In 2021, we announced Windows 365 to the world and introduced the Cloud PC, a whole new category of cloud computing. Windows 365 Cloud PCs let employees securely stream their Windows desktop experience from the Microsoft Cloud to any device. As more and more organizations adopt Windows 365, we see them rethinking their endpoint strategy to improve user productivity, enhance security, increase IT efficiency, and advance sustainability.
This is why we are now introducing Windows 365 Link, the first Cloud PC device purpose-built by Microsoft to connect securely to Windows 365 in seconds.
Windows 365 Link connected to two monitors
Cloud-powered performance
Today, as users take advantage of virtualization offerings delivered on an array of devices, they can face complex sign-in processes, peripheral incompatibility, and latency issues. Windows 365 Link helps address these issues, particularly in shared workspace scenarios. It’s compact, lightweight, and designed to maximize productivity with its highly responsive performance. It takes seconds to boot and instantly wakes from sleep, allowing users to quickly get started or pick up where they left off on their Cloud PC. With dual 4K monitor support, four USB ports, an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, Windows 365 Link offers seamless connectivity with both wired and wireless peripherals.
Front and side view of Windows 365 Link
Back view of Windows 365 Link
The device's local processing capabilities enable high-performance video playback and conferencing, including high-fidelity Microsoft Teams meetings. We are also working to support high-fidelity meetings with partner solutions such as Webex by Cisco. This provides users with smooth and responsive experiences, whether they are collaborating with colleagues, presenting to clients, or watching a recording of the company town hall. The combination of cloud-powered performance and local processing makes Windows 365 Link an ideal solution for IT professionals seeking to enhance productivity for desk-based workers in their organization.
Secure by design
We know that security is a top priority for you. We have heard concerns from IT pros about the vulnerability of endpoints that store local data, house applications, and allow users administrative privileges on devices. Windows 365 Link prioritizes security. The device features a locked-down operating system with no local data or apps, and no local admin users. By eliminating local data and apps, as well as admin rights, Windows 365 Link significantly reduces the attack surface, making it more difficult for malicious actors to compromise the device. Windows 365 Link also provides passwordless authentication using Microsoft Entra ID. This enables users to sign in with multifactor authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app, a cross-device passkey using a QR code, or a FIDO USB security key.
Sign-in screen with USB security key option
To also help you provide a more secure experience, security baseline policies are enabled by default. Features like Secure Boot, the dedicated Trusted Platform Module, Hypervisor Code Integrity, BitLocker encryption, and the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint detection and response sensor can’t be turned off, further helping to secure the device.
Simplified IT management
Managing endpoints can be a complex and time-consuming task. Windows 365 Link simplifies this process by allowing you to efficiently configure and manage devices using Microsoft Intune. You can manage them alongside other PCs using the knowledge and policies you already have. The devices default to having a name starting with WCPC (for Windows CPC), and you can easily find them by looking for devices where the SKU family is WCPC. Windows 365 Link also automatically stays up to date: it downloads updates in the background and will apply them overnight when the device is not in use.
Windows devices list in Microsoft Intune admin center showing Windows 365 Link and Cloud PCs
The compact and lightweight design of Windows 365 Link makes it convenient to ship directly to users, reducing logistical challenges and costs. Once the device is in the hands of users, they can set it up easily by powering on the device, connecting to the internet, and signing in with their work account. Users can be up and running within minutes.
Aligned with sustainability goals
As organizations seek to reduce carbon emissions and make a positive environmental impact, they need devices that are aligned with their sustainability goals. Windows 365 Link is designed with sustainability in mind. The device has 90% post-consumer recycled aluminum alloy in its top shield, 100% pre-consumer recycled aluminum alloy in its bottom plate, and its motherboard contains 100% recycled copper and 96% recycled tin solder[1]. It also has 100% paper-based packaging. Windows 365 Link is an ENERGY STAR®-certified device, with a lower energy consumption than most desktops for users with external monitors and peripherals connecting to Windows 365.
