Microsoft has once again pushed the boundaries of technology. This time it's not another Surface device, but Windows 365 Link, a mini PC for the 349 $ that, instead of being the "brains of the operation," simply connects your monitors and peripherals to the cloud. It is a so-called "thin client," which serves as a window into the world of your virtual computer in the cloud. Welcome to the future of work and digital offices.
Windows 365 Link is a dedicated mini PC designed to connect to Microsoft's cloud services. This means that everything that actually runs your Windows 11 doesn't live on that device, but on Microsoft's remote servers. This minimalistic approach allows for fast operation, exceptional security and almost zero maintenance.
As Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows and Surface at Microsoft, said:
"We want the device to be as transparent and easy to use as possible, so that the user can instantly access their computer in the cloud."
And indeed, Link boots up in seconds, supports quick wake-up from sleep mode, and includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for modern connectivity. There are also plenty of ports for connecting devices, including USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPort and HDMI.
Why would anyone pay 349 for a $ when HP, Dell and Lenovo offer similar devices for less?
This is a question that many will ask themselves. Microsoft, however, is betting on its tight integration with the service Windows 365 and strict safety standards. Link is designed to be extremely simple for IT administrators. Everything the device does locally is signed and sandboxed, meaning the possibility of intrusions is minimal.
David Weston, vice president of security at Microsoft, pointed out that it is a "super hardened version of Windows," which is more like an Xbox or a smartphone than a regular computer. No chaos with drivers or outdated apps, just clean access to the cloud.
The future of work: The desktop is no longer just physical
Windows 365 Link is ideal for businesses that have already embraced the concept of cloud computing. Imagine an office where every employee simply connects their Link device to a monitor and accesses their personalized environment. Hot desking has never been so simple (or so futuristic).
As an added bonus, Microsoft promises that Windows 365 Link will be part of it Copilot Plus families. This means integrating artificial intelligence that can enhance the user experience with advanced features such as suggestions based on your work routine. All of this is designed to outpace competitors like Citrix and other cloud providers.
When and where?
Windows 365 Link will be available in preview from April 2025 for select markets, with others expected later that year. This is just the beginning, as Microsoft will expand its vision together with OEM partners such as HP, Dell and Lenovo.
Is the future here?
In a word: yes. Although the concept of cloud computing is not new, Microsoft is pushing the boundaries with this simple but extremely powerful "plug-in". Is Windows 365 Link really a must-have for every business? If you ask Microsoft: “Absolutely.” If you ask us: let's wait for the competition to answer. But one thing is certain: the future of work is in the cloud, and this little device is one step closer to it.
