Understanding Windows To Go and Portable Workspaces
Windows To Go was a feature introduced in Windows 8 that allowed users to boot a fully functional Windows operating system from a USB drive. This portable workspace solution was designed to meet the needs of enterprise organizations, providing IT professionals with a centralized way to deploy and manage Windows environments for their employees.
While Windows To Go is no longer supported in newer Windows 10 and 11 releases, the concept of portable workspaces remains relevant, especially in the era of hybrid work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments. In this article, we’ll explore the deployment and configuration considerations for Windows 11 portable workspaces, covering both the legacy Windows To Go approach as well as newer alternatives.
Deploying Windows To Go Workspaces
Creating the Windows To Go Image
To create a Windows To Go workspace, you’ll need a Windows 10 Enterprise or Education image (in the form of a WIM file) and a compatible USB drive. The simplest method is to use the Windows To Go Creator tool, which can be run on a Windows 10 computer with administrative privileges.
When creating the image, be sure to run sysprep /generalize just as you would when deploying Windows 10 to a standard PC. This ensures that the image is ready for deployment on multiple host computers.
Booting and Initializing Windows To Go
The Windows To Go workspace can be booted in two scenarios:
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On-premises initialization: When the workspace is first used at the workplace, it can be joined to the domain through the normal procedures, obtaining a lease, applying policies, and placing user account tokens appropriately. This also allows for the automatic storage of the BitLocker recovery key in Active Directory.
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Off-premises initialization: If the workspace is going to be used first at an off-premises location, such as the employee’s home, it needs to be configured for offline domain join and BitLocker encryption before being initialized. This ensures the workspace can connect to organizational resources and maintain security.
Deployment Considerations
Windows To Go workspaces can be deployed in a centralized IT process or by individual users creating their own workspaces. Regardless of the approach, ensure that the necessary drivers, especially for network adapters and Wi-Fi, are included in the Windows image to provide users with a seamless experience when roaming between host computers.
Managing Windows To Go Workspaces
Windows To Go workspaces are managed similarly to traditional desktop and laptop computers, with a few additional considerations:
Group Policy Settings
There are several Group Policy settings specific to Windows To Go that you should be aware of when planning your deployment:
- Allow hibernate (S4) when started from a Windows To Go workspace: Enables the use of the hibernation sleep state, which should be used with caution as it requires the workspace to remain on the same USB port.
- Disallow standby sleep states (S1-S3) when starting from a Windows To Go workspace: Prevents the workspace from entering sleep modes, which could lead to data loss or corruption if the USB drive is removed.
- Windows To Go Default Startup Options: Controls whether the host computer will boot to the Windows To Go workspace and whether users can make changes to the startup options.
Domain Joining and Application Deployment
Like a new desktop or laptop installation, Windows To Go workspaces will not be domain-joined or have applications pre-installed. You’ll need to develop methods to join the workspaces to the domain and deploy the necessary applications, likely using similar processes to those used for standard computer deployments.
Alternatives to Windows To Go
While Windows To Go is no longer supported in newer Windows versions, the concept of portable workspaces remains relevant. Here are some alternative solutions to consider:
Windows 365 Cloud PC
Windows 365 is a cloud-based desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) offering from Microsoft that provides users with a virtual Windows desktop. This allows employees to access their personalized work environment from any device, including their own personal devices, without the need for a physical USB drive.
Microsoft Intune Kiosk Mode
Microsoft Intune, part of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) suite, offers a Kiosk mode that can be used to create a locked-down, single-purpose Windows environment. This can be a suitable alternative for organizations that don’t require the full functionality of a portable Windows workspace.
Virtualization Solutions
Virtualization technologies, such as VMware Horizon or Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, can provide a secure and managed virtual desktop environment that users can access from various devices, including their own personal devices.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Event Forwarding and Monitoring
One common challenge with Windows To Go workspaces is ensuring that security and operational events are properly forwarded and monitored. By leveraging Windows Event Forwarding (WEF) and integrating with a security information and event management (SIEM) solution like Microsoft Sentinel, you can centralize the collection and analysis of event logs from your Windows To Go environments.
Deployment and Configuration Errors
Issues with the initial deployment and configuration of Windows To Go workspaces can lead to various problems, such as the inability to boot into the kiosk mode or difficulties connecting to organizational resources. Carefully review your Group Policy settings, ensure the necessary drivers are included, and test the deployment process thoroughly to identify and address any potential roadblocks.
Performance and Compatibility Concerns
The performance and compatibility of Windows To Go workspaces can be influenced by the host computer’s hardware, especially for critical components like the USB controller and network adapter. Monitor the user experience and be prepared to provide additional drivers or recommend specific host computer models that have been validated to work well with Windows To Go.
By understanding the deployment considerations, management strategies, and troubleshooting techniques for Windows 11 portable workspaces, you can effectively leverage these solutions to support your organization’s hybrid work and BYOD initiatives.
Conclusion
Windows To Go may no longer be a supported feature, but the demand for portable, secure, and manageable work environments remains. By exploring alternative solutions like Windows 365 Cloud PC, Microsoft Intune Kiosk mode, and virtualization technologies, you can continue to provide your employees with the flexibility and accessibility they need, while maintaining the security and control that IT professionals require.
Staying informed about the latest developments in portable workspace technologies and adopting a proactive approach to deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting will be key to ensuring a successful and seamless experience for your users. Remember to leverage the resources and community support available to navigate the evolving landscape of Windows 11 portable workspaces.
