Amazon AppStream 2.0 has received an upgrade, adding native application mode for Windows PCs.

AppStream allows companies to stream applications from Amazon’s servers, saving local resources. AppStream 2.0 brings a number of improvements to the service, including the ability to switch back and forth between local and streamed applications, in addition to providing a more native experience.

“When AppStream 2.0 users start a streaming session in native application mode and open a streaming application, the application opens in its own window and functions in the same way as a locally installed application,” according to the statement. “Because AppStream 2.0 also supports file system redirection, users can share their local folders or drives with their streaming applications. When users do so, their shared drives and folders remain available for them to access within an active session. With the combined capabilities of native application mode and file system redirection, you can provide your AppStream 2.0 users with a seamless, truly native experience for streaming applications.

Native application mode is supported only through the AppStream 2.0 client for Windows. It is available at no additional cost in all AWS Regions where AppStream 2.0 is available.”