(Credit: Microsoft)
Microsoft has created a $349 device designed to run Windows in the cloud rather than on the hardware itself.
Windows 365 Link, announced at the company's Ignite event, is part of Microsoft’s latest effort to expand in the cloud PC market. In 2021, the company revealed Windows 365, giving business users a way to stream the Windows experience over the internet on a variety of devices, including Android phones and macOS and Linux computers.
Three years later, it's following up with a dedicated mini PC that runs Windows 365. It starts shipping in April for select markets.
(Credit: Microsoft)The device is meant to appeal to businesses looking for alternatives to sending corporate-issued laptops to employees. "Compact, fanless, and lightweight, Windows 365 Link can be conveniently shipped directly to users," the company says. "It boots in seconds, wakes instantly from sleep, and offers local processing for video conferencing solutions such as Microsoft Teams meetings and Webex by Cisco, maximizing employee productivity."
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The device’s other benefit is security. It contains no local storage for data or apps, forcing the user to save and access all programs via Microsoft’s cloud services. "Security baseline policies are enabled by default, and security features cannot be disabled," the company adds. "Login is simple and secure with password-less authentication using Microsoft Entra ID and the Microsoft Authenticator app or USB security keys."
On the downside, the device means businesses will also need to pay for subscriptions to Windows 365 in addition to buying the hardware. Monthly plans for Windows 365 start at $28 per device but can scale up to over $277, depending on the configuration of the cloud PC.
In terms of specs, the Link device can support up to two 4K monitors. It also comes with four USB ports, an audio port, an Ethernet port, along with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Although the first Link device will come from Microsoft, the company is signaling it could expand the Windows cloud PC offerings to third-party vendors.