Microsoft has recently announced a new product that is built to bring significant changes to how clients interact with Windows 365. The new Windows 365 Link device which is scheduled to be available from April 2025, will potentially show us which direction virtualization could take in the future.

With this thin client device, Microsoft is giving Windows 365 users a product that is purpose-built to connect to Windows 365. Once connected, users will get a seamless Cloud PC experience with easy access to all of the Microsoft 365 apps.

Windows 365 recap

A few years ago, Microsoft introduced a cloud-based service that automatically creates a new version or type of Windows virtual machine known as a Cloud PC. This service allows organizations to provide employees with the tools they need to be productive on any device regardless of where they physically are.

By subscribing to the Windows 365 service, end-users can get their desktops, with all files, apps, and settings included, streamed to whatever devices they are using.

Essentially, Microsoft has built a service that gives you your own personal PC in the cloud. Undoubtedly, one of the greatest advantages of Cloud PCs is getting access from anywhere.

This can fit in perfectly with the hybrid work approaches that many businesses are implementing. As long as there is an internet connection, employees can maintain their productivity levels from any location.

Introducing Windows 365 Link

As an increasing number of organizations are adopting Windows 365, Microsoft has chosen the opportune moment to introduce the first Cloud PC device. Now in public preview, this small device has a Windows-based OS that will connect you to Windows 365 in seconds.

After quickly signing in to your Cloud PC, you can securely connect to your familiar Windows desktop in the Microsoft cloud.

To simplify use, Microsoft has designed it such that admins can leverage Intune to manage Windows 365 Link devices alongside other devices. This means that IT will benefit from a more streamlined management experience.

Additionally, IT can continue using the knowledge and policies they already have to ensure maximum efficiency regarding device management. Before you can use Windows 365 Link, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Purchase a Windows 365 Link device.
• Ensure management by your organization using Microsoft Intune.
• Have a Windows 365 license for your Cloud PC.

Optimizing cloud performance

Although there has been a big push for organizations to migrate to the cloud, the simple reality is that inefficiency can often slow down adoption. Some of the more concerning problems that Microsoft has noted include latency issues, difficult sign-in processes, and peripheral incompatibility. These are exactly the types of issues that the Windows 365 Link device has been designed to address, especially in shared workspace situations.

The small, compact design means that you won’t have space concerns while taking advantage of faster access processes. Users should be happy with the few seconds the device takes to boot as well as the dual 4K monitor support, 4 USB ports, an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, that the devices comes with. Furthermore, the local processing capabilities on the device provide high-performance video playback and conferencing that is ideal for enhanced productivity.

Device description

As already mentioned, the Windows 365 Link device is a small, compact product that will be easy to move around the workplace as needed. Because of its size and light weight, you can easily place it anywhere on your desk or maybe even attach it to the back of a monitor. The dimensions of the device are given in the table below:

Dimension	Units metric	Units imperial
Length	120mm	4.72 inches
Width	120mm	4.72 inches
Height	30mm	1.18 inches
Weight	418 grams	14.75 ounces

The device will run on a small, Windows-based operating system known as Windows CPC and there will be no local applications or local users. In addition, there will be a strict application control policy that you cannot disable. To add to the convenience already on offer, updates will automatically download seamlessly in the background and then install at night.

Inside the computer, there will be an Intel chip that comes with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Even though the device has no moving parts, it will have the following ports:

• Three USB-A 3.2 ports.
• One USB-C 3.2 port.
• One HDMI port.
• One DisplayPort.
• 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Ethernet port.
• Kensington lock slot.
• A port for the power cord.

Enhanced security

One of the things that Microsoft has emphasized about Windows 365 Link is that not only will it provide quick access to Windows 365 but it will do so very securely. As one can imagine, this is a very important issue to address as secure access is arguably one of the biggest concerns that businesses have about virtual solutions. Fortunately, the Windows 365 Link device will come with multiple features that guarantee optimum security including:

• Discrete Trusted Platform Model 2.0.
• Secure boot.
• Virtualization-based security.
• Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity.
• BitLocker drive encryption.
• Strict Application Control policy.
• No local user with administrative rights.
• No local data storage.
• No local apps.
• Security baseline policies are enabled by default.
• Microsoft Defender EDR Sensor.

Wrap up

One of the chief ideas that Microsoft has reiterated over the years is how Windows 365 should simplify the use of virtualization technology. The ultimate goal is to see organizations migrate to the cloud and have a service that is quick, easy to use, and secure.

Windows 365 Link offers an additional update to the innovative measures that Microsoft has introduced to enhance the Windows 365 Cloud PC experience even more. And with the devices being available in just a few month’s time, it’ll be interesting to see the client responses during this public preview period.