Microsoft has introduced Windows 365 Link, a $349 mini PC that shifts the focus to cloud-based computing. The new device, set for general availability in April 2025, simplifies how businesses access Windows 365, the company’s cloud-based OS. The Link device enables users to bypass local installations entirely, connecting directly to a Windows 365 environment.
Streamlined Device for Business Efficiency
Windows 365 Link is designed to provide quick, secure access to cloud PCs, allowing businesses to transition employees seamlessly into remote or hybrid work models. Unlike traditional PCs, the mini device runs only the essentials needed for streaming a Windows 365 instance from the Microsoft cloud.
Windows 365 Link Sign-in screen with USB security key option (Microsoft)
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s head of Windows and Surface, stated that the goal was to create a device that minimizes steps between setup and operation, ensuring smooth and fast access.
This cloud-only design features a fanless build for quiet operation and includes an array of connectivity options: multiple USB 3.2 ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. These features make it versatile for business setups that require robust peripheral support.
Enhanced Security Measures
Security remains a top concern, and Windows 365 Link addresses this by eliminating local data storage and administrative access, minimizing risk in case of physical access. David Weston, VP of enterprise and OS security at Microsoft, highlighted that the device runs a streamlined version of Windows, drawing comparisons to the security architecture of Xbox and other hardened systems.
Passwordless sign-in via Microsoft Entra ID allows users to authenticate through multifactor methods, including FIDO security keys and cross-device QR codes. Integrated features like Secure Boot, BitLocker, and Hypervisor Code Integrity are non-optional, adding an additional layer of security.
A Long-Term Shift to Cloud Computing
The introduction of Windows 365 Link follows Microsoft’s broader vision revealed during the FTC v. Microsoft hearing in June 2023, which detailed the company’s plan to transition Windows into a cloud-focused ecosystem.
This vision aligns with developments dating back to July 2021, when Microsoft first launched Windows 365 Cloud PC at its Inspire conference. The initial product catered to businesses looking for remote work solutions, enabling secure access to Windows desktops through cloud streaming.
AI and Product Integration
Windows 365 Link will be part of the Copilot Plus lineup, extending Microsoft’s push into AI-powered productivity tools. This aligns with past updates from 2023, when features like Windows Copilot were announced, offering capabilities such as summarizing and automating tasks within Windows.
The device’s future will include support for high-fidelity video conferencing applications like Microsoft Teams and Webex by Cisco, leveraging local processing for enhanced performance.
Competitors and Challenges
The push toward cloud-based devices places Microsoft in direct competition with Google’s Chromebook X initiative and similar thin client offerings from HP, Dell, and Lenovo. Microsoft’s emphasis on integrated cloud services and AI capabilities positions Windows 365 Link as a more specialized alternative for enterprise users.
Microsoft says that Windows 365 Link is designed with sustainability in mind. The device’s top shield consists of 90% post-consumer recycled aluminum, and its packaging is entirely paper-based. Additionally, the product is ENERGY STAR certified, promising lower energy consumption compared to traditional desktop computers.
