Microsoft's new Windows App aims to let users run Windows apps and devices on platforms from Mac to smartphones, and all without requiring a local PC to act as a host.
Microsoft is releasing Windows App for the Mac as well as iOS and web browsers
The new Windows App is partly a rebrand of the company's longstanding Microsoft Remote Desktop, which saw a significant update on the Mac in 2021. That app is still available while the Windows App is in a beta test, but Microsoft is at least deprecating some of its features, if not the whole service.
"Windows App is your gateway to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services, and remote PCs," says Microsoft in a new blog post, "securely connecting you to Windows devices and apps."
"You can use Windows App on many different types of devices on different platforms and form factors, such as desktops and laptops, tablets, smartphones, and through a web browser," it continues. "When using a web browser on a desktop or laptop, you can connect without having to download and install any software."
Currently available for the Mac only via TestFlight, the Windows App requires macOS Monterey or later. For the iPhone and iPad, it requires iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or later.
Windows App running on Mac
Windows App is also available to use via a web browser, though Microsoft notes that it "doesn't support mobile web browsers." It does, though, support Safari version 11 (from 2017) or later, plus Firefox 55, Chrome 57, or Microsoft Edge 79 or later.
This means that Windows will effectively be able to run on many devices that it currently does not support. Although at present that list does not appear to include Android.