Choose cloud when the work doesn’t need your machine
Cloud fits work that is unattended or scheduled, benefits from a clean environment, and doesn’t depend on anything only your device has.- The work runs on a schedule or without anyone at a keyboard.
- The work doesn’t need files, apps, or credentials that live only on one machine.
- A clean, consistent environment matters more than matching your local setup.
Choose on your computer when the work needs your machine
On-your-computer fits work that has to touch something local: a file, an installed app, or a credential already set up on your device.- The work reads or writes files that live only on your machine.
- The work depends on a local app or tool that isn’t available anywhere else.
- The work needs to act through something already logged in or configured on your device.
Cloud is the default placement and requires no setup. On-your-computer requires the desktop app and admin enablement before it can be used.
At a glance
Placement changes where the work executes. It does not change where the work lives: the thread stays the record of what happened, in either placement.
Where to go next
How work runs
Harnesses, placements, and why the thread stays the record wherever work executes.
Running on your computer
How to install the desktop app and run a thread on your own device.
Local-execution policy
How admins enable and govern on-your-computer execution.