Workspace ONE UEM Windows Multiuser Now Available
Windows Multiuser functionality is now available for Omnissa Workspace ONE UEM customers, and both physical and virtual Windows endpoints, including Horizon persistent pools, are supported. This new Windows Multiuser capability addresses not only technical and security requirements for shared Windows devices, but it can also decrease the number of physical and/or virtual devices deployed, resulting in cost savings.
What is Windows Multiuser?
Workspace ONE Windows Multiuser functionality allows two or more users to share a single device asynchronously, each with their own unique login experience. Whether the Windows endpoint is accessed as part of a call center, manufacturing shop, or other shared environment, each user can log in and out without impacting subsequent users.
Figure 1: Multiple users can access the same physical or virtual desktop.
In the example above, Tom’s desktop may be very different than Jack’s desktop due to permissions, applications, and other settings, but they can each log onto the same device with a distinct logon experience. The resources assigned to each user, such as apps and profiles, are securely sent to the device as part of the login process.
Important: The new Workspace ONE Windows Multiuser functionality implies multiple users logging into the same device at distinct times. Multiuser is not the same as multisession, wherein multiple users access the same virtual desktop at the same time.
Technical Requirements
The technical requirements for Windows Multiuser are:
- Workspace ONE UEM version 2406
- Workspace ONE UEM Modern Architecture
- Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub 2404
After these prerequisites are met, Windows Multiuser mode is enabled and becomes the default for new devices. Existing Windows endpoints remain as Single user and may be enabled as Multiuser. Similarly, Multiuser devices, whether initially or subsequently enabled, may be reconfigured as Single user.
Figure 2: Technical requirements for Windows Multiuser.
Workspace ONE UEM version 2406
Workspace ONE UEM version 2406 was made available in August 2024, and this release automatically enables Multiuser functionality. However, Workspace ONE version 2406 is not the sole requirement.
Workspace ONE UEM Modern Architecture
The new Workspace ONE UEM Modern Architecture is also a requirement for Multiuser. As part of this new underlying architecture, the feature flag for Windows Multiuser will automatically be enabled.
Workspace ONE SaaS customers will be upgraded to the Modern Architecture platform starting in August 2024, with rollout extending several months.
Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub version 2404 or later
Lastly, Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub version 2404 or later is required.
Once all of these requirements are met, newly enrolled devices are Multiuser enabled by default.
Summary
Windows Multiuser functionality enables enterprises to securely manage endpoints that are accessed by multiple users. Individual user permissions, applications, and other settings can be customized and have no impact on other users that access that same device.
For Windows Multiuser step-by-step configuration instructions, please see Omnissa Docs.
For more detailed “how-to” information, including scenarios, application setup, and other advanced topics, see Workspace One UEM Windows Multiuser.