The cloud has transformed the computing landscape and Microsoft continues to leverage its cloud infrastructure to provide seamless experiences. At Ignite 2024, Microsoft has announced a mini PC called Windows 365 Link that will run Windows 11 on the cloud. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
The $349 Windows 365 Link is a mini PC capable of streaming Windows 11 from the cloud and letting users connect peripherals to use that Windows instance. Link runs locked-down Windows 11 on the cloud with no apps and local administrator users. This makes it more secure and some corporate firms or industries like healthcare can use it.
It comes with the feature of multifactor authentication using Microsoft Authenticator app tpm, secure bootand BitLocker encryption, neither of which can be disabled. Microsoft claims the device can be up and running instantly and has a built-in Intel chip to process meetings on Microsoft Teams and Webex.
As far as the native OS goes, Windows 365 Link is said to run a stripped-down web-centric Windows OS codenamed “NXT.” Memorization Windows Core OS (WCOS)It can get by, but it can’t run Windows apps.
Talking about the specifications, the Windows 365 Link has an unknown Intel chip, 8 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. For I/O, there is 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C port, 2 x USB-A 3.2 ports, 1 x HDMI, Ethernet, and DisplayPort.
On the wireless connectivity front, it has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Given that it runs Windows on the cloud and is fanless, the actual hardware probably isn’t that powerful.
Windows 365 Link will launch in April 2025 at a price of $349, which is strangely expensive for an unknown hardware and cloud subscription-based device. What do you think about Microsoft Link 365? Let us know in the comments.
