Today at Ignite 2024, Microsoft unveiled Windows 365 Link, a tiny desktop computer that lacks its own operating system and instead provides access to a cloud-hosted virtual machine running Windows 11. In fact, Windows 365 Link can’t even be called a PC, because The device cannot install and run local applications.
Image source: Microsoft
Windows 365 Link is scheduled to launch in select markets next April with a suggested retail price of $349. The device boots, according to Microsoft, “in seconds,” wakes up instantly from sleep mode, supports connecting two 4K monitors, is equipped with four USB ports, an audio jack and a wired Ethernet network adapter, as well as a standard set of wireless interfaces such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The new product is equipped with a passive cooling system.
Windows 365 Link can run a variety of apps, including Office, Microsoft Teams, and Webex, but it has built-in storage so it can’t install programs locally and won’t work without an Internet connection. But, according to the manufacturer, the device is highly secure – in particular, disabling security functions and logging in without a password is impossible in principle.
According to the manufacturer, the main consumers of the new computers will not be individuals, but commercial companies and government organizations. Microsoft emphasizes the convenience of remote management of these devices, quick setup, and automatic download and installation of updates.
Microsoft touts the eco-friendliness of Windows 365 Link, which the manufacturer says uses less power than most desktop computers. According to the company, the top cover of Windows 365 Link is made from 90% recycled aluminum alloy. The device uses 100% recycled aluminum in the chassis base, as well as 100% recycled copper and 96% recycled tin solder in the motherboard.
Starting today, businesses and government organizations in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the US can apply to participate in the Windows 365 Link Preview testing program.