Last year, Microsoft announced a connection portal in the form of the Windows App that would present a singular funnel of support for its virtualization services that include Remote Desktop, Dev Box Remote PC, Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and more.
Now it seems Microsoft is ready to ship its new Windows App beyond testers and to actual customers by the end of this year. According to a recently published blog post, Microsoft that the Windows App unifying client will not only bring support for iOS, macOS, the web, and Windows platforms, but also replace the current Windows 10 and 11 Windows 365 app that was only launched a year ago.
What to expect with the general availability of the Windows App
- Windows: The Windows 365 App will undergo an in-place update to transition to Windows App. Employees can expect a smooth update process that ensures full feature parity, modern user experience (UX), and no functional regressions. This update will be available through the Microsoft Store.
- Web: For web users, the transition to the Windows App will be immediate. Users will see the new UX and rebranding immediately upon accessing the app via the new URL. This ensures a cohesive and enhanced in-browser experience across all platforms.
- iOS and macOS: Users on iOS and macOS will experience an in-place update of the Remote Desktop client to the new Windows App version. This update will provide the same modern UX and additional functionalities, ensuring that there are no disruptions to business continuity. It will be available through the Apple app store for iOS and macOS.
- Android: We are also excited to announce the Windows App preview for Android, which will be available for users in the Google Play store later this year. This preview offers Android users the same robust and secure access to their Windows environment, ensuring a consistent experience across all devices.
While Android users will miss the initial launch release window, Microsoft is committed to having an Android supported Windows App later in its roadmap. Android users eager to get started with the Windows App will have to opportunity to evaluate and give feedback on the Windows App development as Microsoft plans to have public previews ready by the Fall of 2024.