Microsoft has presented Windows 365 Link at its Intune conference. It is a compact computer similar in design and size to Apple’s Mac mini (or other Mini-PCs), but with completely different objectives, since it is designed for companies that use the Cloud PC platform.
Let’s face it, you’re probably never going to use this Windows 365 Link because it’s a super specialized machine for use in companiesbut we present it to you as a technological example, as it is Microsoft’s first mini-PC and also an example of where the Redmond firm wants client computing to go at the business level. And a cloud dominated by Windows…
Windows 365 Link, primer Cloud PC
If you remember, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella presented Windows 365 as a new service that he defined as “PC in the cloud” as it would allow users to access a complete Windows environment from any device (and with any operating system) through a web browser. In essence, a true virtualized Windows personal computer experience, with which Microsoft combined the power and security of the cloud with the versatility and simplicity of a PC.
To understand how it works, you have to think about services like the Xbox Cloud where the content runs on the servers of these providers and is served to the user. Windows 365, even with its peculiarities, works in the same way, but with a different objective: stream an entire operating system from the cloud.
Windows 365 Link is designed specifically for Windows 365. It measures just 120 X 120 x 30 mm, making it smaller than a Mac mini. It must be said that its compact size is due to the design of fanless cooling and the fact that the device does not have local storage capabilities.
Yes it offers a good variety of connectivity optionsincluding one USB-C port, three USB-A ports, HDMI DisplayPort outputs that support connection to two 4K monitors, Ethernet connections and support for wireless standards, Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E. No details of the internal hardware have been revealed, but it is of little relevance. Microsoft has yet to reveal specific hardware details, but it’s not relevant to this machine’s goals, which are to give desktop users a snappier experience with features like instant wake from sleep, boot in seconds and local video processing.
The machine requires Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and works with 365 Frontline, Enterprise, and Business editions. As with other cloud-based solutions, Microsoft will lock down some of the security options, features such as Secure Boot, dedicated Trusted Platform Module, hypervisor code integrity, BitLocker encryption, and security detection and response sensor. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
Microsoft plans to launch the device in April 2025with preview versions in some countries in a trial period starting December 15, 2024. Windows 365 Link, Microsoft’s first Cloud PC and first mini-PC, is priced at $349.
