Microsoft has unveiled its first cloud-based PC device, Windows 365 Link. It is super compact and lightweight, making it similar to the Apple Mac Mini. But it only runs on the cloud that is based version of Windows 11
The Windows 365 Link has three USB Type-A 3.2 ports, a USB Type-C 3.2 port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an Ethernet port, a Kensington lock port, and a port for the power cord.
It works with wired and wireless peripherals, monitors, and audio devices. Additionally, it works with input devices like keyboards, mice, cameras, storage devices, and hubs.
As per the company’s blog post, it takes seconds to boot and instantly wakes from sleep, allowing users to quickly get started or pick up where they left off on their Cloud PC.
High-fidelity Microsoft Teams meetings and high-performance video playback are made possible by the device’s local processing capabilities. It is perfect for IT professionals as it combines local processing with cloud-powered performance.
The device offers a locked-down operating system and eliminates local data or apps and local admin users, which makes it more secure.
It also offers 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, as per the company’s blog post.
The security baseline policies are also enabled by default, providing a more secure experience to users.
The Windows 365 Link will be priced at $349. It will be available in the market starting April 2025.
The preview is available only in selected countries which include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
