Cloud Windows: Why You Can't Run Windows Natively on Your iPad

Five years ago, Microsoft announced Windows 365, a service that would let users run Windows on any device, including iPads. However, this promise of 'Windows on an iPad' has not come to fruition as many had hoped.

The reality is that Microsoft never intended to offer native Windows support for iPads. Instead, the service provides cloud-based Windows access through a remote desktop app, allowing users to stream Windows 11 from the cloud without having to purchase a physical device.

This model is similar to other cloud services like Xbox Game Pass and Office in the browser, which allow users to access software and games from anywhere. The main difference is that Windows 365 is geared towards enterprise customers rather than individual consumers.

For regular folks, renting a Windows PC in the cloud doesn't seem to be a cost-effective option. A basic dual-core cloud PC subscription would amount to about the same as buying an entry-level laptop or office mini PC after a year of use.