Windows 10 Pro in cloud configuration provides an easy way to apply a uniform set of configurations to Windows 10 devices that transforms them into streamlined, easy-to-manage, cloud optimized endpoints. IT managers can use Microsoft Endpoint Manager to apply cloud config to either new or existing Windows 10 devices. Cloud config may be appropriate for users who only need a streamlined device with a limited number of IT-curated applications to meet their targeted workflow needs. User accounts are registered in Azure Active Directory and devices are enrolled for cloud management in Microsoft Intune so they are easy to manage and automatically updated with the latest product and security updates. Learn more about cloud config.
Yes. They can sign in with their work account and access Microsoft 365 through their browser. If your employee seeks access to the corporate network, you can synch their account with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). Find out how Azure Active Directory can help connect your remote workforce to your network. Learn more.
To access Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Dynamics 365 cloud apps, employees can register their device and add a work account via Add a Work Account on your organization’s network. However, they may encounter restricted access joining a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a domain from a Windows 10 Home device. If your company has implemented Azure Active Directory Join, Windows 10 Home devices will also have limited management and security features. If your user needs fuller access to your domain, we recommend upgrading their Windows 10 Home device to Windows 10 Pro. To learn more about the different versions of Windows, view our comparison chart.
Businesses are finding they need an added layer of security and manageability as their company moves to remote work. Windows 10 Pro adds several advanced features, including Azure Active Directory, Domain Join, Windows Information Protection1, BitLocker2, Remote desktop3, and a suite of tools designed for business use. If your business is looking to upgrade your employee’s Windows 10 Home machines to Windows 10 Pro, they can do this remotely by upgrading their license from Windows 10 Home PC to Windows 10 Pro through Microsoft Store.
While we recommend purchasing a device with Windows 10 Pro, sometimes you need a device sooner. In these situations, you have a few options. You can:
- Purchase a Windows 10 Home PC. By joining the Windows 10 Home PC with Azure AD using Add a Work Account, employees can access productivity resources like Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and Teams. Learn how to join a new Windows 10 device with Azure AD during a first run.
- Ask your employee to register the device and Add a Work Account on your organization’s network to access Microsoft 365, Teams and Microsoft Dynamics 365 cloud apps as needed.
For fuller access to your company domain, upgrade the Windows 10 Home PC to a Windows 10 Pro license. See instructions outlined in Question 5.
While this is an option to get productive fast, these devices will have limited management and security features. Compare different editions of Windows 10.
A user working from a Windows 10 Home device will encounter access limitations with private domains. To quickly get them up and running, we advise upgrading their Windows 10 Home license to Windows 10 Pro Windows 10 Pro supports domain join so you can add new devices to your network and set security policies for many devices simultaneously:
- Upgrade the Windows 10 Home PC to Windows 10 Pro now through Microsoft Store.
- After the device is upgraded to Windows 10 Pro, follow below steps to join a computer to a domain
- Connect to your company network via VPN or on-premises.
On the Start screen, type Control Panel, and then press ENTER.
Navigate to System and Security, and then click System.
Under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, click Change settings.
On the Computer Name tab, click Change.
Under Member of, click Domain, type the name of the domain that you wish this computer to join, and then click OK.
Click OK, and then restart the computer.
Yes. A user can access their Windows 10 Pro PC Remote desktop lets you unlock and access your own machine virtually—all your files, folders, and apps just the way you left them. Once you’re logged in, you can work on your device just as if you were working directly on it. Learn more.
With more employees working remotely and across devices, it’s important to support bring-your-own-device (BYOD) scenarios. We offer self-service enrollment so users of a wide range of devices, including Mac, Linux, iOS and Android can quickly and easily join Azure AD and enroll in Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) to access company resources. Once enrolled, MEM applies appropriate policies, to ensure that a device is encrypted with a strong password and has certificates for access to things like Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and WiFi. MEM can also ensure that devices are adhering to policy by checking-in the device’s health compliance status to Azure AD as it processes the user’s authentication. For guidance on deploying and using MEM your teams can check out our MEM documentation and tutorials.
The dramatic shift from on-premise to remote work can create a shift in your corporate environment. Technology can play a role in reducing the impact. We’re helping business respond quickly to the challenges and making sure employees can work remotely without sacrificing collaboration, productivity or security. For more information, resources and tips on how to connect your workforce, support collaboration online or file share across distances, visit COVID-19 Remote Working.