Microsoft unveiled the Windows 365 Link at its Ignite conference on November 19, 2024. This compact, fanless device is designed to provide seamless access to Windows 365 Cloud PCs, building upon the legacy of Windows CE, Microsoft's early thin client operating system.
Key Benefits of Windows 365 Link:
- Accelerated Application Updates: With a Windows-based thin client, updates for applications like Microsoft Teams are managed centrally, ensuring users receive new features and improvements more rapidly than with traditional thin clients.
- Simplified IT Management: The device operates with a minimal local OS, reducing the need for extensive endpoint management. IT administrators can efficiently manage Windows 365 Link devices alongside other PCs using Microsoft Intune.
- Enhanced Security: Windows 365 Link features a locked-down operating system with no local data or apps, and no local admin users, significantly reducing the attack surface and enhancing security.
The Windows 365 Link is scheduled for general availability in select markets in April 2025, priced at $349. Organizations interested in the preview program can contact their Microsoft account team by December 15, 2024.