It is also designed to be long-lasting with no moving parts, not even a fan—hence reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Learn more and experience it for yourself
Windows 365 Link is a new way to experience Windows 365. It offers desk-based users a responsive, high-fidelity, cloud-powered productivity experience, while helping to protect corporate data, reduce endpoint management work, and advance sustainability.
In piloting the device with more than 40 organizations we have heard valuable feedback on the benefits. Pilot organizations have appreciated how easy the device is to set up, how quickly it enables users to get to work on their Cloud PCs, how strong the security posture of the device is, and how it automatically stays up to date. Organizations have also highlighted how familiar the management experience is for IT—enabling them to take advantage of their Intune knowledge and their existing policies for PCs.
“Krones AG is using Windows 365 Link on our shop floor to connect to Windows 365 in seconds. It’s quick and easy for our workers to get back to work right where they left off, even as they rotate between stations. Our IT teams also like how well the hardware and service work together, as the solution is simple to manage in Microsoft Intune and secure by design with an operating system built by Microsoft for this purpose.”
-- Roman Kleyn, Head of Workplace Design, KRONES AG
“At Phoenix, we empower our customers to transform their workplaces with modern end user computing solutions like Microsoft Intune and Windows cloud services. And now, Windows 365 Link can offer them the first Cloud PC device as a secure option for their endpoint strategy, connecting their users to Windows 365 in seconds, keeping management simple for IT teams.”
-- Daniel Bowker, Principal Consultant | EUC/Infrastructure, Phoenix Software
We look forward to making Windows 365 Link generally available for purchase in select markets at $349 starting April 2025.
To get your own Windows 365 Link and experience these benefits, reach out to your Microsoft account team and request to join the preview program by December 15, 2024. The preview is available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
To learn more about Windows 365 Link, visit https://aka.ms/Windows365Link, watch the Microsoft Mechanics episode, and read the technical documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Windows 365 Link become available?
A preview of Windows 365 Link is now available. We look forward to making Windows 365 Link generally available for purchase in select markets at $349 starting April 2025.
Where will Windows 365 Link be available?
Windows 365 Link is now available in preview in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. We will continue to expand availability to new markets.
What are the prerequisites to use Windows 365 Link?
To use Windows 365 Link, organizations must be using Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID, as well as meeting existing Windows 365 requirements.
Which Windows 365 editions work with Windows 365 Link?
Supported editions include Windows 365 Enterprise, Windows 365 Frontline, and Windows 365 Business. Windows 365 Government is not currently supported.
What is the size of Windows 365 Link?
Windows 365 Link is a compact and lightweight device that is 120 mm x 120 mm x 30 mm (4.72 inches x 4.72 inches x 1.18 inches), making it convenient to ship directly to users, place on a desk, or mount behind a monitor.
What peripherals and accessories are compatible with Windows 365 Link?
Windows 365 Link works with wired and wireless peripherals, monitors, audio devices, and input devices like keyboards and mice, as well as cameras, storage devices, and hubs. Windows 365 Link does not support use with a dock.
What types of ports are on Windows 365 Link?
Windows 365 Link has three USB-A 3.2 ports, one USB-C 3.2 port, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, 3.5mm headphone jack, an ethernet port, a Kensington lock port, and a port for the power cord. The device also supports Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi.
What additional plans do you have for Cloud PC devices?
Windows 365 Link is the first dedicated device for Windows 365, but we’re not stopping here. We’ll build more endpoints and form factors, scaling with our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ecosystem partners, to unlock more value and options. We will have more to share in the future on this topic.
Hear more about what's new with Windows and Windows 365
Bookmark our guide to Windows at Microsoft Ignite 2024, then dive into the Microsoft Ignite announcements that reinforce our commitment to getting you and your organization future-ready:
- New AI experiences transform productivity on Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs
- Hotpatch for client comes to Windows 11 Enterprise
- Elevate security in Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop
- Streamlined, AI-powered update management: Windows Autopatch
- Windows 365 Frontline shared mode now in public preview
- Two new features make Universal Print truly "universal"
- Administrator protection on Windows 11
[1] Based on draft validation performed by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. using Environmental Claim Validation Procedure, UL 2809, final validation pending.
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