the Cloud PC and validate it against Microsoft’s networking guidance.
When is Azure Network Connection necessary?
ANC is the relevant choice when a Cloud PC must use the organization’s Azure virtual network—for example, to reach a domain controller or a legacy service directly, to meet a private-connectivity requirement, or to use Microsoft Entra hybrid join. It also gives the customer control of the virtual network, along with responsibility for configuring and operating it.
It is not required simply because employees work both at home and in the office. Before choosing ANC, establish whether the specific application or identity requirement needs direct network connectivity. If an approved VPN or private-access design can provide the needed application access from a Cloud PC on Hosted Network, hybrid workers may not need ANC.
Can a Cloud PC join an on-premises domain?
Yes, through Microsoft Entra hybrid join, provided the deployment has the required Azure networking and access to the organization’s Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) environment. Microsoft Entra Domain Services is not supported for this Windows 365 hybrid-join use case.
Hybrid join requirements
- An Azure virtual network with DNS resolution for the organization’s AD DS environment.
- Network access to an enterprise domain controller, either in Azure or on-premises.
- Infrastructure that automatically hybrid-joins devices that are domain-joined to on-premises Active Directory.
- Synchronized user identities, suitable domain-join permissions, and an appropriate Microsoft Entra and Intune tenant.
These dependencies make hybrid join an architecture decision, not a default setting for every hybrid worker. Confirm the domain, DNS, network path, identity synchronization, permissions, and tenant readiness before provisioning.
Microsoft Entra join and hybrid join: what changes?
The join model determines which identity and domain dependencies the Cloud PC has. Microsoft Entra join connects the Cloud PC directly to Microsoft Entra ID. Hybrid join connects it to the supplied Windows Server Active Directory domain and, when configured, synchronizes it to Microsoft Entra ID.
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| Consideration | Microsoft Entra join | Microsoft Entra hybrid join |
|---|---|---|
| Domain-controller dependency | No AD DS line-of-sight requirement | Requires line of sight to an enterprise domain controller |
| Azure networking for join | No domain-dependent Azure network requirement | Requires an Azure virtual network with appropriate DNS and domain-controller access |
| Management policy | Intune MDM policy management | Group Policy Objects or Intune management |
| Typical reason to choose | Cloud identity without on-premises domain dependencies | Existing domain-dependent applications, policies, or infrastructure that require the domain relationship |
Neither model is universally better: choose based on the organization’s identity, application, and management architecture.
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Users can connect through supported apps or the Windows 365 web client. Microsoft recommends Windows App. Available clients and features vary by platform and Windows 365 edition, so check Microsoft’s current access documentation for the intended device before standardizing deployment. Microsoft does not support Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) as a routine daily connection method for Windows 365.
To set up access, assign the user a Windows 365 license and provision the Cloud PC, then have the user sign in through a supported client or the web client using the organization’s account. The endpoint is the way into the hosted desktop; it does not replace the Cloud PC service.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is Windows 365 Link?
Windows 365 Link is an optional, purpose-built physical endpoint for desk-based users. It connects directly to a Windows 365 Cloud PC; it is not a stand-alone Windows PC for running local apps. A Link device still requires a separately licensed Windows 365 Cloud PC and management through the organization’s Intune tenant.
| Setup consideration | Existing supported endpoint | Windows 365 Link |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware approach | Reuse a supported computer or device employees already have | Provide a dedicated endpoint for a desk-based Cloud PC setup |
| Cloud PC license | Required | Required separately; Link does not replace it |
| Organization management | Depends on the endpoint and organizational policies | Requires management through the organization’s Intune tenant |
| Local applications | Depend on the endpoint | Not designed to run local apps as a stand-alone PC |
Microsoft’s published Link specifications include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A and USB-C, and a 65 W power adapter. Microsoft lists support for up to two 4K monitors. The device measures 120 mm × 120 mm × 30 mm and weighs 418 g. These are product specifications, not claims about improved performance or productivity.
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Supported peripheral classes include keyboards, mice, headphones, cameras, and FIDO2 passkeys. For a specific display, dock, hub, or cable, check Microsoft’s current tested-peripheral list rather than assuming that every accessory with the same connector is verified. Microsoft says Windows 365 Link is available in select markets; check current availability in your region before planning a purchase.
Quick Recap
Practical deployment sequence
- Map the user requirement. Identify which applications users need, whether they require direct access to on-premises services, and whether existing domain policies require hybrid join.
- Select the network model. Start with Hosted Network unless a defined requirement calls for the organization’s Azure network, hybrid join, or direct domain-controller or legacy-service access.
- Validate identity and networking. For hybrid join, verify Azure virtual-network DNS, domain-controller reachability, identity synchronization, automatic hybrid-join infrastructure, permissions, and tenant readiness.
- Plan user connectivity. Choose supported clients for the users’ devices and editions. For Hosted Network users who need on-premises application access, design and validate VPN or private access.
- Decide whether to reuse endpoints or deploy Link. Use existing supported devices where appropriate; consider Link for dedicated desk setups, accounting for its Cloud PC license and Intune management requirements.
- Verify current support details. Check Microsoft’s client matrix, Link regional availability, and tested-peripheral list before finalizing deployment standards.
Microsoft documentation
- Microsoft Learn: Deployment options for Windows 365
- Microsoft Learn: Network requirements
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 365 requirements
- Microsoft Learn: Identity and authentication
- Microsoft Learn: Access Cloud PCs
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 365 Link overview
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 365 Link setup
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 365 Link tested peripherals
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