Windows Cloud Desktop Hosting

Microsoft Windows Desktop refers to the classic family of operating systems, like Windows 10 or 11, designed primarily for individual users and personal computers. It provides the familiar graphical user interface like the desktop, start menu, and file explorer, optimized for interactive use with a mouse and keyboard. Its main purpose is to serve as a reliable platform for running the vast ecosystem of client-side applications, such as Microsoft Office, specialized design tools, and proprietary business software. It is a single-user system focused entirely on productivity and interaction.

When hosted in the cloud, Windows Desktop functions as a virtual desktop infrastructure or remote workstation. Instead of running on your local machine, the OS runs on a secure, high-performance server, which you access remotely via RDP. This deployment is ideal for remote employees, for running resource-intensive Windows-only applications without needing expensive local hardware, and for centralizing all data securely off the end-user’s device.

The system requirements for deploying a cloud server running Windows desktop are as follows:

Hardware requirements:
Operating systems: Windows 10/11, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016
CPU: 1vCPU with 1 GHz or faster processor
RAM: 1024 MB
Hard drive: 100 MB or more

If you’ll be using Microsoft Teams on your cloud PCs, the Windows device requirements increase to:
CPU: At least 2vCPU with Minimum 1.6 GHz or faster processor. For higher video/screen share resolution and frame rate, a four-core processor or better is recommended.
RAM: 4096 MB
Hard drive: 3 GB or more

For more detailed information, visit the Microsoft hardware requirements.

Kamatera offers the latest long-term release versions of Windows Desktop: Windows 10 and Windows 11. These are provided as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments.

The flexibility and power of cloud desktop hosting allow it to solve three major business challenges: supporting remote workers, enabling specialized applications, and centralizing data management. These environments are fundamentally about providing dedicated performance and control without the burden of physical hardware.

The primary use cases include:

Enabling global remote work: Provide a secure, high-performance virtual desktop server for all remote employees. Workers can access their full, company-standard Windows environment from any device (Mac, tablet, home PC) using RDP, ensuring productivity and seamless access to resources wherever they are located.

Running resource-intensive applications: Execute demanding, Windows-only software—such as CAD, graphic design programs, or proprietary trading platforms—that require guaranteed CPU and GPU resources. Hosting these in the cloud eliminates the need for expensive, high-end physical workstations on every desk.

Secure development and testing: Rapidly provision and dismantle isolated, clean Windows environments for application testing, development, and debugging. This ensures consistency and prevents environmental conflicts, significantly speeding up the software lifecycle.

Centralized data and security: Keep all critical company files and applications stored securely in the data center. This centralizes control, simplifies backup and disaster recovery, and prevents sensitive data from residing on vulnerable endpoint devices, greatly reducing security risk.

Windows Desktop is optimized for a single, interactive user experience and running client-side applications. Windows Server is optimized for running services, managing networks, and hosting shared applications for multiple simultaneous users. Kamatera’s desktop solution is specifically designed for VDI/remote workstation use.

Yes. Your Windows desktop operates in an isolated environment protected by advanced network firewalls. Furthermore, our data centers adhere to strict physical and digital security protocols, mitigating the risks of hardware failure or physical theft associated with local machines.

Absolutely. One of the core benefits of our cloud hosting is instant scalability. You can quickly add or reduce resources like CPU cores, RAM, and storage directly through the control panel as your workload changes, with minimal downtime.

You access your Windows Desktop primarily using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This secure, encrypted protocol is standard on all modern operating systems and allows you to connect instantly from any local device, including Macs, Linux PCs, tablets, or thin clients.

Our 30-day free trial includes one server worth up to $100. You can set up your free VPS server, install an operating system, and select a location from one of our 20+ data centers worldwide.

If you choose monthly billing, you will receive your first invoice the month after the free trial expires. For example, if you start your free trial on November 20, the free trial will be until December 20. If you choose to continue using our services and don’t terminate your server, your first invoice will be sent out after January 1. That invoice will include a prorated charge for December 20-31, as well as the month of January.