Microsoft’s New Miniature PC for Windows 365

Microsoft is gearing up to launch the Windows 365 Link, a purpose-built miniature PC designed to enhance its Windows 365 cloud service. Priced at $349, this device acts as a thin client PC, connecting to the cloud to stream a version of Windows 11. The Windows 365 Link is compact, fanless, and user-friendly, making it an ideal companion for local monitors and peripherals.

The primary goal of the Windows 365 Link is to simplify and streamline access to cloud PCs. Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s head of Windows and Surface, emphasizes that the focus is on the Windows 365 experience. The device is designed to be as transparent as possible, minimizing the steps required for setup, login, and transitions. This approach aims to make the cloud PC experience seamless and efficient for users.

Security is a key feature of the Windows 365 Link. The device leverages Microsoft’s extensive work in securing Windows and Xbox consoles to ensure a robust defense against hackers. It runs a lightweight operating system designed solely to connect users to their Windows 365 cloud PCs quickly and securely. This OS is highly streamlined and hardened, with all running processes signed by Microsoft and isolated in sandboxes, similar to the security models used in Xbox and mobile devices.

The Windows 365 Link boots up in seconds and can wake instantly from sleep. It uses its own chips to process video for applications like Microsoft Teams and Webex by Cisco. While Microsoft has not disclosed the full specifications, the device will be powered by an Intel processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. These internals are sufficient for its role as a portal to more powerful cloud PCs.

Connectivity options on the Windows 365 Link are comprehensive. The device includes two USB-A 3.2 ports and one USB-C 3.2 port at the rear, along with a DisplayPort, HDMI port, and Ethernet connectivity. At the front, there is an additional USB-A 3.2 port. Wireless connectivity is supported through Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring that the device can connect to a wide range of peripherals and networks.

 

 

or IT administrators, the Windows 365 Link offers ease of management. The device does not require the same level of maintenance as a traditional PC and can be easily integrated into Microsoft Intune with minimal configuration. David Weston, Microsoft’s vice president of enterprise and OS security, describes the device as a “super hardened version of Windows,” emphasizing its streamlined and secure nature.

The Windows 365 Link is particularly well-suited for businesses that have adopted Windows 365. It can serve as a hot desk PC, allowing multiple users to connect to their own cloud PCs using the same device. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for modern workplaces that prioritize mobility and remote access.

Microsoft aims to position the Windows 365 Link as a compelling alternative to similar thin client PCs from HP, Dell, and Lenovo. These competitors offer devices at similar or lower price points, but Microsoft believes that the Windows 365 Link offers superior value for commercial customers. The pricing strategy is designed to appeal to businesses with specific scenarios and workloads that can benefit from the Windows 365 service.

In addition to its own devices, Microsoft plans to collaborate with OEM partners to expand the Cloud PC category. This approach mirrors the company’s strategy with 2-in-1 devices, starting with first-party products and then scaling with partners. By 2025, Microsoft expects to offer a broader range of Windows 365 Link devices through its OEM partners.

The Windows 365 Link will also be part of Microsoft’s Copilot Plus brand, which currently includes a range of laptops. The integration of Copilot Plus capabilities into Windows 365 instances in the cloud is expected to enhance the overall user experience, providing unique AI-driven features that set it apart from other cloud PC solutions like Citrix.

The Windows 365 Link is currently in preview and will be available in select markets for $349 in April 2025. This launch marks a significant step in Microsoft’s efforts to provide secure, efficient, and user-friendly cloud PC solutions for businesses.