Microsoft’s announcement of Windows 11 came with a host of new features, but perhaps the most intriguing was the discovery of a new feature called “Cloud PC.” Uncovered by Twitter researcher Albacore, the Cloud PC feature offers users the ability to access a virtual PC stored on the internet, providing access to a variety of features and functions that mirror those found on a traditional desktop computer.
This feature could be the first clue to what Microsoft has in store for the future of its operating system, namely Windows 12. While it’s still too early to say for certain what the new version of Windows will offer, the presence of Cloud PC in Windows 11 suggests that cloud computing will play a central role in Microsoft’s future plans.
The Cloud PC feature offers users the ability to share USB ports, printers, local hard drives, and more, making it possible to access the same data and functionality from anywhere, at any time. Depending on how Microsoft chooses to integrate Cloud PC into Windows 11, this feature could be incredibly useful for businesses and individual users alike, offering the ability to seamlessly transition from a physical desktop to a virtual one.
While it’s not yet clear how the integration of Cloud PC into Windows 11 will work, it seems likely that Microsoft will want to make the process as smooth and effortless as possible. If Cloud PC is similar to the version included in Microsoft’s Windows 365 Business subscription, users will have access to a virtual PC stored on the internet that functions like a traditional desktop computer. This means that any device with an internet connection, including smartphones and Chromebooks, can be used to access the Cloud PC and utilize it just as they would a physical desktop.
It’s possible that Cloud PC will be linked to a OneDrive subscription in Windows 11, though it may also be available in a limited free version, similar to OneDrive. Microsoft’s strong emphasis on promoting the use of OneDrive does raise some concerns about whether the company will force users to use this feature, but only time will tell.
Despite the fact that Cloud PC is currently only available to Windows Insiders who have agreed to test experimental versions of Windows 11, its discovery offers insight into what the future of Windows 12 might look like. With cloud computing poised to become an increasingly important part of how we work and interact with technology, Microsoft’s decision to incorporate Cloud PC into Windows 11 could be a game-changer.
In conclusion, while it’s still too early to say what Windows 12 will offer, the presence of Cloud PC in Windows 11 offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of cloud computing. If Microsoft continues to build upon this feature in future versions of Windows, we could be looking at a major shift in the way we think about operating systems and computing in general.