- It appears that Microsoft is launching a Cloud PC service in June or July.
- You pay a fixed monthly fee to access a remote Windows 10 desktop with software such as Office.
- It could provide Chromebook security, but with access to more powerful applications.
You may not need to purchase a completely new computer to get an up-to-date Windows experience in the future. ZDNet Sources say Microsoft plans to launch a Cloud PC service in June or early July that would offer a remote desktop and Windows 10 software such as Office.
Nicknamed Project Deschutes, the Microsoft Cloud PC initiative will give you a secure, up-to-date Windows experience at a fixed cost per person. The company already has a vaguely similar offer in the form of the Windows virtual desktop, but you pay for it based on Azure data consumption – not very practical for most people.
Related: Chromebook vs Laptop: Which Should You Get?
A 2020 leak suggested that Microsoft could offer different Cloud PC plans based on the processing power, RAM and storage that users need.
Microsoft has not confirmed any Cloud PC plans other than hints from a list of jobs. However, this can give it an edge over Chromebooks, at least at work. You could get a secure, constantly updated and well-controlled system without having to rely on more than one barebones computer. It could be especially useful for Windows 10X Chromebook machines that cannot run normal Win32 software.
Home use is not mentioned, but it is easy to see the attractive Microsoft Cloud PC platform for people with slow personal systems as well as Linux or Mac computers. You can run a current Windows desktop without having to buy a computer or install the operating system in a virtual machine. This would not replace a computer or a fast gaming workstation, but it should not attract some users.