Microsoft kicked off the first day of its Ignite conference today, showcasing various new technologies in AI innovation, cloud computing, and productivity. One of the most interesting announcements was a preview of Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link, a new class of devices resembling mini PCs designed to connect to Windows 365 apps — and that’s it.
The compact, fanless, and lightweight device has no local data or other apps and is a gateway to a company’s corporate cloud. By connecting the device to an external monitor, workers can access a limited but fast, efficient, and highly secure streamlined version of Windows.
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The Windows 365 Link is designed for workers who spend most of their time accessing apps in the cloud and don’t need local storage. The device aims to provide fast access without being bogged down (or distracted) by all the features on a full Windows laptop.
However, Windows 365 Link is not just for spreadsheets or Word docs; the device will also support videoconferencing with Microsoft Teams and Webex on up to two external monitors at 4K resolution.
At the same time, it’s inexpensive. Because the device has no display, peripherals, or functional components, Windows 365 Link will only cost around $349.
This low price makes it an attractive option for enterprises to connect employees cost-effectively, rather than doling out full-fledged laptops to entire workforces.
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As more companies move operations to the cloud and off local devices, they can more tightly control connectivity and access. The Windows 365 Link echoes this sentiment with a suite of security policies that can’t be disabled, and secure logins with Microsoft Entra ID, or via the Microsoft Authenticator app.
IT personnel will be able to manage these devices in Microsoft Intune alongside other Windows PCs. However, with minimal configuration policies, Windows 365 Link is designed to be set up and ready to go in minutes. Additionally, should the need arise, the devices can be remotely reset in minutes.
The device also features solid connectivity: two USB-A ports, an HDMI, USB-C, an audio port, and an ethernet port with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
The Link enters the market at a similar time as Apple’s new Mac Mini M4. However, these two devices are very different — the latter is a much more powerful piece of hardware, designed for creative tasks and demanding workloads. Conversely, Windows 365 Link is more of an access point to cloud-based productivity across the suite of 365 apps.
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Windows has another way to provide a limited (and more secure) operating system with Windows S Mode. There are plenty of laptops specifically designed to work with this restricted OS, such as Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5 — a laptop I tested earlier this year. But it’s still a laptop, and even though it’s inexpensive (around $500), it’s still not as cheap as the Windows 365 Link.
The Windows 365 Link is essentially Microsoft’s first mini PC for the corporate professional space. The device provides a low-cost, low-energy way for workers to connect, with improved security.
The devices will be generally available in April 2025. However, Microsoft is allowing organizations in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the US to apply for the preview program starting today.
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