Microsoft Unveils Budget Mini PC with a Unique Twist – Here’s What You Need to Know!

The Windows 365 Link is a small box without local storage, designed to access a Windows PC hosted in the cloud. It is primarily aimed at businesses and requires an additional subscription to operate. It is now available in several countries for $349.

A Mini PC Designed for Remote Work… and Connectivity

Microsoft has officially launched its Windows 365 Link, a mini PC priced at $349. This device operates differently than traditional computers: it hosts no local applications or storage. The main idea is to connect to a Windows environment fully hosted in the cloud through the Windows 365 service.

This product is specifically targeted at companies that prefer not to send full laptops to their employees. The box is compact, fanless, and can be easily shipped to a team member. All that’s needed then is to connect it to a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and an internet connection to access the workspace.

A Modest but Adequate Technical Profile

In terms of hardware, the Windows 365 Link is equipped with an Intel N250 processor (4 cores, 4 threads), 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 64 GB of UFS storage. This storage is not used to keep personal data but to operate the system’s basic framework.

The device can manage two 4K displays and features several ports: USB-A, USB-C (with DisplayPort), HDMI, Ethernet, audio jack, and a Kensington lock slot. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

No Local Data Storage

Everything is designed to minimize security risks. No data or applications are stored locally. Authentication is handled through Microsoft Entra ID, the Microsoft Authenticator app, or a security USB key. Users also do not have administrator rights.

The system by default includes multiple security features: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, BitLocker, and tight application controls. It can also be fully managed remotely by an IT team via Microsoft Intune.

Subscription Required in Addition to the Device

The device itself costs $349, but it only functions with a Windows 365 subscription. Plans start at $28 per month, but can go up to over $270 depending on the power of the virtual machine chosen.

For now, the Windows 365 Link is available in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. No specific details on its release in France. Clearly, this product is not really intended for the general public, and honestly, it’s not exactly cheap, especially when you factor in the subscription cost.

If you’re looking for an affordable mini PC for your desk, you might want to consider a different type of mini PC that does the job well.

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