How to Switch Between Cloud PC and Desktop on Windows 10 and Windows 11

If you use Windows 365 Cloud PC, you can switch between your local desktop and your Cloud PC session easily. This feature is useful for professionals who work in secure cloud environments but still need access to their physical device.

This guide explains how to switch between Cloud PC and your local desktop on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What Is a Windows 365 Cloud PC

A Cloud PC is a virtual Windows machine hosted in Microsoft’s cloud. It allows you to:

• Access your work environment from anywhere
• Run business apps securely
• Keep company data off your local device
• Maintain consistent settings across devices

Switching between Cloud PC and your physical desktop helps manage work and personal environments separately.

Method 1: Switch Using Windows 365 App

If you are using the Windows 365 app:

1. Open the Windows 365 app
2. Select your Cloud PC
3. Click Connect
4. Sign in with your work or school account

To return to your local desktop:

• Close the Cloud PC session window
• Or click Disconnect from the session menu

This immediately brings you back to your physical PC.

Method 2: Switch Using Remote Desktop

If you access Cloud PC via Remote Desktop:

1. Open Remote Desktop
2. Connect to your Cloud PC
3. Work inside the virtual environment

To switch back:

• Click the X on the session window
• Choose Disconnect instead of Sign out

Disconnecting keeps your Cloud PC session active in the background.

Method 3: Use Windows 11 Task View

On Windows 11, if Cloud PC is integrated:

1. Press Windows + Tab
2. Switch between virtual desktops
3. Select your local desktop

This is helpful when Cloud PC runs in a separate workspace.

How to Switch Quickly Between Sessions

To move smoothly between environments:

• Use Alt + Tab to switch between windows
• Minimize the Cloud PC session
• Use taskbar shortcuts

These methods make multitasking easier.

Best Practices When Switching

• Always save work before disconnecting
• Choose Disconnect instead of Sign out if you want to resume later
• Close sensitive applications before returning to local desktop
• Ensure stable internet connection

A stable connection prevents session interruptions.

Common Issues and Fixes

If you cannot switch properly:

• Check your internet connection
• Restart Remote Desktop
• Update Windows 365 app
• Verify account permissions

Cloud PC requires valid subscription and login credentials.

Difference Between Disconnect and Sign Out

Disconnect:

• Keeps your Cloud PC session running
• Allows quick resume

Sign Out:

• Ends your session completely
• Closes apps inside Cloud PC

Choose based on your workflow needs.

Final Thoughts

Switching between Cloud PC and your local desktop on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is simple once you understand the available methods. Whether you use the Windows 365 app or Remote Desktop, you can move between environments quickly while keeping your work secure.

For business users, this flexibility improves productivity and maintains data separation.

FAQs

Can I use Cloud PC and local desktop at the same time
Yes, you can switch between them while both are active.

Does disconnecting close my Cloud PC apps
No, disconnecting keeps apps running.

Do I need internet to switch to Cloud PC
Yes, Cloud PC requires an active internet connection.

Is Windows 365 available on Windows 10
Yes, it works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What happens if internet disconnects
Your session pauses and resumes when the connection is restored.