IT admins can soon deploy cloud apps without full Windows 365 PCs

Microsoft is introducing a new feature for enterprise customers called Windows 365 Cloud Apps. It lets IT admins deliver individual apps—like Word or Outlook—from a Cloud PC without assigning full virtual desktops to every user.

With this update, organizations using Windows 365 Frontline licenses can stream apps in shared mode. That means multiple users can connect to shared Cloud PCs, but only one user at a time per PC. This allows companies to support frontline, seasonal, or remote workers more efficiently.

To get started, admins will set up a provisioning policy in Microsoft Intune using a new “app-only” experience type. This setup controls Cloud PC location, provisioning scale, and who gets access. Apps published this way are streamed securely to users through the Windows App interface.

According to Microsoft, security policies on the Cloud PC will also apply to streamed apps. For now, only apps discovered from the Start menu of gallery or custom images are supported. More app sources will be added over time.

Users won’t see a full desktop. Instead, they’ll see only the specific apps pushed by IT, integrated directly into their local environment. Apps will run from the same Cloud PC and pull from a shared pool of Windows 365 Frontline licenses.

Microsoft says this feature simplifies management, reduces resource usage, and supports migration from on-premises virtual desktop infrastructure to the cloud. Do note that the feature is currently in private preview. Broader rollout is expected as Microsoft expands its Windows 365 platform.