Microsoft unveils Windows 365 Link, a thin client device for Windows 365 users

20 November 2024

These days so many services, even full-blown apps, live in the cloud so it’s only natural to consider a cloud-first device – with that in mind, Microsoft’s new Windows 365 Link is pretty self-explanatory.

It’s a device purpose-built to connect to Windows 365. The advantage is that it allows businesses to use “hot desks” where an employee can sit down, log in and get the same Windows desktop that they used yesterday – even if they were on another desk or even another building yesterday. This can be used on the go or at home as well.

The Link can drive two 4K monitors and the required network connection is handled by a gigabit Ethernet port or Wi-Fi 6E. You can attach peripherals to the device with the four USB ports (three USB-A 3.2 and one USB-C 3.2). The display connections are one HDMI and one DisplayPort, by the way.

There is a 3.5mm headphone jack in case the monitors don’t have one (or speakers, though they might not be ideal for an office environment). Additionally, Bluetooth 5.3 can be used.

There is a bit of compute power onboard, which is used for video decoding and encoding – both of which are necessary for video calls.

Security is a key element for this device. It runs a locked-down OS and there are no local apps, no local admin users, there isn’t even any data stored locally on the device itself. This leaves little to hack or infect or steal.

Secure login is just as crucial – the Windows 365 Link supports passwordless authentication using Microsoft Entra ID, as well as the Microsoft Authenticator app, a cross-device passkey using a QR code or a FIDO USB security key.

This is primarily intended for businesses which will run hundreds or even thousands of Links. So, capable fleet management functionality is a must-have and that is handled by Microsoft Intune.

Here is a bit more about the device itself. It measures 120 x 120 x 30mm (4.72” x 4.72” x 1.18”). As far as we can tell, there is no VESA mount. The device is entirely passively cooled, there is no fan. There is metal to spread the heat – and it’s green. The top-shield is made out of 90% post-consumer recycled aluminum alloy and the bottom plate is 100% pre-consumer recycled aluminum. The motherboard uses 100% recycled copper and 96% recycled tin.

The Windows 365 Link will be available in preview first (you can join the program by December 15), wide availability is set for the first half of 2025. It will be available in April in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Japan first.

The Windows 365 Link costs $350. You need a Windows 365 Enterprise, Frontline or Business subscription. Windows 365 Government is not supported.

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