The Complexities of Shared Windows Devices

• Many organizations such as retail stores have Windows devices that are shared by multiple users rather than permanently dedicated to a single user.
• Shared devices complicate software deployment, management, and user access, offsetting some cost advantages.
• Choosing the right Windows and Office deployment options and configuration improves user workflow and reduces administrative friction.

Shared Windows devices are typically owned by the organization and used by multiple users throughout a workday or workweek, rather than being assigned to a specific user. Common shared Windows device scenarios include Windows-based point-of-sale devices, or shared computers in a hospital or medical examination room. How Windows, Office, and other aspects of each PC are licensed, deployed, configured, and managed can affect user workflow and productivity.

Windows on Shared Devices

All modern versions of Windows are designed to be used by multiple separate users as needed, although only one user can access the desktop at a time on all editions of Windows that are available on-premises (versus Windows virtual desktop scenarios).