Windows 365 brings cloud-based PCs hosted by Microsoft to organizations of all sizes, offering flexible access to a Cloud PCs from virtually anywhere. But that flexibility, we have to choose the right licensing model. In this post, we’ll break down the current licensing options for Windows 365—Business, Enterprise, and Frontline—and help you determine the best fit based on your organization’s needs.
Please note, the following information is on Windows 365 Cloud PC licensing and does not include Microsoft 365 licensing, a different Microsoft product. Also, this information reflects Microsoft’s licensing details at the time of writing. Licensing is subject to change. Always consult with a Microsoft licensing specialist before making decisions.
Windows 365 Business
Windows 365 Business is the entry-level offering, designed for simplicity and speed of deployment.
Key Features:
- No Intune integration (though the Cloud PC can be managed like a personal device).
- No prerequisite licensing (Intune, Entra ID, etc.).
- Includes a Windows 10/11 Pro license.
- Option for Windows Hybrid Benefit to reduce cost if users already have a valid Windows client license.
- Microsoft-managed network only (no domain joins or custom VNets).
- Entra ID join only (no support for Windows AD join).
- 300 license limit per tenant.
Example Use Cases:
- Temporary or contract workers.
- Lightweight deployments where centralized management isn’t required.
- Organizations without Microsoft 365 E3/E5 or Intune licensing.
Windows 365 Enterprise
Windows 365 Enterprise is built for full IT control and integration with Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune) and organizational infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Dedicated Cloud PC with 24/7 user access.
- Full Intune integration, Manage Windows 365 from the Intune portal.
- Requires additional licensing: Windows 10/11 Enterprise, Intune, and Entra ID P1 or P2.
- Supports Microsoft-managed or Azure Private Networks (VNets).
- Supports both Entra ID Join and Entra Hybrid Join (via Entra Connect).
- Use of custom images for tailored Cloud PC builds.
Example Use Cases:
- Organizations with existing Microsoft 365 E3/E5 licensing.
- Environments that need hybrid identity integration or network customization.
- Enterprises deploying more than 300 Cloud PCs.
- Scenarios requiring Group Policy, app management, and endpoint protection.
Windows 365 Enterprise Frontline
Frontline licensing is optimized for shared-device use cases, such as shift workers or occasional access users. There are two modes available for Frontline licenses, Dedicated and Shared.
1. Frontline Dedicated Mode
- Each license supports three dedicated Cloud PCs.
- Only one of the three Cloud PCs can have an active session at one time.
- Cloud PCs are not shared—each user gets their own.
- Assigned by group membership, not individual license assignment.
Example Use Case: Shift workers such as call center agents or hospital staff. A concurrency buffer helps in cases of slight overlap between shifts.
2. Frontline Shared Mode
- Each license supports one shared Cloud PC that allows one user session at a time.
- Access is managed by group membership, access is limited to the number of Frontline license assigned to the group.
- No profile persistence—user data is removed after logout.
Example Use cases: Users that need occasional access, such as contractors that log in for a short time each week to access a system, or mechanics that need to log in occasionally to order parts.
Tip: Use OneDrive Known Folder Redirection and Outlook cached mode to improve the user experience in Frontline Shared Mode.
Choosing the Right Licensing Model
Here’s a quick comparison of the Windows 365 licensing options:
| Feature | Business | Enterprise | Frontline Dedicated | Frontline Shared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intune Management | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Licensing Prerequisites | None | Enterprise + Intune + Entra ID | Same as Enterprise | Same as Enterprise |
| Persistent Profile | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| License Assignment | Per-user | Per-user | Tenant-level | Tenant-level |
| Max Active Sessions per License | 1 | 1 | 1 of 3 | 1 |
Final Thoughts
Windows 365 offers a range of licensing models to fit everything from single users to global enterprises. For basic needs and simplicity, start with Business. For deep integration and scalability, go with Enterprise. And if you’re supporting shift workers or need shared-access devices, Frontline is purpose-built for that scenario.
If you’re ready to explore further or deploy Windows 365 in your organization, make sure to review the official documentation and consult with a Microsoft licensing expert.
🎥 Watch the Full Video
Check out the full breakdown in our YouTube video on Windows 365 Licensing and don’t forget to subscribe for more content on Microsoft 365, Intune, and Azure!
Links:
A Beginner’s Guide to the AZ-900
https://www.udemy.com/course/beginners-guide-az-900/?referralCode=C74C266B74E837F86969
Zero to Hero with Azure Virtual Desktop
https://www.udemy.com/course/zero-to-hero-with-windows-virtual-desktop/?referralCode=B2FE49E6FCEE7A7EA8D4
Hybrid Identity with Windows AD and Azure AD
https://www.udemy.com/course/hybrid-identity-and-azure-active-directory/?referralCode=7F62C4C6FD05C73ACCC3
Windows 365 Enterprise and Intune Management
https://www.udemy.com/course/windows-365-enterprise-and-intune-management/?referralCode=4A1ED105341D0AA20D2E
