Microsoft has announced Windows 365 Link at Ignite ‘24, a mini PC that exclusively streams Windows from the cloud. The company touts it as the first cloud PC device.
Set to launch in April 2025, the compact, fanless device connects users to Windows 365, Microsoft’s cloud-hosted virtual Windows service. Unlike traditional PCs, Windows 365 Link cannot run local applications and operates through a stripped-down operating system designed solely for cloud access. It boots within seconds and offers instant wake-from-sleep functionality.
Targeting enterprise customers, Windows 365 Link allows businesses to remotely manage and wipe devices, with automatic background updates installed during off-hours.
The Windows 365 Link runs on an Intel processor with 8GB RAM and 64GB storage, though local storage is minimal since all computing occurs in the cloud. The device supports dual 4K monitors, four USB ports, audio and Ethernet jacks, and wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Despite lacking a local Neural Processing Unit (NPU), the 365 Link will support Windows 11’s advanced Copilot+ features through cloud updates planned for 2024. Users can access AI capabilities like Windows Recall, Click To Do, and AI in Search when streaming Windows from the cloud.
Microsoft says that the device is “optimised for video conferences,” which means that it offers local processing for video conferencing applications like Microsoft Teams meetings and Cisco Webex.
Organisations in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the US can now apply for the preview program. Microsoft plans to expand the ecosystem by allowing other manufacturers to create similar devices starting in 2025.
Microsoft is pricing Windows 365 Link at $349. It is positioning Windows 365 Link as an alternative to traditional thin client PCs, particularly suitable for hot-desking environments where multiple employees share workstations. However, that price excludes the required Windows 365 subscription.
