Windows 365 vs. Microsoft 365: What's the Difference?

The digitalization of work and education is advancing by leaps and bounds, and many companies and individual users are now faced with the question of which solution to choose to cover their daily needs. The dilemma boils down to this: Windows 365 vs Microsoft 365Both products are part of the Microsoft catalog, and although they share a name and belong to the same ecosystem, they perform different functions and are tailored to specific user profiles.

Understand in depth their differences, their advantages and disadvantages and what use cases each one covers, is essential to making an intelligent decision and optimizing both technological resources and budget. Windows 365 vs. Microsoft 365: Here's what you need to know.

What is Windows 365 and how does it work?

Windows 365 is the Microsoft cloud desktop service, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution designed to offer a complete PC with Windows 11 or Windows 10, but hosted entirely in the Microsoft cloud.

In other words, Windows 365 lets you access a virtual computer from any device.: It doesn't matter if you use Windows, Mac, an Android tablet, or even a mobile phone. Simply access via browser, remote desktop, or app, and that's it: your work environment is always available, with your apps, settings, and documents.

This approach revolutionizes the way of working, especially in hybrid or remote models, since you do not depend on the power of the physical computer, but rather the configuration of the cloud PC you have contracted.

These are the main and advantages of this option when in doubt Windows 365 vs Microsoft 365:

• Virtual desktops accessible anytime, anywhere, even from a low-power computer.
• Advanced Security and centralized management by the IT department in companies.
• Ease of scaling: Desks can be added or removed as needs grow or decrease.
• Simplified configuration and provisioning, especially for SMEs and teams that do not have specialized technical staff.

Differences between Windows 365 Business and Enterprise

While both are cloud PCs, the experience and capabilities vary substantially depending on whether you choose the Business or Enterprise plan:

Windows 365 Business

• Focused on small and medium-sized businesses, especially those without their own IT teams.
• Up to 300 users by organization.
• Very simple management and implementation: : does not require advanced technical knowledge, nor additional licenses other than the subscription.
• Fixed monthly prices per user, calculated based on the cloud desktop configuration (CPU, RAM, storage).
• Integrated security based on the Microsoft cloud.
• Basic administration: ideal for those looking for speed and ease without complications.

365 Windows Enterprise

• Aimed at large companies and organizations with advanced security, customization and management needs.
• There is no limit of users.
• advanced management through Microsoft Intune and Endpoint Manager, allowing full control over physical and virtual PCs.
• full customization: Custom images, detailed network configuration (Azure Virtual Network), integration with Microsoft Access ID (formerly Azure AD), and group policies.
• Requires each user to have Windows 10/11 Enterprise, Intune, and Microsoft Entra ID P1 licenses (some Microsoft 365 plans include them).
• Possibility of creating hybrid configurations and advanced corporate policies.

In practice, Business is perfect for those looking for simplicity and Enterprise for those who need absolute control and flexibility.

Key differences between Windows 365, Microsoft 365, and Office 365

To the Windows 365 vs. Microsoft 365 dilemma, we must add a third name: Office 365. Yes, it's a real mess, so it's best to clarify:

• Windows 365 It is the Cloud PC: virtual hardware managed by Microsoft, with Windows 11/10 and remote access.
• Microsoft 365 It is the productivity and collaboration suite formerly known as Office 365. It includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive storage, and more.
• Office 365 was the previous name for cloud plans that included only Office applications along with some online services. Today, most plans have migrated to the Microsoft 365 brand, integrating security features, Windows, and even enterprise mobility (EMS).

So, what should you decide regarding Windows 365 vs. Microsoft 365? Microsoft 365 goes beyond simple office automation: it adds security systems, access control, device management, identity, backups, business email, etc. Therefore, They do not have to be exclusive productsIn fact, many companies use both (Windows 365 for cloud desktops and Microsoft 365 for productivity and collaboration).

Microsoft 365 plans and pricing: Home, Business, Education, and more

Offering Microsoft 365 It's very comprehensive and categorized to cover all needs. Here's a full breakdown so you know what each plan includes and how much it costs approximately:

Microsoft 365 for personal and family use

• Microsoft 365 PersonalDesigned for one user, it can be installed on up to five devices. Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Editor, and 5 TB of OneDrive. Guide price: €1/year or €59,99/month.
• Microsoft 365 Family: identical in functionality, but for up to six people. Each user has their own TB of OneDrive. Price: €79,99/year or €7,99/month.

Microsoft 365 for business (up to 300 users)

• Apps for business: Desktop, web, and mobile versions of Office, Access, and Publisher for PC. 1 TB of OneDrive. Guideline price: €8,25/month per user.
• Basic CompanyOffice: Web and mobile versions only, professional email (Outlook and Exchange), Teams, SharePoint Online. Price: €6/month per user.
• Standard Company: Adds the full package of apps and services, webinars, etc. Price: €12,50/month per user.
• Premium Company: Adds advanced device management, additional security, and Microsoft Intune. Price: €22/month per user.

Microsoft 365 for large companies (Enterprise)

• Microsoft 365 F3: Targeted at field employees with web and mobile access, 2 GB of OneDrive. Price: €8/month per user.
• Microsoft 365 E3: All advanced services, full versions of apps, 5 TB of OneDrive, business security, etc. Price: €36/month per user.
• Microsoft 365 E5: adds Power BI Pro, advanced security and compliance, phone, and audio conferencing. Price: €57/month per user.

Microsoft 365 Education

• A1: Free web version of Office for schools, storage and educational tools.
• A3: Adds desktop, Publisher, and Access for PC versions, along with enhanced security. Price: €2,50/month per user.
• A5: Same as A3 plus advanced analytics and security management. Price: €6/month per user.

All of these plans include technical support, automatic updates, and cloud storage, although Capabilities and tools vary depending on the package purchasedThese details might help you choose between Windows 365 vs. Microsoft 365.

Technical and licensing differences

The license is one of the keys to choosing the right plan, especially when it comes to businessesTo learn more about how these licenses are managed, you can consult our section on that Office is the one you have on your PC or specialized resources to manage your licenses.

• Windows 365 Enterprise requires each user to have Windows 10/11 Enterprise, Microsoft Intune, and a Microsoft Access ID P1. (This is usually included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, F3, E3, E5, A3, A5, and Education plans.)
• Windows 365 Business does not require prior licenses: : You just need to purchase the subscription, although there are limits on customization and advanced management.
• Microsoft 365 lets you have both Office apps and device and user management., plus cloud storage and professional email.
• Office 365 (the old name) It focuses only on apps and some cloud services, and lacks the management, security, and enterprise mobility capabilities of the current Microsoft 365.

The integration of Copilot and artificial intelligence tools within Microsoft 365 has revolutionized productivity in many organizations. These features, available depending on the plan you purchase, help automate tasks, write texts, create presentations, and analyze data more efficiently and quickly. Microsoft 365 has made a qualitative leap compared to the old office suites, constantly renewing itself to take advantage of AI and cloud services.

In the Windows 365 vs Microsoft 365 comparison, The decision depends on your goals and needs. If mobility, hybrid work, and managed security are your priorities, Windows 365 may be the ideal solution. If you're looking for collaborative tools, advanced office automation, storage, and user and device management, then Microsoft 365 is your best option.