Microsoft Thinks Running Windows in the Cloud Is a Great Idea. It’s Unveiled a Mini PC With a ‘miniWindows’ to Prove It

For years, Microsoft has been promoting a singular idea: You don’t need a Windows PC or laptop to work. Instead, users can rely on a device that connects to the cloud to load and run the operating system and its apps.

This approach isn’t entirely new. Cloud-based operating systems have existed for years. A good example is the eyeOS project. Since 2021, however, Microsoft has been working to make this concept more mainstream.

Its Windows 365 platform aims to provide this functionality but has produced inconsistent results when used with devices like the Raspberry Pi, Android phones, or iPads.

Still, Microsoft remains committed to this vision, recently unveiling the Windows 365 Link. This is a compact mini PC that doesn’t include Windows locally. Instead, it connects directly to the Windows 365 cloud platform.

The Windows 365 Link is a lightweight device capable of connecting to two 4K monitors and featuring four USB ports, an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. However, Microsoft hasn’t disclosed its internal specifications, such as the processor, memory, or storage. It’s unlikely to feature high-end hardware, given its focus.

Notably, the device doesn’t include Windows 11. It uses a specialized version of the operating system—a streamlined “mini-Windows” designed for efficiency and security. This version lacks many components of standard Windows, including support for 32-bit Win32 applications.

Microsoft describes the Windows 365 Link as ideal for businesses adopting Windows 365. It’s particularly suited for “hot desks,” where different employees can access their personalized Windows 365 accounts, including their apps and documents, on the same device.

The Windows 365 Link is available in preview starting this week in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Microsoft plans to make the device available for purchase in additional markets starting April 2025, with a retail price of $349.

Images | Microsoft

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