Windows 365 Link Is a Mini PC that Runs Windows on the Cloud
Nov. 20, 2024The $349 Windows 365 Link is a mini PC capable of streaming Windows 11 from the cloud and letting users connect peripherals to use that Windows instance. The Link runs a locked-down Windows 11 on the cloud with no apps and local admin users. This makes it more secure and something corporate firms or industries like healthcare can use.Image Credit: Microsoft
It features multifactor authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app and comes withTPM,Secure Boot, and BitLocker encryption, none of which can be disabled. Microsoft claims the device can wake up instantly and has a built-in Intel chip to process meetings on Microsoft Teams and Webex.
As for local OS, it’s said that Windows 365 Link runs a small web-focused Windows OS codenamed “NXT”. RememberWindows Core OS (WCOS)? It might be derived from that, but it can’t run Windows apps.
Coming to the specs, the Windows 365 Link features an unknown Intel chip, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. As for I/O, there’s 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C port, 2 x USB-A 3.2 ports, 1 x HDMI, Ethernet, and DisplayPort.Image Credit: Microsoft
On the wireless connectivity front, it’s got Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Considering it runs Windows on the cloud and is fanless, the actual hardware is probably not that powerful.
