Microsoft is making it easier to access the Cloud with the new Windows 365 Link device, which “enables desk-based users to work securely on a familiar Windows desktop in the Microsoft Cloud with responsive, high-fidelity experiences.”
The company announced the $349 device that acts like a slim client PC to connect to the Cloud and stream a version of Windows 11.
Designed to be compact and fanless, it is ideally a companion to Microsoft’s Windows 365 service, which lets businesses transition employees over to virtual machines that exist in the Cloud and can be streamed securely to multiple devices.
The small, lightweight device can immediately wake from sleep, boot up in seconds and locally process video conferencing solutions like Microsoft Teams. It doesn’t store local data or apps and doesn’t allow for individuals to disable security features. Logging in needs Microsoft Entra ID and the Microsoft Authenticator app or USB security keys. It also can be paired with dual 4K monitors, an audio port, four USB ports, an ethernet port, Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E.
Microsoft is marketing the device as an environmentally friendly device, which it claims has a lower energy consumption than most desktops. According to the company, Windows 365 Link contains 90 per cent recycled aluminium alloy in its top shield, 100 per cent recycled aluminium in its bottom plate, and 100 per cent recycled copper and 96 per cent recycled tin solder in its motherboard.
