14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has finally confirmed that it’s working on a so-called “cloud download” option for Windows 10 that would allow users to restore the operating system using an image stored in the cloud.
The latest Windows 10 preview build shipped to the Fast ring of the Insider program introduces this option in the recovery screen, albeit Microsoft says this isn’t ready just yet, so it won’t work as expected.
“Insiders may notice some references to “Cloud download” relating to PC reset or refresh. This feature isn’t available and working quite yet. We’ll let you know once it is, so you can try it out!” Dona Sarkar, chief of the Windows Insider program, said.
The cloud download option will work similarly to its sibling currently offered on Microsoft Surface devices.
Automatic reinstall option based on cloud power
When hitting issues that make it impossible to boot to the desktop, users can fire up this recovery screen and instruct the OS to download a system image stored in the cloud. This means the machine can automatically download a copy of Windows 10 and then reinstall the operating system without the need for a recovery partition or drive connected to the device.
Cloud download is first and foremost aimed at Windows Core OS, but given that Microsoft has already announced it, there’s a good chance it would make its way to full Windows 10 as well.
Windows Core OS is the platform powering a simplified version of Windows 10 whose purpose will be to bring to the market a whole new series of devices competing against Chromebooks. Windows Lite, the OS to be installed on these systems, itself will be positioned as a rival to Chrome OS, and a cloud recovery option would make it possible to reinstall the OS securely even if a USB recovery drive or port isn’t available.
Cloud download could make its way to production devices in the spring of 2020 when the 20H1 update ships, and insiders should be able to give it a try in the coming weeks.