Virtual Desktops in a Browser

Turn Any Device Into a Secure Workspace — In the Browser

WebStream delivers Windows applications and desktop-style workspaces to any HTML5 browser. No Java, no plug-ins, no client installs — just a URL, your identity provider, and infrastructure you already control.

Most users don’t need a whole desktop. They need their apps.

WebStream is built around per-application delivery — the app in a browser tab, governed by policy. When a full desktop environment is genuinely required, workspace mode delivers that too, from the same control plane.

How to Get Started

Browser-based desktops and apps in five steps

From nothing to a working browser session — most teams complete this in hours, not weeks.

1. Pick your infrastructure

Deploy WebStream on your own AWS EC2 instances or install on-premises via MSI. Your Windows hosts, your data, your account — no proprietary appliance.

2. Pick your delivery mode

Per-application delivery for focused access, or workspace mode when users need a desktop-style environment. Mix both from one control plane.

3. Publish your apps

Add your existing Windows applications to the App Collection — line-of-business systems, productivity tools, internal utilities. No code changes.

4. Connect your identity

Integrate SSO and MFA with your identity provider, then assign entitlements so each user sees exactly the apps and workspaces they should.

5. Access from any browser

Users open a URL in Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox and work. No Java, no Flash, no plug-ins, nothing to install or version-manage on endpoints.

Then: govern and observe

Apply policy to file transfer, clipboard, and print/PDF; audit every session; enable recording where compliance requires it.

Key Advantages

Why teams choose WebStream for browser-based delivery

The benefits of virtual desktops — without standing up a desktop estate or signing up for per-seat DaaS.

Anywhere access

Office, home, or on the road — apps and workspaces are a browser tab away on any device, with no VPN client in the path.

Device-agnostic

PC, Mac, tablet, or thin client — anything with an HTML5 browser works, so endpoint refresh cycles stop dictating access.

SSO & MFA built in

Identity-gated access through your existing identity provider, with entitlements controlling who can reach what.

One admin console

Manage apps, workspaces, users, policies, and entitlements from a single console — plus AI-assisted operations via the MCP Server.

Governance policies

File upload/download, clipboard, and print/PDF behaviour governed per policy — control data movement without breaking workflows.

Audit & recording

A full audit trail around every session, with session recording available where compliance and accountability demand it.

Comparison

Browser delivery vs traditional virtual desktop approaches

How WebStream compares with client-based VDI and hosted desktop services.

Capability WebStream Traditional VDI Hosted DaaS
Endpoint requirementAny HTML5 browserClient / agent installClient or browser, vendor-dependent
What users receiveSpecific app, or workspace when neededFull desktopFull desktop
InfrastructureYour AWS EC2 or on-premises serversYour desktop estate + broker stackVendor-hosted
Billing basisSessionHours (active use), BYOLLicences + estate costPer desktop / per user month
Data movement policyFile / clipboard / print by policyVariesVaries
Time to first sessionHoursWeeksDays

Deciding between an app and a desktop? Read deliver the application, not the whole desktop, or model costs with the pricing calculator.

Use Cases

Where browser-based delivery fits

The scenarios that used to mean a VDI project — now a browser tab.

Hybrid & remote teams

Consistent, secure access to Windows apps from home or office without shipping managed laptops or VPN tokens.

Legacy line-of-business apps

Forms-based, database-driven systems delivered to modern devices without rewriting a line of code.

Contractors & third parties

Scoped, audited access to exactly one application — no desktop, no network foothold, no endpoint requirements.

Shared & shift workstations

SessionHours billing suits rotating teams and shared devices — pay for active use, not provisioned seats.

Bring your own device

Personal devices become safe access points because the app never leaves your infrastructure — only pixels reach the endpoint.

Desktop-style workspaces

When users genuinely need a desktop environment, workspace mode delivers persistent, governed workspaces in the browser.

Watch the Full WebStream Demo

From a Windows app to browser access

The full end-to-end demo: browser login, launching Notepad and LibreOffice, file workflows, and starting a free WebStream Core trial on AWS.

Full WebStream demo — Windows applications and workspaces delivered through the browser.

Get Started

Get your first browser session running

Tell us where to start and we’ll help you get apps or workspaces into the browser. Prefer to give us full detail? Use the full assessment form.

FAQ

Common questions

Which browsers are supported?

Any modern HTML5-capable browser — Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox — on PC, Mac, tablet, or thin client. No Java, no Flash, no plug-ins, and no client software to install.

Do I get a full desktop or just applications?

Both are available. WebStream is built around per-application delivery — users launch the specific app they are entitled to — and workspace mode provides a desktop-style environment when a full desktop is genuinely required.

What infrastructure do I need?

WebStream runs on Windows you control: your own AWS EC2 instances or on-premises servers installed via MSI. There is no proprietary appliance and no requirement to move to a hosted desktop service.

How does authentication work?

Access is identity-gated. WebStream integrates with your identity provider for SSO and MFA, and every session is tied to a user with entitlements controlling exactly which applications and workspaces they can reach.

How is this priced compared with per-desktop VDI?

Paid tiers bill SessionHours — active streaming time — rather than per named user or per provisioned desktop. Idle time costs nothing, and WebStream Core is free for evaluation.

Get Started

Your apps, in a browser, today

Start free with WebStream Core — deploy on-premises (MSI) or on AWS. Most teams have a working browser session within hours.