A mini PC that doesn’t do anything. That’s the general idea behind Microsoft’s newest product, Windows 365 Link. It can’t run apps and doesn’t have a traditional operating system; it’s just a box that logs into the Windows 365 cloud desktop platform.
Windows 365 is a subscription-based cloud PC service that provides remote access to high-end Windows 11 virtual machines. Customers can log into their cloud-based Windows machine from any device, be it a crappy laptop, a Chromebook, or an iPad. The Windows 365 platform is expensive, and it’s also limited to business and enterprise customers.
In the short-term, Microsoft hopes that IT departments will purchase Windows 365 licenses instead of desktop or laptop computers. These licenses may have little or no cost benefit, but they ensures that employees can securely access their “work desktop” from anywhere. Windows 365 also reduces the challenge of running a secure, efficient network, as vulnerable compute tasks are relegated to Microsoft’s secure cloud.
Any device with web browsing capabilities can log into Windows 365 and interact with a virtualized PC. You don’t need a purpose-made machine. That said, network security and streamlined IT operations are two of Windows 365’s biggest selling points. Microsoft wants to double down on these benefits by offering a “dumb,” locked-down client-side device. Enter the Windows 365 Link mini PC.
Priced at $350, the Windows 365 Link boasts dual 4K monitor support, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet, plus three video output options—USB-C 3.2 (DP Alt Mode), HDMI, and DisplayPort. It can boot up in a matter of seconds, according to Microsoft, and it packs a trio of USB-A 3.2 ports for keyboards, mice, and other peripherals.
These capabilities are pretty impressive, especially when you consider the Windows 365 Link’s small size. It measures just 4.72 inches wide and 1.18 inches tall. But the fun stops when you realize that Windows 365 Link can’t run local apps. It’s just a portal to the Windows 365 cloud desktop interface.
From what I can tell, Windows 365 Link runs a locked-down, stripped-down version of the standard Windows operating system. There’s no apps, no local data, and no local admin privileges, though video conferencing solutions are processed locally. All win32 functionality has been stripped from the machine’s OS, and it doesn’t work with USB docking stations. Security features like Hypervisor Code Integrity, BitLocker encryption, TPM, and Secure Boot cannot be turned off.
An organization that goes all-in on Windows 365 Link machines could significantly reduce its IT workload. That said, I expect businesses to take a more conservative approach. A Windows 365 Link machine may be useful for hybrid office workers, warehouse managers, or anyone else who uses a shared “hot” desk, but it may not be a worthwhile investment for a full fleet of employees.
Device longevity is also a concern. Microsoft hasn’t told us anything about its mini PC’s internal hardware—components like the CPU, RAM, storage, and power supply are a mystery. We don’t know if this machine is upgradable or repairable, we don’t know which CPU architecture it uses, and we don’t know if it can be converted into a standard Windows or Linux PC. It’s hard to justify a $350 mystery box when traditional mini PCs from Dell, Lenovo, and other brands sell for far less, and are incredibly easy to upgrade or repair.
Microsoft describes the Windows 365 Link as a new product category, which is technically true. It’s the first hardware device that’s designed for (and locked to) the Windows 365 service. However, the concept of accessing a virtual machine over a “thin” client device is not new. An IT department can set up an Azure Virtual Desktop instance (or a local VM), convert a cheap PC into a locked-down “thin” client-side device, and achieve the basic functionality of Windows 365 for a relatively low price. The main benefit of the Windows 365 ecosystem, when compared to a homegrown solution, is that it takes very little effort to set up.
I’m curious to see how the Windows 365 Link is received when it launches in April of 2025. At $350, plus the cost of Windows 365 service, it ain’t a cheap investment. However, Microsoft seems pretty confident in the product, and it believes that other brands will manufacture their own “Link” machines in the near future.
Source: Microsoft
