Microsoft is revealing new hardware today, diverging from its usual Surface product lineup.
The Windows 365 Link, launching in April at $349, is a compact desktop PC designed solely for accessing the Windows 365 cloud service, as opposed to running Windows natively.
Design and Build
The Windows 365 Link is a minimalist black plastic box with a Windows logo embossed on the top.
Its appearance resembles a smaller, more compact version of the Windows Dev Kit 2023—an Arm desktop Microsoft introduced for developers a few years ago.
The device features a single USB-A port on the front for quick access, while the rear panel houses:
- One USB-C 3.2 port
- Two additional USB-A ports
- A full-size DisplayPort
- A full-size HDMI port
- An Ethernet port
- A power jack
Internal Specifications and Functionality
According to Windows Central, the fanless device uses an Intel processor (specific details undisclosed) and includes 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
It runs a streamlined version of Windows tailored exclusively for connecting to peripherals and the Windows 365 cloud.
When disconnected from the Internet, the device is largely non-functional, though it likely offers basic functionality for configuring networks and managing accessories.
Despite its limited local capabilities, the hardware is well-suited for thin-client tasks.
Microsoft states the Windows 365 Link can support two 4K displays simultaneously and features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for wireless peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, headsets, and more.
The device also handles video encoding and decoding locally to ensure smooth videoconferencing.
Thin Client Concept
The Windows 365 Link is Microsoft’s foray into “thin client” computing, a concept familiar to IT professionals.
Thin clients rely on minimal local hardware and a lightweight operating system, connecting users to powerful remote servers where data, applications, and settings reside.
This approach simplifies IT management, allowing administrators to upgrade or replace hardware without impacting user data or configurations.
End users, in turn, can access their work environment seamlessly from any compatible thin client.
Future Plans
Microsoft emphasizes that the Windows 365 Link is just the beginning of its Cloud PC product line.
“We’ll build more endpoints and form factors, scaling with our OEM partners to unlock more value and options,” Microsoft’s Anthony Smith stated in a company blog post FAQ, hinting at a broader ecosystem of devices in development.
Market Target and Outlook
Currently, the Windows 365 Link is aimed at businesses willing to invest in Windows 365 subscriptions, which start at $31 per user per month.
However, Microsoft reportedly envisions a consumer version of Windows 365, suggesting that the Link device could eventually play a role in making cloud PCs accessible to a broader audience. Pricing and availability for a potential consumer variant remain unannounced.
With the Windows 365 Link, Microsoft is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving space of cloud-based computing, offering businesses an efficient and scalable solution for managing user environments.
