Windows 365 Link offers “desk-based users a responsive, high-fidelity, cloud-powered productivity experience, while helping to protect corporate data, reduce endpoint management work, and advance sustainability,” according to Microsoft.
The Apple M4 Mac Mini might have impressed consumers in recent weeks, but Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link is releasing soon to ensure you don’t give in to the temptation to switch to the Mac ecosystem. Unfortunately for Microsoft, a spec-by-spec comparison would reveal the M4 Mac Mini to be far superior to the Microsoft 365 Link cloud PC, however, the small gadget is not without its advantages that come at a much more affordable price.
Microsoft’s cloud-based desktop device functions like a thin client PC, designed to connect a user to the cloud server and allow them access to Windows 11. Most of our photos, documents, and other data reside in the abstract “cloud” today anyway, so it’s not a stretch for users to consider shifting their operating system there as well.
Image: Windows 365 Link
Secure by Design—Windows 365 Link Release Announced by Microsoft
The recent Microsoft Ignite 2024 event that took place on November 19 had a score of announcements that made their way to users. The Copilot AI was central to the discussion and so was Microsoft’s emphasis on security, but we did see a few other announcements like the Windows 356 Link release that caught our eye.
Microsoft’s cloud-based desktop device is essentially a mini PC that can be connected to monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals to create a desktop experience, all while the operating system works from cloud-based servers that don’t require any local storage or loading. It is the “first cloud PC device for Windows 365” and it’s designed with all of Microsoft’s security features automatically enabled.
Microsoft Windows 365 Link Cloud PC Specifications
The new mini PC is 1.18 inches in height and measures 4.72 by 4.72 inches. It has three USB-A 3.2 ports, one USB-C 3.2 port, one HDMI port and DisplayPort, an ethernet port, a Kensington lock port, and a port for the power cord. Interestingly, it also accommodates a 3.5mm headphone jack and supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E.
There’s no cooling fan to regulate the heat but it doesn’t seem that Microsoft thinks the mini PC will heat up to the point where it needs one.
Microsoft Prioritizes Security with the Mini Cloud PC
To use Windows 365 Link, organizations must be using Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID and should meet the existing Windows 365 requirements first. With support for passwordless authentication using Microsoft Entra ID, it’s a noteworthy investment for businesses with a vast network of workers.
“Windows 365 Link also provides passwordless authentication using Microsoft Entra ID. This enables users to sign in with multifactor authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app, a cross-device passkey using a QR code, or a FIDO USB security key.”
The device’s “locked-down operating system” has no local information storage and no local admin users, which reduces the access points for someone trying to attack the system. The lack of any local capabilities is also a problem as it requires an active internet connection at all times in order to access the cloud but if you can guarantee that, you should have nothing to worry about.
Microsoft Windows 365 Link Pricing and Availability
Microsoft’s cloud-based desktop device is priced at $349, which is more affordable than the Apple M4 Mac Mini at $599. The Windows 365 Link release is scheduled for early next year, in April 2025.
The company has a preview program available for those who want to try out the device but they need to join the program by December 15, 2024. The preview is also limited to the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, so if you live outside these regions, you’ll have to wait for the official release and see if the company releases the Windows 365 Link in your region as well.
For organizations that want to upgrade their systems and set up a more secure operation for the many company secrets, then the Windows 365 Link release should be one to look forward to or even preview right now.
