ControlUp launches tool to speed Azure to Windows 365 move

ControlUp, based out of London, has introduced a free migration tool aimed at simplifying and speeding up enterprise transitions from Microsoft Azure-based Virtual Desktop environments to Windows 365 Cloud PCs.

The automated solution is positioned to reduce both the time and costs typically associated with desktop migration projects.

Migration automation

The new offering, ControlUp Migrate for Windows 365, replaces manual image migration tasks with an automated workflow. The platform enables intelligent VM selection, automated compatibility validation, and integration of migrated assets into ControlUp's existing management infrastructure.

This addresses a challenge for many organisations that have adopted Azure Virtual Desktop but face hurdles when upgrading or standardising infrastructure as Windows 365 adoption increases.

"ControlUp Migrate for Windows 365 is available at no cost to any organization looking to migrate to Windows 365. What makes our approach innovative is running comprehensive compatibility checks directly on VM disks before migration, which reduces the guesswork and failures of traditional projects," said Gadi Feldman, Vice President, Product at ControlUp. "The process automates everything from prerequisite validation to integrating new VMs into ControlUp for enhanced monitoring and management, turning a complex project into a straightforward, governed deployment."

Migration workflow

The product employs the Windows 365 migration API from Microsoft. This enables features such as pre-migration validation, where the software checks each VM for compatibility, ensuring, for example, that the operating system is eligible and that no conflicting software agents are installed.

ControlUp said the automation would really benefit IT organisations looking to modernise their infrastructure without disruption. The tool allows administrators to select from existing Azure Virtual Desktop instances, other Azure VM types, or custom-built VM images for migration. 

It announced that by validating critical prerequisites prior to migration, ControlUp Migrate for Windows 365 significantly reduces failure rates and accelerates deployment timelines. This is achieved by ensuring Windows 10+ compatibility, detecting incompatible agents and confirming proper OS disk configuration. Once the process is complete, ControlUp said new Windows 365 Cloud PCs are integrated back into their existing ControlUp organisation.

Cost considerations

By automating image validation and migration, ControlUp's approach reduces the risk of failed migrations and compresses typical project timelines. 

Microsoft highlighted the collaboration, emphasising that the tool is designed to support enterprise cloud modernisation efforts without extensive disruption to operations.

"Our partner ecosystem is vital to helping customers succeed with our cloud solutions. We are pleased to collaborate with ControlUp as part of our Windows 365 migration API launch program and see them deliver a solution that simplifies the migration process and helps organizations accelerate their journey to Windows 365 with confidence," said Scott Manchester, Vice President of product for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.

ControlUp stated that the tool would be free for customers and the general public.