In 2021, Microsoft announced Windows 365, calling it the "future of hybrid work" with cloud PCs. According to the company, the number of organizations adopting Windows 365 continues to rise, and in response to the need for new endpoints, it decided to introduce Windows 365 Link, a thin client specifically designed to connect to that service. It will use Intel hardware, and more similar options are expected in the future.
The concept of a thin client is nothing new. In fact, over the years it has remained a key strategic resource for many companies, and from a certain point of view, modern Mini PCs borrow its essence, offering users a more efficient and compact experience.
But the novelty is that Microsoft has decided to launch a thin client to the market. The details about technology that emerged during the pandemic are much blurrier than we'd like to admit, and it was in July 2021 when the Redmond giant presented its Windows 365 service. Fast forward three years, and the new Windows 365 Link points in that direction.
Windows 365 Link, a thin client for Windows 365
With a fanless, ultra-compact design measuring just 120 x 120 x 30 mm, the Windows 365 Link manages to offer three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, HDMI, DisplayPort, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm audio, and Ethernet connectivity. The hardware is based on an Intel processor (no further details, but I assume it's something similar to a Pentium N100), accompanied by 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage.
Again, this is a thin client: the idea is to run locally the minimum necessary to connect to the Windows 365 service... although I imagine some hackers are already rubbing their hands. A notable absence: there's no NPU in its configuration, but Redmond announced that Windows 365 will receive updates with Copilot features next year.
Sales of the Windows 365 Link will begin in April 2025, the official price is $349 (without the subscription, obviously), and Microsoft has already confirmed "its general availability in specific markets". Needless to say, there's almost nothing attractive for the end user here. Both hardware and software are basic, and a conventional Mini PC can provide a far superior experience for the same price. We also shouldn't forget the new Mac Mini M4, a real earthquake at $599 / €719. But the business world operates under different parameters, and if a company has already invested in Windows 365, it might be a good idea to extend that same commitment to the hardware.
Sources: Microsoft, Windows Central
