Microsoft will unencumber Windows 365 Link, a mini PC supposed for industrial shoppers who need workers to get entry to Windows 365 at the cloud. Windows 365 Link prices $349, makes use of a model of Windows 11, and connects to more than a few stressed and wi-fi peripherals, together with 4K screens.

Windows 365 Link can be to be had in make a choice markets in April 2025. Early adopters within the U.S., Canada, U.Okay., Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan can observe via their Microsoft account workforce for a preview prior to Dec. 15.

A small shape issue turns into a large portal to the cloud

Windows 365 Link is a streamlined strategy to get entry to Microsoft 365 on Windows Cloud PCs. At 4.72 inches x 4.72 inches x 1.18 inches, the puck is simple to distribute and transfer round an place of business or different workspace.

“Krones AG is using Windows 365 Link on our shop floor to connect to Windows 365 in seconds,” Roman Kleyn, head of office design at production corporate Krones AG, mentioned in a press unencumber. “It’s quick and easy for our workers to get back to work right where they left off, even as they rotate between stations.”

Employees log in to Windows 365 just about during the puck. From there, they may be able to use Teams or Webex conferences, use Excel, take a look at e mail, and extra.

The field has no transferring portions — now not even a fan — so it’s sturdy sufficient to be moved from place of business to assembly room. Microsoft hopes the sturdiness will cut back waste since other people generally tend to retain gadgets, the corporate mentioned in a press unencumber.

The Microsoft 365 Link contains the next ports:

• Three USB-A three.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 facility twine.

To use Windows 365 Link, organizations should have Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID.

What IT execs want to find out about Windows 365 Link

For IT groups, Windows 365 Link endpoints can also be controlled the usage of Microsoft Intune, identical to with every other PC. Find Windows 365 Links by way of on the lookout for system names or SKU households beginning with WCPC.

SEE: November’s Patch Tuesday introduced many safety updates, together with patches for actively exploited vulnerabilities.

The cloud PC’s variant of Windows 11 creates no native information or apps and has no native admin consumer accounts, getting rid of some commonplace pathways for attackers. Microsoft carried out its same old suite of safety equipment to the system. When workers log in, the puck plays passwordless authentication via Microsoft Entra ID.

Options for multifactor authentication come with:

• The Microsoft Authenticator app.
• A cross-device passkey the usage of a QR code.
• A FIDO USB safety key.

Competitors to the Microsoft 365 Link

Other firms — Citrix, Dell, Intel, HP, Lenovo, and extra — make small shopper PCs. Microsoft is also having a bet on industry shoppers opting for Windows 365 Link to stick throughout the Redmond ecosystem.