From License to First Cloud PC: A Sponsor’s Guide to Driving Success with Intune and Windows 365

As organizations embrace hybrid work, Windows 365 Cloud PCs are redefining how employees access secure, scalable, and persistent Windows experiences—from anywhere. But the real power comes when Windows 365 is paired with Microsoft Intune, both included in Microsoft 365 E3 and E5.

For executive sponsors, this transformation is more than a technical rollout—it’s a strategic shift. Your leadership can accelerate adoption, reduce risk, and unlock long-term value. This guide walks you through five essential steps to go from license to launch, with actionable insights and clear guidance on what to do using Intune, Windows 365, or both.

Step 1: License Assignment with Intune Readiness

What to do:

• Assign Windows 365 licenses using the Microsoft 365 admin center or automate via group-based licensing in Microsoft Entra ID.

• Ensure users meet technical prerequisites: Intune enrollment, supported OS, and hybrid identity configuration.

• Use Intune’s device compliance policies to validate readiness before license assignment.

• Create dynamic groups in Entra ID based on attributes like department, location, or device type to streamline license distribution.

• Monitor license usage and readiness through Intune reporting and Endpoint analytics.

Expanded Risk:

• Eligibility gaps due to missing Intune enrollment or unsupported devices.

• Over- or under-licensing impacting cost and adoption.

• Manual errors and lack of visibility into license utilization.

Mitigation:

• Automate license assignment with dynamic groups.

• Conduct pre-deployment audits using Intune compliance reports.

• Schedule regular reviews of license usage and optimize allocation.

Objection:

“We already have laptops.”

Counter:

Cloud PCs complement existing hardware—ideal for BYOD, contractors, and remote workers. Intune ensures secure access and policy enforcement across all devices.

Step 2: Network Configuration with Intune Security Integration

What to do:

• Choose between Microsoft Hosted Network (simplified setup) or Azure Network Connection (ANC) for advanced control.

• Use Intune Endpoint Security policies to enforce firewall rules, DNS settings, and secure traffic routing.

• Validate network readiness with Microsoft’s Network Planner and Cloud PC connectivity tools.

• Align network design with Zero Trust architecture, leveraging Intune for segmentation and monitoring.

• Collaborate with Azure networking and security teams early in the planning phase.

Expanded Risk:

• Misconfigured vNETs or DNS can block provisioning.

• Latency and bandwidth issues degrade performance.

• Security gaps in NSGs or firewalls can expose Cloud PCs.

Mitigation:

• Default to Microsoft Hosted Network unless compliance requires ANC.

• Use Intune to enforce secure configurations and monitor traffic.

• Validate network health and performance before deployment.

Objection:

“We’re concerned about security.”

Counter:

Cloud PCs are built on Zero Trust principles. Intune enforces encryption, conditional access, and compliance policies—keeping data secure and off the device.

Step 3: Provisioning Policies via Intune

What to do:

• Create Intune provisioning policies to define Cloud PC settings: region, image, network, and user group.

• Use automatic region selection to optimize performance and availability.

• Tailor policies to user roles—task workers vs. power users—using Intune’s role-based access and device configuration profiles.

• Pilot policies with a small group to validate performance and user experience.

• Document policies with clear naming conventions and version control in Intune.

Expanded Risk:

• Incorrect region or image selection can impact performance.

• Policy conflicts or lack of governance can cause provisioning failures.

Mitigation:

• Use Intune analytics to monitor provisioning success and user satisfaction.

• Refine policies based on feedback and performance metrics.

• Maintain centralized documentation for governance and troubleshooting.

Objection:

“What about performance?”

Counter:

Cloud PCs run on high-performance Azure infrastructure. Intune provisioning policies allow tailored compute power for every user type.

Step 4: Image Management with Intune Integration

What to do:

• Choose from Microsoft gallery images or upload custom images via Intune.

• Ensure custom images include required agents: Intune, Defender, and Endpoint Manager.

• Use Intune’s image validation tools to check for compatibility and security.

• Keep images lightweight and updated regularly with patches and app updates.

• Standardize image versions across departments using Intune’s centralized image repository.

Expanded Risk:

• Missing agents or outdated images reduce manageability and security.

• Bloated images slow performance and increase provisioning time.

Mitigation:

• Prefer Microsoft gallery images for simplicity and support.

• Validate and maintain custom images through Intune.

• Schedule regular updates and enforce version control.

Objection:

“We’re not ready for the cloud.”

Counter:

Windows 365 is a fully managed SaaS solution. Intune simplifies image deployment and lifecycle management—no infrastructure required.

Step 5: User Access & Support with Intune Analytics

What to do:

• Enable access via Windows App, browser, or Remote Desktop.

• Use Intune’s Company Portal to guide onboarding and provide access instructions.

• Create and distribute quick-start guides, videos, and FAQs through Intune.

• Monitor usage and satisfaction with Endpoint analytics.

• Test access policies with pilot users to ensure seamless login experiences.

• Establish feedback loops using Intune reporting to improve support.

Expanded Risk:

• Low adoption due to poor onboarding.

• Misconfigured access policies can block login.

• Shadow IT risks from unsupported workarounds.

Mitigation:

• Provide training and onboarding resources via Intune.

• Monitor login success and usage trends.

• Continuously refine support processes based on user feedback.

Objection:

“It’s too expensive.”

Counter:

Intune reduces IT overhead, improves security, and lowers support costs— delivering predictable OpEx and long-term savings.

Lead the Change with Intune + Windows 365

Windows 365 and Intune together form a powerful foundation for secure, modern work. As an executive sponsor, you can accelerate transformation by:

• Automating license assignment with Intune

• Designing scalable provisioning and network strategies

• Piloting and optimizing with Intune governance

• Equipping teams to address objections confidently

• Measuring success with Intune analytics

Connect with your Microsoft account team to schedule a Cloud PC strategy session and take the first step toward a more agile, secure, and productive future.

Author:

Patrick Whittington

Senior Consultant Migrate Technologies